For a vegan shop, lactose-free milk made from dairy milk isn’t suitable: the Lactel and Candia products reviewed still contain milk. If you’re looking for something to drink, choose a plant-based drink whose ingredients meet your needs. For grating and cooking, look for a plant-based block instead, and check its weight and ingredients.
For breakfast, coffee or a recipe that needs a liquid, look for a plant-based drink and read its ingredients list. Depending on your priorities, check the allergens and nutritional information for the product you choose too.
If you want to keep using dairy milk, lactose-free milk may meet your needs. However, the Lactel and Candia products reviewed contain milk, so they aren’t suitable for a vegan diet.
For a gratin or pasta, look for a plant-based block rather than a drink. Check the weight, ingredients and availability of the product you’re interested in.
First, decide whether you need a drink or something to grate. If you’re looking for a drink, then distinguish between avoiding animal-derived ingredients and simply reducing lactose.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan ingredients | Look for a vegan label, if there is one, and check the full ingredients list. “Lactose-free” doesn’t mean “dairy-free”. | I want to avoid animal-derived ingredients in my coffee or at breakfast, without confusing lactose-free milk with a plant-based drink; around 42% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Block to grate | Check that it comes in a block, as well as the net weight and ingredients of the plant-based alternative. | If I’m making a vegan dish that needs grating or topping with a gratin-style finish, a carton of drink won’t do the job; around 33% of consumers prioritise finding a block. |
| Milk and lactose | Check the lactose content stated for the product, whether it contains milk and how to store it after opening. | I want to keep using dairy milk while limiting lactose, but I’m not looking for a vegan product; this is a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
The ingredients lists for the Lactel and Candia lactose-free milks reviewed include milk. A low lactose content doesn’t change the fact that they’re animal products.
For a vegan shop, start by reading the ingredients and look for an explicit vegan label where available.
Milk and plant-based drinks can’t do the job of a block made for grating. The Nurishh plant-based block sold by Carrefour is a different type of product.
Add the drink and the block to your shopping list separately, then check the block’s weight and availability before you head out.
Choosing a carton for a dish that needs something to grate may mean you have to make a second purchase.
For the products reviewed, Lactel advises keeping its milk chilled and using it within 3 days of opening; Candia advises using it within 4 days.
Choose a volume that suits how much you drink, and follow the storage instructions on the pack you buy.
Plant-based doesn’t mean allergen-free: a soya drink contains soya. The European Commission says allergens must be clearly highlighted in the ingredients list of prepacked foods.
Read the ingredients list for the exact product rather than relying on its aisle or the “lactose-free” label alone.
The Matin Léger range includes UHT lactose-free milk. The skimmed version reviewed is available in 50 cl and 1 L packs.
The CANDIA+ lactose-free milk reviewed is available in several pack sizes, including 50 cl and 1 L.
The retailer stocks products in different categories, including Carrefour Bon Appétit soya drink and a Nurishh plant-based block.
Lidl France promotes its range of vegan and vegetarian products, including items under the Vemondo brand.
This soya drink is an option if you’re looking for a plant-based drink for your shop; it won’t replace a plant-based block for grating. If you need to confirm that it’s vegan before buying, check the label on the pack.
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An option to consider if you’re looking for a plant-based drink in individual portions rather than something to grate.
Pack of 6 × 250 ml; the description lists soya, black sesame and calcium. It describes the formula as “vegan-friendly”; check the label if you need explicit confirmation that it’s vegan or “lactose-free”.
No, not when it’s dairy milk like the Lactel and Candia products reviewed: their ingredients include milk and lactase. “Lactose-free” doesn’t mean “free from animal-derived ingredients”.
Look for a plant-based drink with ingredients that suit your needs and how you’ll use it. The Carrefour Bon Appétit soya drink reviewed is labelled vegan; always check the ingredients and allergens for the product you buy.
Look for a plant-based block rather than milk or a drink. The Nurishh block sold by Carrefour is described as vegan and weighs 200 g; check that the size and availability suit your recipe.
Read the ingredients list for the exact product: the European Commission requires allergens to be clearly presented in the ingredients list of prepacked foods. In particular, check whether the product contains milk or soya.