A dairy-free lifestyle as someone with lactose intolerance can be both challenging and liberating. It is your body’s way of saying, “Hold the lactose, please!” when your digestive system struggles to break down the lactose that is found in dairy products. Hence, finding the right dairy alternatives to incorporate into your lactose-intolerance diet is important!

What Can You Incorporate Instead Of Milk Products?

Although lactose intolerance is challenging, there’s a delicious world of dairy alternatives waiting for you:

1. Milk Alternatives

Image via Eat This Not That

Say hello to a variety of plant-based milks that are rich in nutrients and often fortified with vitamins. You can opt for almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, and coconut milk to ensure you still get your calcium fix without the lactose-induced discomfort.

Here are some local products that you can buy at your preferred grocery stores:

• Farm Fresh Almond Milk Original UHT
• Farm Fresh Original Fresh Soy Milk
• Oatbedient Oat Milk
• Adabi Coconut Milk

You can also read about the Farm Fresh founder’s story here!

2. Cheese Alternatives

Image via Safefood

Who said you can’t enjoy a cheesy delight without dairy? Enter the world of vegan and lactose-free cheese. It is made from nuts, soy, or plant oils to mimic the creamy goodness of traditional cheese.

D’Artisan is a local product that offers you a line of vegan cheese options:

• Vegan Cheddar Cheese
• Vegan Parmesan
• Vegan Labneh
• Vegan Gruyere
• Vegan Roquefort Blue

3. Butter Alternatives

Image via Plant-Based Cooking

You can replace butter with sunflower oil or pure vegetable oil. Your morning toast or evening bake can still be as delightful without triggering any digestive distress with these butter alternatives.

These are some Malaysian products that you can find at your nearest store to buy as your alternatives:

• Sarafiah Sunflower Oil
• Sarafiah Vegetable oil
• Alif Pure Vegetable Cooking Oil

4. Yogurt Alternatives

Image via Living Proof NYC

Craving the creamy texture of yogurt? Opt for dairy-free yogurts that are not only packed with probiotics but can also support gut health. Pair them with your favorite fruits or granola for a delightful lactose-free snack.

VickedGood is a vegan bakery in Malaysia that produces a line of dairy-free yogurt. Here are some flavor recommendations for you:

• Dairy-Free Mango Yogurt
• Dairy-Free Mixed Berries Yogurt
• Dairy-Free Natural Yogurt
• Dairy-Free Pandan Gula Melaka Yogurt

5. Ice Cream Alternatives

Image via Bigger Bolder Baking

Lactose intolerance doesn’t mean bidding farewell to ice cream. Indulge in dairy-free ice cream options crafted from almond, coconut, or soy milk. The best part is, that you can even make them by yourself in the comfort of your home! You can still enjoy the sweet treat with an immense flavor spectrum.

Here’s where you can buy local dairy-free ice creams!

• Verdanya Ice Cream
• Kelava Ice Cream
• Kind Kones Ice Cream

With these dairy alternatives at your fingertips, you don’t have to say goodbye to dairy-infused delights. Whether you’re crafting a cozy latte or baking a cheesy pizza, these lactose-free options can help to embrace a dairy-free lifestyle without compromising on flavor!

Next, read more on understanding the best before and expiry dates to prevent food wastage.