Great and tasty alternatives to milk for the lactose intolerant

Okay, so you know that you are lactose intolerant. As many as 60% if Newark's residents also complain of the uncomfortable gas, bloating, diarrhea and nausea when consuming dairy products.  Does this sentence you to a life of  pain and suffering whenever you have a craving for ice cream, or a bowl or cereal?

Not necessarily, there are a number of tasty new substitutions and alternatives for those with this common problem.  Look at Newark's supermarkets, drug stores and health food stores and you will see shelves of lactaid, the enzyme that aids in the digestion of milk, and popular milk alternatives.  

What are the substitutes?

There are many digestive aids for the consumption of milk and milk products.  However, there is a growing array of popular grain products from which grain milk which is made, that offers a tasty and healthful alternative to milk and dairy. 

Below is a list of some of the more common ones.  

Rice Milk Ice Cream

This is a delicious alternative to ice cream for the lactose intolerant.  It is lactose free and generally allergy free for even the most sensitive people.  Often sweetened with natural sweeteners such as organic brown rice syrup or organic agave syrup.(Agave is a plus as a sweetener since it has a low glycemic index-under 30 and is 40% sweetener than white sugar.  Allaboutagave.com).  It has a light and creamy  texture like ice cream.  1/2 cup contains about 170 calories and only has about 0.5 grams of saturated fat.  "Taste the Dream" produces many flavors such as orange vanilla swirl, mint carob chip, carob almond, cocoa marble fudge and cookies 'n dream.  Most large health food supermarkets carry the different flaovrs such as "Whole Foods."

Almond Milk

Another tasty alternative to cow's milk that is high in protein. Has about 60 calories per serving.   Also comes in vanilla flavor.  Care should be give by the diet conscious however because it is higher in fat than rice milk.  Almond milk also comes fortified with vitamins B-12, vitamin D and calcium.  Contains antioxidants vitamins A and E.  Those who are allergic to nut should exercise caution.  Can also be a little gassy.(Silkpurealmond.com).

Rice Milk

Another wonderful dairy product substitute that does not contain lactose and is very low in fat.  It has less protein than almond milk but is also higher in carbohydrates.  Great for people who have allergies since rice products usually do not cause allergic reactions in most people.  One serving has about eighty calories. Comes in many flavors.  Is also often fortified with calcium and vitamin B-12.

Soy milk

Very popular and is made by soaking the soy beans in water and then grinding them.  Is also often vitamin fortified.  Contains many phytochemicals that are helpful in fighting osteoporosis, aging and heart disease.  However, new studies raised the question as to whether soy has certain natural chemicals  that mimic estrogen and may possibly be linked to breast cancers in some women.  If you are considering trying it, talk with your nutritionist or doctor first.


Oat milk

Light texture with a sweet and mild taste.  It is easily made by grinding up oats and stirring in water.  Oat milk is recommended for the morning cereal, baked goods and other uses where you would use milk.  

So, there you have it.  Above is a list of some of the popular lactose-free substitutes and alternatives. AS with most things, keep your eyes peeled for the new products that are hitting the market.  And, of course, enjoy-they are really delicious.