The Best Lactose-Free Milk Brands for 2023
I enjoy drinking milk and using it for my smoothies, cereal, and cooking. However, like many people, I have lactose intolerance, which has made enjoying dairy problematic. After years of discomfort, I finally discovered the growing variety of delicious lactose-free milks. With so many options now available, selecting the best lactose-free milk ultimately comes down to understanding your needs and preferences. In this article, I’ll highlight the top brands, describe what makes them stand out, and provide guidelines for choosing the ideal lactose-free milk for you.
Understanding Lactose Intolerance
Milk is incredibly versatile – I use it nearly everyday for recipes, beverages, bowls of cereal, etc. The challenge has been finding quality lactose-free alternatives that don’t sacrifice on taste. With the increasing prevalence of lactose intolerance, the market has responded with more choices catering to dairy-sensitive consumers like myself. I wrote this to help others struggling to find good lactose-free options that meet their needs.
First, it helps to understand what causes lactose intolerance. As we age, our bodies slowly stop producing as much of the lactase enzyme needed to properly digest lactose, the naturally occurring sugar in milk. When lactose goes undigested, it results in uncomfortable symptoms like gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Lactose intolerance is fairly common, impacting 65% of the global population. The good news is lactose-free milk retains all the same vitamins and minerals as regular milk without the lactose that causes issues for so many of us. I still get to enjoy the familiar taste and versatility of milk without unpleasant digestive side effects.
The Best Brands of Lactose-Free Milk
After extensive personal testing and research, I’ve compiled this list of my top 7 picks for the best lactose-free milks currently available:
- Organic Valley 2% Lactose-Free Milk
- Horizon Organic Lactose-Free 2% Milk
- 360 by Whole Foods Market Organic Grade A Milk
- Clover Sonoma Lactose Zero 2% Fat-Reduced Milk
- Happy Belly Lactose-Free 2% Reduced-Fat Milk
- Natrel Lactose-Free 2% Milk
- fairlife YUP! 2% Low-Fat Ultra-Filtered Milk
Below I’ll explain in more detail what I like about each recommended lactose-free milk variety and why they made my list of top picks.
1. Organic Valley 2% Lactose-Free Milk
- Pasture-raised cows produce tasty, nutritious milk
- Added lactase enzyme helps break down lactose sugar
- Enhanced with Vitamin D and Vitamin A
- Range of low-fat and whole milk options
Organic Valley consistently impresses me with the quality and taste of their dairy products. Their 2% lactose-free milk comes from pasture-raised cows fed an organic, non-GMO diet, which studies show can boost the nutritional content in milk.
I find this milk has a delicious, creamy taste on par with regular milk, thanks to the lactase enzyme which helps break down the lactose sugar into galactose and glucose. It’s then easier for lactose-intolerant people like me to digest. The added Vitamin D and A provides extra nutritional value too.
Organic Valley also produces lactose-free 1% milk, chocolate milk, and whole milk, so there’s an option to suit every preference. Their products do cost more than standard milk but I believe it’s worthwhile for the exceptional taste and ethical, sustainable practices.
2. Horizon Organic Lactose-Free 2% Milk
- USDA certified organic
- Contains added Vitamin A and D
- From cows not treated with hormones/antibiotics
- Whole milk option available
As one of the most widely available organic brands, Horizon is my go-to option when I can’t find or afford Organic Valley. Their lactose-free 2% milk is USDA certified organic and contains added vitamins A and D for an extra nutritional boost. I also appreciate that Horizon’s dairy cows are not treated with growth hormones or antibiotics.
The Horizon lactose-free 2% milk has a pleasant creamy mouthfeel and slightly sweeter taste than regular milk, which I enjoy. They also produce a lactose-free whole milk variety with 3.25% milkfat for those who prefer a richer tasting milk. For an accessible organic lactose-free milk at a reasonable price point, Horizon is an excellent choice.
3. 360 by Whole Foods Market Organic Grade A Milk
- Organic grade A milk at value price
- Less shelf-stable means more natural taste
- Contains lactase enzyme to improve digestion
I’m thrilled to have discovered Whole Foods’ new organic house brand milk, called 360. In my opinion, it tastes fresher and creamier than the big commercial organic milk brands. I attribute this to the milk being less shelf-stable due to shorter pasteurization methods.
Although the discounted price means sacrificing some nutrients and protein compared to enhanced lactose-free milks, there’s still lactase enzyme added. This is the key benefit for improving my digestion. For organic milk with a pronounce natural flavor at an affordable cost, 360 is a suitable choice.
4. Clover Sonoma Lactose Zero 2% Fat-Reduced Milk
- Family-owned Northern California dairy farms
- Free from added hormones or antibiotics
- Cows humanely raised per animal welfare standards
I’m a huge fan of Clover Sonoma’s dairy products and their lactose-free 2% milk is no exception. It has an exceptionally smooth, creamy mouthfeel and taste that reminds me of fresh milk straight from the farm. I guess this attention to high-quality and flavor stems from Clover being family-owned and supporting small local farms in Northern California.
On top of adding lactase, vitamin D and A, Clover Sonoma does not use growth hormones on their cows and promotes ethical, sustainable practices. So while their lactose-free milk costs a little more than typical brands, I think it offers exceptional taste and quality to justify the price.
5. Happy Belly Lactose-Free 2% Reduced-Fat Milk
- Grade A milk not treated with hormones
- Added vitamins A and D
- Unconditional money-back guarantee
As an Amazon brand, Happy Belly offers affordable prices and convenient subscription delivery on their lactose-free milk. Despite the low cost, it’s still made from Grade A dairy from cows not treated with hormones like rBST. I’m pleasantly surprised by the tasty, creamy flavor too.
The lactose-free milk contains the expected lactase enzyme addition alongside vitamins A and D for bone and immune health. Happy Belly also provides an unconditional guarantee allowing returns if you are unsatisfied, which offers some peace of mind for first-time buyers. Overall, it’s a suitable budget-friendly lactose-free milk option.
6. Natrel Lactose-Free 2% Milk
- Shelf-stable with no preservatives added
- Range of low-fat to whole milk options
- Smooth, slightly sweet taste
As someone who enjoys camping and road trips, I appreciate having access to a tasty lactose-free milk with an extended shelf-life. Natrel offers just that with their lactose-free 2% milk in aseptic cartons that stay fresh unopened at room temperature for 9-12 months.
The great flavor and creamy texture comes from high-quality Canadian milk without any additives – just lactase enzyme, vitamin D, and vitamin A added. I also appreciate that Natrel produces 1% lactose-free milk and whole milk varieties to please different preferences. For shelf-stable convenience and portability, Natrel is my top choice.
7. fairlife YUP! 2% Low-Fat Ultra-Filtered Milk
- Smaller serving sizes ideal for travel
- Unique flavor from added natural extracts
- May not meet Grade A classification
As a frequent traveler, I was intrigued to try fairlife’s new YUP! brand of lactose-free milk available in slim 8.5oz bottles. It has a sweeter, almost cereal milk-like flavor thanks to natural honey and vanilla extracts added. This certainly makes it stand out from otheroptions!
On the downside, the unusual ultra-filtration process used to make this milk means it might not actually meet the criteria for Grade A classification. However, it remains rich in protein and vitamins D, A and E. The tiny bottles are hugely convenient for packing in lunchboxes and bags too. For delicious flavored milk on-the-go, YUP! is a handy choice.
How to Select the Best Lactose-Free Milk for Your Needs
With many respectable brands now offering lactose-free milk, choosing ultimately depends on your specific preferences and dietary needs. Here are some factors to consider when deciding which lactose-free milk is best for you:
Check for Added Lactase
Lactase is the enzyme most lactose intolerant people lack, so confirming the presence of added lactase ensures digestion of milk sugar. Reputable lactose-free varieties always include it, but double-checking labels is wise.
See If Vitamins A & D Are Added
Milk is famously packed with essential vitamins and minerals, so continuing your intake of A and D is important. Many leading brands enrich their lactose-free products with extra A and D to replace any losses that could occur when eliminating lactose.
Look for Organic Certification
Opting for organic-certified lactose-free milk means your dollars support agricultural practices limiting pesticides, synthetic hormones like rBST, and questionable additives. Organic certification also indicates quality standards were met through independent oversight.
Check Grade A Status
Grade A isn’t just a figure of speech – pasteurized milk products are scientifically tested and must achieve certain metrics for cleanliness, safety, and purity. Most major brands will be Grade A certified, but it’s worth verifying, especially with lesser known companies.
Avoid rBST Hormones
Though banned in some countries, the synthetic hormone rBST is still given to some American dairy cows to boost milk production. I prefer to avoid rBST and select rBST-free lactose-free milk when possible. Most organics are rBST-free, but not always, so double checking is wise.
For even more variety, some producers offer lactose-free milk featuring A2 beta-casein protein. While the jury is still out on its benefits, some report A2 milk easier to digest, so that’s another option to consider when sampling different lactose-free brands.
The Takeaway: Enjoying Milk Again Thanks to Lactose-Free Options
If you’re one of the millions who struggles with lactose, take heart – the growing variety of lactose-free milks makes enjoying milk possible again. Hopefully this overview has illuminated some appealing options and helpful selection criteria for finding your perfect pick. Soon you’ll be delighting in cereal bowls, smoothies, and recipes with milk that loves you back!
