Can people with lactose intolerance drink soy milk?
Yes, in USDA data unsweetened soy milk contains 0.0 g of lactose, the sugar people with lactose intolerance cannot digest well. Cow's milk has about 5 g per 100 g. Check the label for added calcium, and ask a doctor or dietitian about milk alternatives.
Free download
Milk and Dairy Storage Chart (PDF): How long milk, plant milks, cream, yogurt and kefir last, opened and unopened. 23 rows, each with its source.
Thank you
Your chart is ready
We use your email only for this download.Also free:
Home Bar Storage Chart (PDF)Juice, Soda and Water Storage Chart (PDF)Coffee, Tea and Hot Drinks Storage Chart (PDF)Drink Strength, Calories and Units Cheat Sheet (PDF)Want the full pack? About 10 printable sheets: a larger chart for each drink type, a “has it gone off?” checklist, date labels, a party planner and an inventory sheet.
In this article
Does soy milk have lactose?
The USDA FoodData Central Foundation entry for unsweetened, plain, shelf-stable soy milk lists lactose at 0.0 g per 100 g. Lactose is the milk sugar that people with lactose intolerance have trouble digesting.
How much lactose is in cow’s milk?
USDA lists 5.2 g lactose per 100 g in 1% milk and 5.05 g in whole milk. A cup weighs 244 g, so 1% milk has about 12.7 g lactose per cup (our calculation).
| Drink (USDA) | Lactose per 100 g | Calcium per 100 g |
|---|---|---|
| Soy milk, unsweetened | 0.0 g | 101 mg |
| 1% milk | 5.2 g | 125 mg |
| Whole milk | 5.05 g | 113 mg |
Should you check calcium?
The NIDDK says avoiding milk and milk products may lower your calcium and vitamin D intake, and suggests checking you get enough. It lists labels showing added calcium, such as some cereals, fruit juices and soy milk, as options. Calcium in soy milk varies by brand, so read the label.
Who should ask a doctor?
The NIDDK page advises asking a doctor or dietitian about choosing a milk alternative. We did not read anything on soy allergy here, so if you suspect one, ask a doctor.
People also ask
Can lactose intolerant people drink soy milk?
USDA lists 0.0 g lactose in unsweetened soy milk. Ask a doctor or dietitian about choosing a milk alternative.
Does soy milk contain lactose?
No, the USDA Foundation entry for unsweetened plain soy milk shows 0.0 g per 100 g.
Is soy milk a good calcium source if I avoid dairy?
The NIDDK names soy milk with added calcium as one option. USDA lists 101 mg per 100 g for one unsweetened product, so check the label.
Sources
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections
What would help you most next?
One tap. Anonymous. It helps us decide what to build.
Thank you. The free charts above are yours to keep.
