Is buttermilk lactose-free?
Not by default. We found no official source that calls regular cultured buttermilk lactose-free, and USDA lists about 4.8 g of carbohydrate per 100 g of low-fat buttermilk, close to the 5.2 g in 1% milk. Only a product labeled lactose-free is safe to treat that way. The NIDDK says many people with lactose intolerance can handle about 12 g of lactose, roughly one cup of milk.
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Does buttermilk have lactose?
We found no official source that gives a lactose figure for cultured buttermilk. USDA FoodData Central lists carbohydrate, not lactose, for it: 4.79 g per 100 g for low-fat (1%) cultured buttermilk and 4.88 g per 100 g for whole buttermilk. Fluid 1% milk is listed at 5.18 g carbohydrate per 100 g, of which 4.96 g is lactose.
Because the carbohydrate numbers are so close, it is reasonable to assume buttermilk still contains a good amount of lactose. That is our inference, not a USDA statement. Check the label.
| Food (USDA, per 100 g) | Carbohydrate | Lactose |
|---|---|---|
| Buttermilk, cultured, lowfat | 4.79 g | not listed |
| Buttermilk, fluid, whole | 4.88 g | not listed |
| Milk, 1% | 5.18 g | 4.96 g |
One cup of low-fat buttermilk weighs 245 g in USDA’s data, so it holds about 11.7 g of carbohydrate (our calculation).
Can you drink buttermilk with lactose intolerance?
The NIDDK says most people with lactose intolerance can have some lactose without symptoms, and that many people can have 12 grams, about one cup of milk. The NIDDK page does not mention buttermilk, so we cannot say how much any one person will tolerate. Start with a small amount and see how you feel.
What about lactose-free options?
The NIDDK says lactose-free and lactose-reduced milk products may help you cut the lactose in your diet and are just as healthy as regular dairy. Choose a product labeled lactose-free. If you have symptoms or a diagnosed condition, ask a doctor or dietitian.
People also ask
Does buttermilk have lactose?
We found no official lactose value for buttermilk. USDA lists about 4.8 g of carbohydrate per 100 g, similar to milk, so assume it contains lactose unless the label says lactose-free.
Is buttermilk ok for lactose intolerance?
It depends on the person. The NIDDK says many people can handle about 12 g of lactose, but it does not mention buttermilk. Try a small amount or ask a doctor or dietitian.
Is there lactose-free buttermilk?
Only if the label says so. The NIDDK recommends lactose-free or lactose-reduced dairy products as a way to lower lactose intake; check the package of any buttermilk you buy.
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