What are the nutritional differences between lactose-free milk and regular milk?
In the USDA FoodData Central entries we opened, lactose-free whole milk and regular whole milk are close: about 3.3 g protein, 60 to 67 kcal and 117 to 127 mg calcium per 100 g. The NIDDK (US National Institutes of Health) says lactose-free and lactose-reduced milk are just as healthy as regular milk.
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 lactose-free milk have protein?
Yes. The USDA branded entries for lactose-free whole milk that we opened list 3.33 g protein per 100 g. USDA’s entry for regular whole milk (3.25% milkfat, Foundation data) lists 3.27 g per 100 g.
Lactose-free vs regular milk: the numbers
| Per 100 g | Regular whole milk (USDA Foundation) | Lactose-free whole milk (USDA branded entries) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 60 kcal | 62 to 67 kcal |
| Protein | 3.27 g | 3.33 g |
| Fat | 3.2 g | 3.33 to 3.75 g |
| Carbohydrate | 4.63 g | 5.0 to 5.42 g |
| Calcium | 123 mg | 117 to 127 mg |
The lactose-free figures are ranges across six branded entries, so they depend on the brand. Check the label of the product you buy. We found no official source we opened that explains why the carbohydrate figure is slightly higher in the lactose-free entries.
Is lactose-free milk healthier or better?
The NIDDK states that lactose-free and lactose-reduced milk and milk products “are just as healthy for you as regular milk and milk products.” So the main difference is for people who cannot digest lactose comfortably, not the nutrition. It does not say that one is healthier than the other for people without lactose intolerance.
What should you check on the label?
The NIDDK notes that milk is the most common source of calcium and that some milk products have added vitamin D, so look for both on the label. If you have symptoms or are unsure whether you are lactose intolerant, ask a doctor or dietitian.
People also ask
Does lactose free milk have protein?
Yes. The USDA branded entries for lactose-free whole milk that we opened list 3.33 g of protein per 100 g, about the same as the 3.27 g USDA lists for regular whole milk.
Is lactose free milk healthier than regular milk?
The NIDDK says lactose-free and lactose-reduced milk are just as healthy as regular milk. We found no official source saying it is healthier for people who tolerate lactose.
What's the difference between lactose free milk and regular milk?
In the USDA data we opened, calories, protein and calcium are close. The practical difference is that lactose-free milk is made for people with lactose intolerance, who often cannot tolerate regular milk.
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.
