How are lactose free milk made?

If you're allergic to milk or unable to tolerate lactose, in addition to plant-based milk, you can also choose lactose-free milk. This type of milk has undergone a process to remove lactose but still retains the nutritional components of regular milk. Besides purchasing lactose-free milk at stores and supermarkets, you can also make it at home. So, how are lactose free milk made? Let's find out in the article below!

1. What is lactose-free milk made of?

Before answering the question "How are lactose free milk made?", you need to know what lactose-free milk is. Lactose-free milk is regular cow's milk that has been processed to remove or break down lactose, a natural sugar found in milk. This allows people who are lactose intolerant to consume cow's milk normally.

Although lactose-free milk doesn’t contain lactose, it maintains a similar nutritional structure to regular milk. It provides the same amount of protein, about 8 grams per 240 ml serving. In addition to other nutrients, this milk is rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin B12.

As a result, If you replace regular milk with lactose-free milk, it won’t cause any loss of important nutrients, and you’ll still get the same benefits as traditional milk.

Lactose-free milk offers the same nutrients as regular milk

2. Methods for making lactose-free milk

To answer the question "How are lactose free milk made?", it's important to understand the production techniques. Here are three advanced methods commonly used to create lactose-free milk.

• Adding lactase enzyme: Lactase is added to milk to break down lactose into its simpler sugars, glucose, and galactose, improving digestibility.
• Passing milk over lactase bound to a carrier: In this process, milk is passed over a carrier that holds lactase, breaking down the lactose into glucose and galactose without leaving the enzyme in the milk. As a result, the milk contains the simpler sugars but not the lactase enzyme.
• Membrane fractionation and other ultrafiltration: These techniques separate lactose from the milk using membranes or filters. This method removes the lactose entirely, which helps preserve the milk's original taste while making it suitable for those who are lactose intolerant.

How are lactose free milk made - You can make it yourself using the three methods mentioned above

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3. How are lactose free milk made at home?

The methods used to produce lactose-free milk require advanced sterilization technologies and techniques. However, it's possible to produce lactose-free milk at home. So, how are lactose free milk made at home? 

• Buy Lactase Drops or Tablets: You can purchase lactase enzyme drops or tablets, which are available at health food stores or online. These are the same enzymes used in commercial production to break down lactose into simpler sugars.
• Add Lactase to Regular Milk: Pour the regular milk into a clean container and add the recommended according to the product instructions (usually one drop per cup of milk or one tablet per gallon). Then, you stir the milk well.
• Allow the Milk to Sit: Let the milk sit at room temperature for about 24 hours. This process facilitates the enzymatic breakdown of lactose by lactase, yielding glucose and galactose.
• Refrigerate: After 24 hours, you place the milk in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. The milk should now be lactose-free and ready to use.

Note: While this method doesn't completely remove the lactose, it effectively reduces it, making the milk easier for lactose-intolerant individuals to digest.

How are lactose free milk made at home - Using Lactase Drops to make lactose free milk

4. Tips when making lactose free milk

Above, we have helped you answer the question "How are lactose free milk made at home?". These steps are very simple and quick, to ensure the best final product, please follow the tips below.

• Ensure you're using a high-quality lactase enzyme. Follow the dosing instructions as indicated on the product.
• When adding the lactase enzyme to your milk, stir it thoroughly to ensure the enzyme is evenly distributed throughout the milk for efficient lactose breakdown.
• Let the milk sit at room temperature for 24 hours to allow the enzyme to break down the lactose. The longer the process continues, the better the results.
• After the waiting period, move the milk to the fridge to keep it fresh. This will also stop the enzyme from continuing to break down the lactose.
• Start with fresh, unpasteurized milk for the best results. If you're using store-bought milk, make sure it’s not already treated with lactase.
• Keep the homemade lactose-free milk in a sealed container in the fridge and consume it within 5-7 days for best quality.

You need to choose the right enzyme for the type of milk to create high-quality lactose-free milk.

5. FAQs

Why is lactose-free milk sweeter than regular milk?
Lactose-free milk is sweeter than regular milk due to the breakdown of lactose into glucose and galactose by the lactase enzyme. These simpler sugars are sweeter than lactose, so the result is a sweeter taste profile.

Is lactose-free milk better than regular milk?
Lactose-free milk is merely an alternative for people who cannot digest lactose. It provides the same nutritional benefits, like protein, calcium, and vitamins, as regular milk. 

Can people with diabetes drink lactose-free milk?
People with diabetes can drink lactose-free milk. However, it’s important to note that lactose-free milk contains the same amount of sugar (in the form of glucose and galactose) as regular milk, so individuals with diabetes should monitor their carbohydrate intake and consume it in moderation.

The answer to the question "How are lactose free milk made?" has been explained in the article of Zextrasure above. Lactose-free milk is an ideal choice for those who cannot consume lactose. However, it’s important to note that no milk is 100% lactose-free, so you should always carefully check the ingredient list before using any product.