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Allergen-free diet plan for lactose intolerance

If you experience that awful feeling after having dairy, this lactose-free diet plan could well turn out to be your new best friend. It zeros in on the lactose-free alternatives and digestive-friendly meals that make for a gut-friendly and smooth-running day.

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Diet plan grocery list

  • Chicken breast
  • Salmon fillets
  • Turkey breast
  • Ground beef
  • Cod fillets
  • Quinoa
  • Brown rice
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Carrots
  • Broccoli
  • Spinach

  • Kale
  • Bell peppers
  • Zucchini
  • Cucumbers
  • Apples
  • Blueberries
  • Strawberries
  • Bananas
  • Avocados
  • Olive oil
  • Coconut milk

  • Rice milk
  • Oats
  • Lentils
  • Chickpeas
  • Black beans
  • Tofu
  • Cauliflower
  • Peas
  • Butternut squash
  • Raspberries
  • Beets

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Article Reviewed
• Written by our editorial team.
• Published on May 22, 2024.
• Updated on August 13, 2024.

Diet plan overview

You don't have to sacrifice flavor or variety just because you are lactose intolerant. The allergen-free diet plan for lactose intolerance substitutes foods that naturally contain lactose with delicious and nutritious options. You will find a wide array of dairy alternatives that not only are easily available but also pleasurable to include in your meals.

This diet, therefore, offers whole foods that are naturally lactose-free: fruits, vegetables, grain, and meat. Recipes and meal plans do this in such a way as to keep you full and healthily nourished, not deprived.

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Foods to eat

  • Lactose-Free Milk and Milk Products: Lactose-free yogurt, milk, and cheese for dairy benefits without discomfort.
  • Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, and collard greens rich in calcium and vitamins.
  • Hard Cheeses: Swiss, cheddar, and Parmesan which typically have lower lactose content.
  • Almond or Coconut Milk: Great dairy alternatives for cereals and smoothies.
  • Calcium-Fortified Foods: Certain breads and orange juice that have added calcium.
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Fruits and vegetables are the one point of consensus—an oasis—in arguments about what to eat. Everyone agrees that eating more of them is a good idea.

Marion Nestle, PhD, MPH

Foods not to eat

  • Regular Milk and Creams: High in lactose and likely to cause digestive issues.
  • Soft Cheeses: Such as ricotta or cottage cheese which are higher in lactose.
  • Processed Foods with Hidden Lactose: Read labels to avoid foods like bread, cookies, and breakfast cereals that may contain lactose.
  • Butter: Contains lactose and can be replaced with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives.
  • Ice Cream: Typically high in lactose; consider lactose-free or dairy-free alternatives.

Main benefits

The lactose intolerance allergen-free diet plan excludes not only lactose but also other probable allergens that can irritate the stomach. It is enriched with calcium-rich alternatives, including fortified plant-based milk and green vegetables, to have an adequate intake of this mineral. It allows for healthy digestion, where a varied intake of prebiotic fibers from food sources like fruits and vegetables ensures good flora in the intestines without discomfort. This is a carefully designed meal, nutritionally balanced, satisfying, and delicious.

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📊 50% of Americans said they follow a specific diet or eating pattern (Source)

How to budget on this diet plan

When you're dodging dairy, think beyond the specialty aisle; many regular foods are naturally lactose-free. Buying in bulk is a godsend, particularly for such staples as rice and oats.

Don't underestimate the value of seasonal fruits and vegetables to keep things varied and cheap. Check out store brands within supermarkets because many will offer non-dairy alternatives at a better price. Not only will eating at home be cheaper, but you will also be in control of what goes into your food.

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

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7-Day Meal Plan for Allergen-Free Diet for Lactose Intolerance

Day 1

  • Breakfast: Oatmeal with strawberries and rice milk
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with quinoa and steamed broccoli
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with sweet potatoes and sautéed spinach
  • Snack: Apple slices with almond butter (assuming almond butter is acceptable, if not just apple slices)

Day 2

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with banana, blueberries, spinach, and coconut milk
  • Lunch: Turkey breast salad with kale, bell peppers, cucumbers, and olive oil dressing
  • Dinner: Ground beef stir-fry with zucchini, carrots, and brown rice
  • Snack: Raspberries

Day 3

  • Breakfast: Quinoa porridge with coconut milk and blueberries
  • Lunch: Lentil and butternut squash soup
  • Dinner: Baked cod with roasted beets and steamed peas
  • Snack: Strawberries

Day 4

  • Breakfast: Smoothie bowl with oats, strawberries, banana, and rice milk
  • Lunch: Chickpea and kale salad with olive oil dressing
  • Dinner: Grilled turkey breast with quinoa and roasted cauliflower
  • Snack: Blueberries

Day 5

  • Breakfast: Tofu scramble with spinach and bell peppers
  • Lunch: Ground beef and black bean chili
  • Dinner: Baked salmon with brown rice and steamed broccoli
  • Snack: Apple slices

Day 6

  • Breakfast: Oatmeal with banana and rice milk
  • Lunch: Grilled chicken breast with quinoa and roasted carrots
  • Dinner: Baked cod with sweet potatoes and sautéed kale
  • Snack: Raspberries

Day 7

  • Breakfast: Smoothie with blueberries, spinach, banana, and coconut milk
  • Lunch: Turkey breast and avocado salad with cucumbers and olive oil dressing
  • Dinner: Lentil stew with butternut squash and carrots
  • Snack: Strawberries

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Download the FREE grocery list for this Diet plan

Get grocery list
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⚠️ Keep in mind

As with any dietary change, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before changing your dietary habits.