Meal plan grocery list
Almond milk
Chia seeds
Berries
Chicken breasts
Mixed greens
Cherry tomatoes
Cucumber
Olive oil
Salmon
Quinoa
Asparagus
Rice cakes
Almond butter
Lactose-free yogurt
Banana
Spinach
Protein powder
Black beans
Corn
Avocado
Salsa
Tofu
Broccoli
Carrots
Brown rice
Mixed nuts
Dried fruits
Granola
Sliced strawberries
Turkey slices
Gluten-free tortilla
Shrimp
Hummus
Carrot sticks
Eggs
Lactose-free cheese
Balsamic vinaigrette
Chicken breast
Sweet potatoes
Green beans
Fresh fruit salad
Peanut butter
Lentil soup
Gluten-free crackers
Steak
Brussels sprouts
Dark chocolate squares
Almond flour
Maple syrup
Bell peppers
Cod
Lemon
Dill
Rice pudding
Tomato
Gluten-free bread
Marinara sauce
Gluten-free spaghetti
Turkey meatballs
Gluten-free granola
Meal plan overview
Need a lactose intolerance-friendly diet? Our 7-day meal plan avoids dairy while keeping meals delicious. It's all about lactose-free alternatives that are both satisfying and nutritious.
From breakfast to dinner, enjoy a variety of dairy-free meals that are easy on the stomach and rich in flavor.
Foods to eat
- Lactose-Free Dairy Alternatives: Opt for lactose-free milk, yogurt, and cheese made from almond, soy, coconut, or lactose-free cow's milk.
- Lactose-Free Milk Substitutes: Choose plant-based milk substitutes like almond milk, soy milk, rice milk, or oat milk.
- Hard Cheeses: Include hard cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, or parmesan, which generally have lower lactose content.
- Lactose-Free Cottage Cheese: Look for lactose-free versions of cottage cheese or consider small amounts if well-tolerated.
- Lactose-Free Yogurt: Choose yogurt specifically labeled as lactose-free or opt for non-dairy yogurt alternatives.
- Lactose-Free Butter: Use lactose-free butter or ghee as a cooking and spreading option.
- Lactose-Free Ice Cream: Enjoy lactose-free ice cream or non-dairy alternatives for a sweet treat.
- Non-Lactose High Calcium Foods: Include foods high in calcium, such as leafy greens, fortified plant-based milk, and certain fish.
✅ Tip
Foods not to eat
- High-Lactose Dairy Products: Avoid or limit milk, regular yogurt, and soft cheeses, which can be high in lactose.
- Processed Foods with Hidden Lactose: Be cautious with processed foods that may contain hidden lactose, such as baked goods, salad dressings, and processed meats.
- Creamy Sauces and Soups: Limit creamy sauces and soups made with traditional dairy, and opt for lactose-free alternatives or substitutions.
- Lactose-Containing Desserts: Avoid desserts that contain milk, cream, or lactose-containing ingredients.
- Milk Chocolate: Choose dark chocolate or chocolate labeled as lactose-free, as milk chocolate may contain lactose.
- Regular Buttermilk: Avoid traditional buttermilk, but consider cultured buttermilk alternatives if well-tolerated.
- Condensed Milk: Steer clear of condensed milk, as it is high in lactose; use alternatives in recipes if needed.
- Raw Milk: Avoid raw milk, as it contains higher levels of lactose compared to pasteurized milk.
Main benefits
The 7-Day Meal Plan For Lactose Intolerance is designed to minimize lactose intake for individuals with lactose intolerance. This plan includes lactose-free alternatives and emphasizes foods that are naturally low in lactose. By providing a variety of nutrient-dense options, the plan supports those with lactose intolerance in maintaining a well-balanced and satisfying diet without triggering digestive discomfort.
🎓 Recommended nutrient breakdown
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Fiber
Other
Food alternatives
A meal plan for lactose intolerance should include dairy-free alternatives that are rich in nutrients. Here are some suitable alternatives:
- Replace almond milk with oat milk for a creamy, dairy-free option with a different flavor profile.
- Instead of using cheese in salads, try avocado for a creamy texture and healthy fats.
- Switch Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt for a dairy-free, probiotic-rich alternative.
- Use hummus instead of cream-based spreads for a nutritious, dairy-free option.
- Substitute butter with olive oil in cooking for a heart-healthy, lactose-free fat.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Enjoy these lactose-free snacks for a healthy diet:
- Fruit smoothies with almond milk
- Lactose-free yogurt with berries
- Almonds and walnuts
- Gluten-free crackers with hummus
- Oatmeal with banana
- Rice cakes with peanut butter
- Fresh vegetable sticks
What should I drink on this meal plan?
For those with lactose intolerance, lactose-free alternatives are key. Water remains the best choice for hydration. Almond, soy, and rice milks are great dairy-free options. Herbal teas, such as chamomile and peppermint, are soothing and lactose-free. Coconut water is a hydrating, lactose-free alternative, rich in electrolytes.
How to get even more nutrients?
Meal plan suggestion
7-Day Meal Plan for Lactose Intolerance
Day 1
- Breakfast: Overnight oats made with almond milk, chia seeds, and topped with berries
- Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and olive oil dressing
- Dinner: Baked salmon with quinoa and roasted asparagus
- Snack: Rice cakes with almond butter
Calories: 1800 Fat: 65g Carbs: 210g Protein: 100g
Day 2
- Breakfast: Smoothie with lactose-free yogurt, banana, spinach, and protein powder
- Lunch: Quinoa bowl with black beans, corn, avocado, and salsa
- Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with broccoli, carrots, and brown rice
- Snack: Mixed nuts and dried fruits
Calories: 1900 Fat: 70g Carbs: 220g Protein: 90g
Day 3
- Breakfast: Lactose-free Greek yogurt with granola and sliced strawberries
- Lunch: Turkey and avocado wrap with a gluten-free tortilla
- Dinner: Grilled shrimp with quinoa and sautéed spinach
- Snack: Hummus with cucumber and carrot sticks
Calories: 1850 Fat: 65g Carbs: 210g Protein: 100g
Day 4
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with spinach and lactose-free cheese
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and balsamic vinaigrette
- Dinner: Baked chicken breast with sweet potato wedges and green beans
- Snack: Fresh fruit salad
Calories: 1900 Fat: 70g Carbs: 220g Protein: 95g
Day 5
- Breakfast: Peanut butter and banana smoothie with almond milk
- Lunch: Lentil soup with a side of gluten-free crackers
- Dinner: Grilled steak with quinoa and roasted Brussels sprouts
- Snack: Dark chocolate squares
Calories: 2000 Fat: 75g Carbs: 230g Protein: 100g
Day 6
- Breakfast: Almond flour pancakes with maple syrup and mixed berries
- Lunch: Grilled vegetable and quinoa-stuffed bell peppers
- Dinner: Baked cod with lemon-dill sauce, quinoa, and steamed asparagus
- Snack: Rice pudding made with almond milk
Calories: 1950 Fat: 70g Carbs: 220g Protein: 95g
Day 7
- Breakfast: Avocado and tomato on gluten-free toast
- Lunch: Shrimp and quinoa stir-fry with mixed vegetables
- Dinner: Turkey meatballs with marinara sauce, gluten-free spaghetti, and a side salad
- Snack: Lactose-free yogurt with a sprinkle of gluten-free granola
Calories: 1900 Fat: 70g Carbs: 210g Protein: 95g
These values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
Want to learn more?
⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Dec 19, 2023
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024