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 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
For those with lactose intolerance, choosing dairy-free and lactose-free options is essential for avoiding discomfort. Here are some suitable alternatives:
- Replace almond milk with oat milk for a creamy, dairy-free option.
- Instead of lactose-free yogurt, try coconut yogurt for a dairy-free, probiotic-rich alternative.
- Switch regular cheese with vegan cheese to completely avoid dairy.
- Use cauliflower rice instead of brown rice for a low-carb, easily digestible alternative.
- Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free, nutrient-rich spread.
How to budget on this meal plan
Extra tips
Any healthy snack ideas?
Lactose-free snacks that are delicious and easy to digest:
- Almond milk yogurt with berries
- Peanut butter and jelly on lactose-free bread
- Oatmeal made with almond or soy milk
- Lactose-free cheese with gluten-free crackers
- Fruit salad (like grapes, berries, and melon)
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Popcorn (without butter)
What should I drink on this meal plan?
Those with Lactose Intolerance should avoid dairy-based drinks. Almond milk, soy milk, and other lactose-free alternatives are great options. Herbal teas and water are ideal for hydration. For added calcium, fortified orange juice can be a good choice.
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: 1600 Fat: 62g Carbs: 110g Protein: 70g
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: 1700 Fat: 50g Carbs: 165g Protein: 62g
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: 1650 Fat: 55g Carbs: 135g Protein: 70g
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: 1750 Fat: 51g Carbs: 150g Protein: 65g
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: 1800 Fat: 63g Carbs: 150g Protein: 75g
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: 1700 Fat: 61g Carbs: 155g Protein: 68g
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: 1750 Fat: 59g Carbs: 140g Protein: 80g
These values are approximate and can vary slightly based on specific portion sizes and preparation methods.
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⚠️ Keep in mind
Article reviewed
- Written by our editorial team.
- Published on Dec 19, 2023
- Updated on Nov 22, 2024