lactose-free margarine.
Lactose-free margarine is a butter-like paste that does not contain lactose, a milk-based sugar. It is most commonly used as a substitute for butter in everything from breads to vegetables, and can also be used in baking. Most margarine products are almost automatically lactose-free, since most are dairy-free. People who suffer from lactose intolerance often look specifically for lactose-free margarine, but the product is popular with a wide range of consumers. Margarine generally contains fewer calories and lower fat content than regular butter, making it popular with a variety of health-conscious butter lovers.
Many people have an allergy or intolerance to lactose found in dairy products.
Butter is widespread throughout the world, but as a dairy product, it contains lactose. Not all people can digest this sugar. Lactose-free margarine is one way people on a dairy-based diet can enjoy the taste of butter.
Using these types of products is an easy way to add a buttery flavor to a variety of lactose-free foods. This is not to say that lactose-free margarine is only popular with those with dietary restrictions. Many cooks choose to use margarine instead of butter as a means of making meals healthier, particularly in terms of fat content.
People who cannot digest lactose are called lactose intolerant. There is no cure for this condition, but patients can avoid symptoms and discomfort simply by eating lactose-free foods. Most margarine products are lactose-free, but not all do.
There are many different types of margarine. All of this is designed to taste like butter, but there is usually a huge disparity when it comes to how the products are made. Many are completely synthetic, but some contain basic dairy enzymes. Others are made with soy or other milk substitutes.
The easiest way to identify a lactose-free margarine is to look for products specifically labeled lactose-free. Lactose does not exist outside of milk, which means that a dairy-free product does not contain it. In Europe and North America, non-dairy margarine products are often marked “parve,” meaning they are certified meat- and dairy-free by Jewish kosher law. However, not all margarines are prominently labeled when it comes to their dairy or non-dairy status, and it’s possible to find lactose-free margarines without being strictly dairy-free.
Margarine producers often add whey or other dairy enzymes to their creams to improve consistency, add protein, or simply improve flavor. Most of these additives do not contain lactose. They are certainly dairy, however, which makes them unsuitable for people who are vegan or who adhere to religious laws that restrict dairy products. These consumers, like consumers on a lactose-free diet, often need to learn how to look at ingredient lists on margarine to understand exactly what is included.