Iced milk on crunchy granola, tangles of spaghetti in cheesy sauce, a dollop of yoghurt to tame a curry: there’s a lot of times when you need real dairy to do the trick.
But, for some people it just isn’t so easy. With up to 15 per cent of the UK population thought to suffer from lactose intolerance*, which can cause symptoms like stomach cramps and bloating after eating or drinking dairy products, the problem’s more common than you’d think. And, with 82 per cent of people stating that they would be ‘very upset’ if they were no longer able to consume milk and 72 per cent saying the same about if they could no longer use butter, it’s kind of a big deal.**
The good news is in, however. Arla Lactofree products – milk, cheese, yoghurt, cream and spreadable, which are digestible for the lactose intolerant – are an exact taste match for standard dairy, but with zero adverse effects. How? The problematic sugar lactose has been removed from the milk when producing the dairy products.
Here’s some recipes to reunite you with the classic tastes of the deliciously natural stuff.
1. Homemade granola
A day-fuelling meld of oats, nuts and seeds, it’s easy to make your own granola – plus it means you get the exact ratios you like. Complete the crunchy breakfast with the tang of natural yoghurt and a sweet honey drizzle, or cover in milk for a speedy weekday breakfast. Either way, it’s the creamy taste of real dairy that makes it what it is.
2. Lasagne
What would a layered-up lasagne be without cheese? In a bad place indeed. Make this family classic and revel in the bubbling layer of cheddar when it comes out of the oven. Yum.
3. Raita
When a condiment comes with bonus deliciousness – here via lentils and butternut squash – we give it extra points. Enjoy this jazzed up natural yoghurt with warm naan breads and be happy.
4. Buttery crumpets
Slathered in buttery spreadable, these homemade babies are easier to make than you’d think. Killer tip: add a poached egg and some wilted spinach for a brunch of kings.
5. Cauliflower cheese
The classic. You can’t have cauliflower cheese without, well, cheese, and a life without this golden baked dish would be sad. So, here you have it, lactose-free style. A sizzling side of comfort.
6. Porridge
Oats + creamy Lactofree milk = win. Mix in a handful of seeds, some sliced banana and a drop of honey for a little sweetness and, hey presto: a breakfast that’ll see you through Monday morning. Yes, even that two hour long meeting you’ve got in your calendar.
7. Crème brûlée
Shattering crème brûlée’s hard sugar shell with a teaspoon is one of life’s little pleasures. The perfect meld of egg yolks and whole milk make this French classic what it is. So, here’s this lovely dessert freed from lactose.
8. Masala chicken
This spiced-up curry house number is mad even more rich with a little cream. Serve with a dollop of yoghurt for extra cool.
9. Pancetta and cavolo nero mac ‘n cheese
What is mac without the cheese? Nothing. Which is why this iron-rich cavolo nero-laced dish, complete with pancetta’s smoky singe, is a fitting tribute to the ingredient.
10. Victoria Sponge
Fluffy, light, delicious. Fill the sponge with the essential airy, whipped-up cream and sweet strawberries for a taste of British summertime.
11. Pumpkin soup
Silky, rich and with a vibrant orange tone – this soup’s consistency and taste is exactly what it should be, thanks to a generous pour of cream.
12. Dauphinoise potatoes
If there’s a more magnificent way of turning the potato into something luxe than the baked-up dauphinoise, we’ve certainly never found it. Without cream, it would be an echo of its true self. Sublime.
The Arla Lactofree® range includes; skimmed, semi-skimmed, whole and chocolate dairy drink, mild and mature cheddar, soft white cheese, natural and fruit yogurts, long-life semi-skimmed portion packs, cream and spreadable. For more information about lactose intolerance and Arla Lactofree® please visit lactofree.co.uk.
*Am J Clin Nutr February 2001 vol. 73 no. 2 421s-429s
** Research taken from December 2015 survey, sample size 750 people