17 Foods That May Contain Hidden Milk Ingredients
Simply avoiding obvious dairy foods such as ice cream, butter, and yogurt is not enough for individuals with a cow milk allergy. This is because milk and milk-based ingredients can lurk in some of the least obvious places!
Some examples:
1. LACTOSE-FREE MILK: This milk still contains milk protein; only the milk sugar has been removed to make it lactose-free.
2. SOY OR RICE CHEESE: Though not made from cow's milk, these may be manufactured in a plant or on a factory line that also produces milk-containing products. The risk for cross-contact can be significant.
3. DIPS AND SALAD DRESSINGS: Any dips or creamy dressings such as ranch or blue cheese can be made with milk, yogurt, or sour cream.
4. KEFIR: This fermented beverage is made from cow's milk mixed with kefir grains.
5. GOAT’S MILK: While not identical to cow’s milk protein, goat’s milk and other animal-based milks can have similar proteins and may cause a reaction.
6. NOUGAT: Generally made with honey, sugar, nuts, egg whites, and possibly milk powder.
7. SHERBET: This common substitute for ice cream may also include milk, milk fat or cream.
8. DELI MEAT: Some deli meats may contain casein (milk protein) to act as a binder. There's also cross-contact risks from meat slicers used for both meat and cheese.
9. HOT DOGS: Milk proteins may be added to hot dogs as an extender or filler.
10. SAUSAGE: Milk protein may be used as a filler or extender in hard salami, Italian sausages, or breakfast sausage.
11. PATÉ: Animal liver such as beef or chicken may be soaked in milk to remove blood.
12. TUNA FISH: Some brands of canned tuna fish contain casein.
13. SHELLFISH: Some manufacturers dip shellfish in milk to eliminate the fishy odor.
14. STEAK: Some chefs will top steak with butter.
15. CHEWING GUM: Look for milk protein ingredients like Recaldent, which is made from casein.
16. INSTANT MASHED POTATOES: Some manufacturers add butter and/or milk before dehydrating the mixture.
17. MEDICINE: Some medications contain whey.
Source: https://www.verywellfit.com/surprising-foods-that-contain-milk-1324228
