Lactose-Free options?

Sorry for posting this here Robin, but I asked this question in the Kitchen dpt. and this part of the post was left unanswered (altough you tried, so thank you for that). I tried to research it myself but couldn't find an answer, so please allow this query...

Is Greek Yogurt lactose free? I've been told that yogurt is safe, and wanted to be sure about Greek Yogurt (he's not sure / never had it) before serving up poison to a friend. and if anyone has a lead to good lactose-free recipes, I can't find any decent ones online. I've already wasted about $30 in food trying to be creative and I'm now close to broke.

And to keep things restaurant specific, I know I've read that a few places have non-dairy pizzas (only one that comes to mind, though, was Leah's suggestion of The Rud if I remember correctly). Are there other suggestions for a dairy-free diet? Meat is totally fine. This is an outrageous thing for me. I've done veggie, vegan, pescatarian, but never meat sans dairy. Almost EVERYTHING calls for milk or cheese!

Please and thanks.

Jax, the way I understand it, standard Greek Yogurt includes dairy elements. Fat-free Greek Yogurt doesn't, but I don't have any leads on where to find it in town.

I can't speak to the issue of the lactose in greek yogurt, but I can say that you can get regular and fat free greek yogurt in just about any grocery these days, including Kroger and Walmart.

I can't speak to the issue of the lactose in greek yogurt, but I can say that you can get regular and fat free greek yogurt in just about any grocery these days, including Kroger and Walmart.

That would be awesome, Steve - minus that fact that I DON'T SHOP at KROGER or WALMART. Especially Walmart.

Nothing against you, of course. I just have my boundaries. You know I love ya, anyway. But you haven't changed my feelings about big corporations that source internationally and cut american throats because they can't compete (and we both know it's not about to happen). I know I know, they can't compete because their hands are tied, ethics, egads. Just can't do it - I'd rather do that responsible thing that Americans are supposed to do and take responsibility for myself without legislation. Be a lone ranger...

Here's some good background info on yogurt options written by a nutritionist:

http://www.tamaraduker.com/2010/02/more ... hallenged/

I've purchased the Fage & Siggi brands discussed in the article at several shops around town (Pauls & Fresh Market for certain.... Whole Foods, too, though I understand that's not your ideal option!).

Hope this helps a wee bit!

True yogurt is largely lactose free or significantly reduced by it's very nature and design - lactose issues are not an allergy but an intolerance to a specific sugar which can't be digested resulting in cramping, diarrhea, etc. Most of Asia uses yogurt because of a larger percentage of lactose intolerant people. A true dairy allergy is a whole other ball of wax.

That would be awesome, Steve - minus that fact that I DON'T SHOP at KROGER or WALMART. Especially Walmart.

Nothing against you, of course. I just have my boundaries. You know I love ya, anyway. But you haven't changed my feelings about big corporations that source internationally and cut american throats because they can't compete (and we both know it's not about to happen). I know I know, they can't compete because their hands are tied, ethics, egads. Just can't do it - I'd rather do that responsible thing that Americans are supposed to do and take responsibility for myself without legislation. Be a lone ranger...

Wasn't trying to defend Walmart and Kroger, though I understand that Kroger is higher in the taxonomy because they at least have a union.

I was just talking about Greek yogurt. Apparently it can still be Greek even if it's made in the Good Ol' USA.

[Robin Garr]

Sorry for posting this here Robin

No worries, food kid!

I will come out of the closet as lactose-intolerant. But just for you, Jackie. No one else gets to know. I keep a supply of Lactaid tablets with me at all times, so I seldom say no to things with lactose in them - I just pop a pill when I start eating and I don't get sick. I have to say, I eat less ice cream than I did before I developed the intolerance (in my early 20s) because it is just like drinking a glass of milk (which I don't do), and it usually requires two pills instead of one. But that's for the best anyway, really. Less visits to Comfy Cow and less pints of Stephen Colbert's Ben & Jerry's flavor, "Ameri-cone Dream" are better for my waistline.

That being said, I eat copious quantities of Greek yogurt. I love the stuff! And I don't have to take a pill with it, ever. I learned from a doctor several years ago that yogurt doesn't have lactose in it. I had been abstaining for years because I just assumed yogurt was a lactose bomb akin to ice cream. Once I learned I was wrong, I began eating yogurt again. Then, when I discovered Greek yogurt, I never looked back. I love the sourness of it. My favorite thing to do is buy one of the big containers of Fage and portion out a serving for breakfast, then add a spoonful of jam or preserves. That's a lot cheaper than buying the individual Fage cups with the fruit already included. In my opinion, don't bother with the brands like Dannon, Yoplait, etc. Their Greek yogurt falls flat. Stick with the (sorry) more expensive ones, like Fage, Chobani, Oikos, etc.

(Disclaimer: there are degrees of lactose intolerance. I am told that some people aren't helped by Lactaid pills. Some people are so lactose intolerant that their tummies can detect trace amounts of lactose in some prescription pills they take, and it makes them sick. That's not me. I can get away with eating certain types of cheeses, desserts, etc. without noticing anything. So I don't know where your friend stands on the spectrum. I can only speak from my experience.)

Antonia, you are a queen, thank you! I figured Greek yogurt was fine, but I wanted to be sure considering how thick it is and the fact that it's not just called "yogurt from Greece" - kinda like lamb fries having NOTHING to do with potatoes . I think he has an affliction similar to yours, but it sounds like he's more reluctant to just take the pills and tends to just go without. Your response was so thorough, I really appreciate it. And I will never. breath. a word. Wink.

Steve H., I should come clean. I do shop at Kroger every once in a while, and I bought a router at Walmart not long ago in an emergency (but I knew I was going to return it the next day, so they only had my money for a minute). I should have thought twice before posting that and acting all righteous. I should also opine that I have no trouble finding good Greek yogurt at Valu Mkt and Rainbow Blossom. Finding it was never an issue, ergo Walmart carries it.

And thanks for all the other replies, as well. You guys are great!

Also, Jodi - welcome to the forum!