Dairy products are hidden in many common foods.
There is also a belief that a little bit won’t hurt you. As with all food allergies, a little bit can hurt.
Recently we ordered a dairy free, soy frappe at a local café. The staff made the frappe and topped it with ice cream and cream.
Why? The staff thought only milk was a problem and not cream or ice cream.
So What can you do to avoid eating hidden dairy?
You have to be on your game when ordering food from a café or restaurant. Ask for an allergy matrix and ask for the ingredients to be checked when ordering.
All good establishments will have a matrix on hand to ensure no allergens are present in your order.
Repeat the question back to the staff before you take the food. Be vigilant and watch them make your food and call them out if you see a mistake.
Thoroughly read ingredients lists and look for milk and milk solids as an ingredient.
Here are some examples of hidden dairy foods.
So what alternatives are there for dairy allergy sufferers?