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.
Use the opportunity to inform hospitality staff about allergens in food and give positive feedback.
Thoroughly read ingredients lists and look for milk and milk solids as an ingredient.
Here are some examples of hidden dairy foods.
- KFC. The nuggets, original chicken pieces and gravy contain milk and milk products as a present ingredient.
- Crumbed fish may have milk present.
- Some pastry products (pies/sausage rolls and pasties) and cakes.
- Packet chips and crisps flavoured. Sour cream, cheese flavours.
- Margarine contains milk solids.
- Some lollies also contain milk solids.
- Condiments like Dijonaise.
So what alternatives are there for dairy allergy sufferers?
- Roasted chicken, McDonalds nuggets and tempura batter are dairy free
- Fish battered in tempura batter
- Plain hot chips
- Prepacked lamingtons are dairy free.
- OREO biscuits are vegan, dairy free and delicious.
- Vegan margarine.
- Asian foods
- And No Moo 4 U soft serves
