A Nutrition Diet Guide: What Walmart Brand Has Lactose Free Milk?

October 21, 2025 •

3 min read

With up to 65% of the worldwide population experiencing some level of lactose intolerance, finding suitable dairy alternatives is a common concern. A frequent question for budget-conscious consumers is: what Walmart brand has lactose free milk? Fortunately, Walmart's house brand provides an affordable and widely available option.

Quick Summary

Walmart's Great Value brand provides a range of lactose-free milk options, including whole, 2% reduced-fat, and fat-free varieties, making it an accessible choice for those with lactose intolerance. The milk undergoes a special enzymatic process to break down lactose, offering the same nutrients as regular milk without the digestive discomfort.

Key Points

Great Value offers varieties: Walmart's Great Value brand provides lactose-free milk in whole, 2% reduced-fat, and fat-free options.
Same nutrients, easier to digest: Lactose-free milk retains the same nutritional value as regular milk, including protein and calcium, but is easier on the digestive system for those with lactose intolerance.
Slightly sweeter taste: The lactase enzyme added to break down lactose results in a milk with a slightly sweeter flavor profile compared to conventional milk.
1:1 cooking substitute: It can be used as a direct, one-to-one replacement for regular milk in most cooking and baking recipes without altering the outcome.
Affordable and accessible: As a store brand, Great Value lactose-free milk is a budget-friendly and widely available option for consumers seeking relief from lactose intolerance symptoms.

Introducing Great Value Lactose-Free Milk

For consumers managing lactose intolerance, finding an affordable and accessible lactose-free milk option is key to maintaining a balanced diet. Walmart's in-house brand, Great Value, provides several varieties of lactose-free milk that are available in stores nationwide. The milk is made from real dairy and contains the essential nutrients found in conventional milk, such as calcium, protein, and vitamins A and D, but with the lactose sugar pre-digested. This makes it a straightforward substitute for regular milk in drinking, cooking, and baking.

Types of Great Value Lactose-Free Milk

The Great Value lactose-free product line includes a variety of fat percentages to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Shoppers can typically find these options in the refrigerated dairy section alongside other milk products:

Whole Lactose-Free Milk: Offers a rich, creamy taste and texture, with all the benefits of whole milk minus the lactose.
2% Reduced-Fat Lactose-Free Milk: Provides a good middle ground for those seeking a balance between a creamy flavor and lower fat content.
Fat-Free (Skim) Lactose-Free Milk: A lighter option with no fat, ideal for those watching their calorie and fat intake.

Understanding the Lactose-Free Process

The production of lactose-free milk is a surprisingly simple process that neutralizes the component responsible for digestive issues in lactose-intolerant individuals. For those with a lactase deficiency, undigested lactose travels to the large intestine, where it is fermented by bacteria, causing gas, bloating, and discomfort. Lactose-free milk prevents this by adding the enzyme lactase directly to the milk during processing.

The Enzymatic Method

The most common method for producing lactose-free milk, including the Great Value brand, involves adding lactase to cow's milk. This enzyme breaks down the complex lactose sugar molecule into two simpler, more easily digestible sugars: glucose and galactose. The body can then absorb these simple sugars without complication. A side effect of this process is that the milk tastes slightly sweeter than regular milk, as glucose and galactose have a higher sweetness index than lactose. However, most people do not notice this minor difference when using it in cooking or mixing it with other foods.

Nutritional Breakdown and Comparison

When choosing a milk product, it is helpful to understand how different types compare nutritionally. While Great Value's lactose-free milk offers the same essential vitamins and minerals as its conventional counterpart, it is distinct from other dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk.

Comparison Table: Great Value Lactose-Free vs. Alternatives


Feature	Great Value Lactose-Free Milk	Regular Cow's Milk	Almond Milk (Unsweetened)	Oat Milk (Unsweetened)
Source	Real cow's milk with lactase added	Real cow's milk	Plant-based (almonds)	Plant-based (oats)
Lactose	No	Yes	No	No
Protein	Excellent source (~8g per cup)	Excellent source (~8g per cup)	Low source (~1g per cup)	Low source (~2g per cup)
Calcium	Excellent source (fortified)	Excellent source	Good source (fortified)	Good source (fortified)
Vitamin D	Good source (fortified)	Good source (fortified)	Good source (fortified)	Good source (fortified)
Taste Profile	Slightly sweeter than regular milk	Standard milk taste	Nutty, often thin	Creamy, naturally sweet
Allergies	Suitable for lactose intolerance, not dairy allergy	Not suitable for lactose intolerance or dairy allergy	Not suitable for nut allergy	Not suitable for gluten intolerance (check label)

Cooking and Baking with Lactose-Free Milk

Great Value lactose-free milk is an excellent one-to-one substitute for regular milk in almost any recipe, from mashed potatoes and cream-based soups to baked goods. The slight sweetness caused by the lactase enzyme is typically unnoticeable in recipes and can sometimes even enhance the flavor profile of desserts. Because it is still cow's milk, it functions identically in cooking, unlike some plant-based milks that can alter a recipe's texture or flavor. This makes it a seamless switch for anyone looking to avoid lactose without sacrificing their favorite meals or treats.

Conclusion: A Smart Choice for Lactose Intolerance

Walmart's Great Value lactose-free milk provides a practical and cost-effective solution for those who love dairy but experience digestive discomfort from lactose. With various options available, it is easy to find a version that fits your dietary needs, from fat-free to whole milk. By using the lactase enzyme to break down lactose, it delivers the same nutritional benefits as regular milk, allowing individuals to continue enjoying dairy products without compromise. This makes it a great choice for managing lactose intolerance while adhering to a healthy nutrition plan. For more information on managing lactose intolerance through diet, you can refer to authoritative sources like Health.com.(https://www.health.com/nutrition/eliminate-dairy-diet)

Frequently Asked Questions

Great Value lactose-free milk is made by adding the natural enzyme lactase to real cow's milk. The lactase breaks down the complex lactose sugar into simpler, more digestible sugars, allowing those with lactose intolerance to consume it without discomfort.

No, they are not the same. Great Value lactose-free milk is a real dairy product from cows, just with the lactose removed. Dairy-free milks, such as almond or oat milk, contain no dairy at all and are made from plant-based sources.

Yes, you can use it as a one-to-one substitute for regular milk in virtually all recipes. The taste difference is usually not noticeable when combined with other ingredients, and it functions identically in cooking and baking.

Yes, lactose-free milk is a healthy option. It maintains the same nutritional benefits as regular milk, such as being a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamins. For those with lactose intolerance, it allows them to enjoy these nutrients without digestive issues.

It tastes slightly sweeter than regular milk because the lactase enzyme breaks down lactose into sweeter simple sugars. While some may notice the difference when drinking it plain, the taste is generally subtle and not an issue in most uses.

Lactose-free milk helps manage symptoms like bloating, gas, stomach cramps, and diarrhea that can occur when a person with lactose intolerance consumes regular dairy products.

While the search results primarily focus on milk, the Great Value brand produces a wide range of food products, and it is possible other dairy items, like some ice creams or cheeses, may also be offered in a lactose-free version. Consumers should check product labels for specific lactose-free claims.