Do they sell Lactaid in India? A Guide to Availability and Alternatives

December 22, 2025 •

5 min read

While the international Lactaid brand is not consistently stocked on physical Indian retail shelves, a variety of its supplement products can be found on major e-commerce platforms like Flipkart. For those seeking an accessible and often more affordable solution, India also boasts a thriving domestic market of lactase enzyme tablets and a wide array of lactose-free dairy and plant-based milk products.

Quick Summary

Lactaid brand supplements are occasionally available through Indian online stores, but local options like Yamoo lactase tablets and major brands of lactose-free milk are more widely accessible across the country. Consumers have multiple effective and convenient options for managing lactose intolerance in India.

Key Points

Lactaid is Online: While not on physical shelves, Lactaid supplements are sold on Indian e-commerce sites like Flipkart, though with inconsistent stock.
Domestic Alternatives Exist: More readily available and affordable lactase enzyme supplements, such as Yamoo, are found in Indian pharmacies and online.
Lactose-Free Milk is Common: Major Indian brands like Amul, Milky Mist, and Provilac produce and distribute lactose-free milk widely across the country.
Plant-Based Options Abound: A growing market for plant-based milks like almond, soy, and oat milk provides natural, lactose-free alternatives for dietary needs.
Check Product Labels: Be aware that lactose can be a hidden ingredient in processed foods, so reading labels carefully is a crucial part of managing intolerance.
Embrace Indian Dairy Alternatives: Options like lactose-free curd (Epigamia) and ghee (clarified butter) offer effective ways to enjoy traditional Indian flavors.

Is Lactaid Available for Purchase in India?

Yes, Lactaid products are sold in India, but primarily through online retailers. Unlike in North America, where Lactaid is a common sight in pharmacies and supermarkets, the official brand presence is limited. Consumers can find Lactaid Fast Act Caplets or similar products listed on e-commerce websites such as Flipkart. However, the availability can be inconsistent, and the price is often significantly higher due to import costs compared to domestic alternatives. This leads many lactose-intolerant individuals to seek local solutions that are easier to acquire and more cost-effective.

Widely Available Domestic Lactase Enzyme Alternatives

For those who prefer a lactase enzyme supplement, several domestic and more readily available options exist. These tablets work in the same way as Lactaid, providing the necessary enzyme to break down lactose in dairy products.

Yamoo Tablets

Yamoo is one of the most well-known and widely available lactase enzyme supplements in India.

Availability: Can be found at major pharmacy chains like Apollo Pharmacy, as well as online medical supply stores and e-commerce sites.
Usage: The chewable tablets are designed to be taken with or just before consuming dairy products to help with digestion.
Affordability: Often priced more competitively than imported alternatives, making it a sustainable option for regular use.

Other Domestic Brands

Other Indian companies also offer lactase enzyme supplements. For example, brands like BIOVEN and HealthVit sell lactase enzyme capsules that can be purchased online. It's crucial to check the dosage (measured in FCC lactase units) and consult a healthcare professional to find the right product and dosage for your needs.

The Rise of Lactose-Free Dairy Products

Indian dairy companies have responded to the growing awareness of lactose intolerance by introducing a variety of lactose-free dairy products. These are often easier to find in local supermarkets, grocery stores, and online delivery apps.

Amul Lactose-Free Milk

As one of India's largest dairy cooperatives, Amul offers a popular lactose-free milk option.

Availability: Available in tetra packs (often 250ml) at major grocery stores, online platforms like BigBasket and Blinkit, and on Amul's own website.
Process: Amul adds the lactase enzyme to regular milk, which breaks down the lactose before packaging.
Benefit: Retains the same nutritional value as regular milk, including protein and calcium, without causing digestive issues.

Milky Mist and Provilac

Other brands like Milky Mist and Provilac also produce and distribute lactose-free milk. Milky Mist products can be found on online platforms like Zepto, while Provilac offers fresh, lactose-free cow's milk for delivery.

Lactose-Free Curd

For those who can't tolerate traditional dahi, lactose-free curd is also available. Epigamia is one brand that sells lactose-free cup curd, which is available in various online grocery stores.

Navigating the Plant-Based Milk Market

For individuals with more severe lactose intolerance or those following a vegan diet, India's plant-based milk market has exploded in recent years. These alternatives are naturally lactose-free and come in a variety of options.

Almond Milk: Widely available from brands like Jus Amazin and others, often found in health food stores and online platforms.
Soy Milk: An older but reliable alternative, soy milk is offered by several brands and is a good source of protein.
Oat Milk: Growing in popularity, oat milk is available from brands like Dancing Cow and others, found in both physical and online stores.
Coconut Milk: Used extensively in South Indian cuisine, packaged coconut milk is available in most supermarkets and is a great dairy-free option for cooking and beverages.

Comparing Your Lactose Intolerance Management Options in India


Feature	Lactaid (Online Import)	Yamoo (Domestic Supplement)	Amul Lactose-Free Milk	Plant-Based Milk Alternatives
Availability	Inconsistent, primarily online	Widespread, online and in pharmacies	Widespread, supermarkets and online	Growing, health stores and online
Cost	High (due to import)	Affordable	Affordable (market price)	Varies by type, can be expensive
Convenience	Requires planning for online purchase and delivery	Easily carried for on-the-go use	Can be purchased alongside regular groceries	Widely available, but may require specific stores
Nutritional Profile	Supplement does not contain nutrients	Supplement does not contain nutrients	Matches regular milk (calcium, protein)	Varies by type (e.g., calcium-fortified)
Best For	Those seeking a specific brand and willing to pay a premium	On-the-go flexibility to consume any dairy	Everyday dairy consumption at home	Vegans or those with severe intolerance

How to Manage Lactose Intolerance Effectively in India

Read Labels Carefully: Lactose can be a 'hidden' ingredient in many processed foods, from baked goods to salad dressings. Look for ingredients like milk solids, whey, or butter.
Trial and Error: Your personal tolerance level may vary. Some people can handle fermented products like traditional curd or aged cheeses better than fresh milk.
Use Supplements: If you want to enjoy dairy occasionally, keep a pack of lactase enzyme tablets like Yamoo handy and take them as directed before a meal.
Embrace Indian Cuisine: Many traditional Indian dishes are naturally dairy-free or can be made so easily. Dal, rice, chana masala, and many vegetable curries are safe options.
Utilize Plant-Based Options: Coconut milk is a staple in many cuisines and can be used to make creamy curries or payasam. Almond milk and soy milk are also great for shakes, coffee, or cereal.
Maintain Nutrition: Ensure you get enough calcium and vitamin D from other sources. Good non-dairy sources include leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fortified plant-based milks.
Consult a Professional: If symptoms are persistent or severe, consider consulting a gastroenterologist or dietitian for a personalized management plan.

Conclusion

While the American Lactaid brand is not a staple on Indian store shelves, the query "Do they sell Lactaid in India?" has a positive answer, albeit with the caveat of inconsistent online availability. More importantly, the Indian market offers robust and accessible alternatives, including domestically produced lactase enzyme supplements like Yamoo and a wide range of lactose-free milk from trusted brands such as Amul. Furthermore, the growing availability of plant-based milks and numerous naturally dairy-free Indian dishes provide consumers with effective and practical solutions for managing lactose intolerance without compromising on taste or nutrition. Managing lactose intolerance in India is not about finding one specific brand, but rather about leveraging the diverse array of products available to suit your dietary needs and lifestyle.

Mayo Clinic's expert overview of lactose intolerance is a great resource for further reading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Lactaid tablets and caplets can be purchased in India, but typically only through major online e-commerce websites like Flipkart. They are not widely available in physical stores or pharmacies.

Effective alternatives to Lactaid in India include domestically produced lactase enzyme tablets like Yamoo, which are widely available in pharmacies and online. Additionally, Amul and other brands offer lactose-free milk and curd, and a variety of plant-based milks are also readily found.

Lactose-free milk from brands like Amul, Milky Mist, and Provilac can be purchased at most large supermarkets, through online grocery delivery services (such as BigBasket, Blinkit, and Zepto), and at some local dairies.

Amul's lactose-free milk is regular milk that has been treated with the lactase enzyme to break down the lactose sugar. This means it retains the same nutritional value, including protein and calcium, but is easier to digest for lactose-intolerant individuals.

No, lactase enzyme supplements like Yamoo are typically available over-the-counter and do not require a prescription. However, it is always recommended to consult with a doctor to determine the appropriate dosage for your needs.

Yes, clarified butter (ghee) is generally safe for people with lactose intolerance. The clarification process removes milk solids, including most of the lactose, making it an excellent alternative to butter for those with sensitivity.

Many traditional Indian dishes are naturally dairy-free. Examples include dal, rice, chana masala, and many vegetable curries. Additionally, coconut milk-based curries and sweets are also good options.