Does Greece Have Lactose Free Milk? A Traveler's Guide

November 22, 2025 •

3 min read

According to scientific studies, up to 75% of the Greek adult population may have some degree of lactose malabsorption, making the availability of alternatives important for many. Travelers concerned about dairy can rest assured, as finding lactose free milk in Greece is increasingly easy, with options widely available in major stores across the country.

Quick Summary

Travelers with lactose intolerance can easily find lactose-free milk and dairy alternatives in Greece. Supermarkets and health food shops carry popular local and international brands, and the demand for dairy-free options is well-supported. Learn where to shop and which brands to look for to ensure a comfortable trip.

Key Points

Lactose-free milk is available: Major Greek supermarket chains and health food stores stock both lactose-free dairy milk and plant-based alternatives.
Recognize Greek terms: Look for packaging that says "lactose-free" or "Χωρίς λακτόζη" (Horis laktozi).
Top Greek brands include Olympos and Delta: OLYMPOS (Freelact) and DELTA (mmmMILK) are common local brands offering lactose-free cow's milk.
Plant-based options are plentiful: Travelers can easily find almond, soy, and oat milk, especially in larger supermarkets.
Be cautious with traditional Greek dairy: While some Greek cheeses from sheep or goat's milk are naturally lower in lactose, they may not be fully lactose-free, so it's best to check labels or ask.
Communicate effectively: Learn basic Greek phrases like "Έχω δυσανεξία στη λακτόζη" to inform restaurant staff of your dietary needs.

Finding Lactose-Free Milk in Greek Supermarkets

For anyone with lactose intolerance traveling to Greece, the local supermarket is your first and most reliable port of call. Larger supermarket chains are particularly well-stocked with a variety of lactose-free products. You will often find these items alongside regular dairy products in the refrigerated dairy aisle, or sometimes in a dedicated 'free-from' section. Look for packaging explicitly marked "lactose-free" in English or the Greek equivalent, "Χωρίς λακτόζη" (pronounced Horis laktozi).

Some of the major supermarket chains to visit include:

AB Vassilopoulos: Known for its wide variety of products and a good selection of specialty and dietary items.
Sklavenitis: Another major retailer with a broad range of products, including lactose-free and plant-based milks.
Lidl: This international chain has branches across Greece and typically carries its own brand of lactose-free milk, which can be a budget-friendly option.

Popular Lactose-Free Brands to Look For

Several Greek dairy companies have recognized the market for lactose-free products and now produce their own versions. This means you can find locally sourced options in addition to well-known international brands. When browsing the refrigerated section, keep an eye out for these names:

OLYMPOS (Freelact): This is one of the most prominent Greek brands offering lactose-free cow's milk, often labeled as "Freelact".
DELTA (mmmMILK Lactose Free): Delta is another major Greek dairy producer with a dedicated lactose-free milk product line.
NOUNOU (Family Lactose Free): Another reliable local brand that produces a light, lactose-free milk product.
RIGA'S (Lactose-free milk, Rodopi): This brand can also be found in major Greek grocery stores.

Exploring Dairy-Free Alternatives

If you prefer plant-based options, Greece offers a robust selection of dairy-free milk alternatives. These are also often found in the dairy or health food sections of large supermarkets and specialty stores. Options you are likely to encounter include:

Almond Milk: Widely available from various brands, often in long-life cartons.
Soy Milk: A classic alternative with multiple brands available.
Oat Milk: Increasingly popular and readily available, with brands like Oatly and Natumi frequently stocked.
Coconut Milk: Available in both carton form for drinking and canned for cooking.

Comparison of Lactose-Free and Dairy-Free Milk Options


Feature	Lactose-Free Cow's Milk (e.g., OLYMPOS Freelact)	Plant-Based Milk (e.g., Alpro, Oatly)
Composition	Standard cow's milk with lactase enzyme added to break down lactose.	Made from plant sources like oats, soy, or almonds; naturally lactose-free.
Taste Profile	Very similar to regular milk, often slightly sweeter due to broken-down sugars.	Varies significantly by type (oat, soy, almond), each with a distinct flavor.
Nutritional Content	Retains most nutritional properties of regular milk, including calcium and protein.	Nutritional content varies greatly; fortified with vitamins (B12, D) and calcium is common.
Availability in Greece	Very common in all major supermarkets and many smaller stores.	Widely available in large supermarkets and specialty health food shops.
Best For	Those who want the taste and nutritional profile of cow's milk without the lactose.	Vegans, those with a dairy allergy, or those who prefer a different flavor profile.

Other Considerations for Lactose Intolerance in Greece

Beyond milk, you may also find other lactose-free products, such as yogurt and certain cheeses. Look for brands like Kri Kri, which produces lactose-free cow's yogurt. While many traditional Greek cheeses are made from sheep or goat's milk and are naturally lower in lactose, they are not always completely lactose-free, so it's essential to check the label. For a sure thing, some shops even carry specific lactose-free feta.

When dining out, be mindful of ingredients in sauces, desserts, and traditional dishes. When in doubt, it is helpful to learn a few basic Greek phrases to communicate your dietary needs. For example, to ask if something contains lactose, you can say "Περιέχει λακτόζη;" (Periechi laktozi?). To indicate you are lactose intolerant, say "Έχω δυσανεξία στη λακτόζη" (Echo dysanexia sti laktozi).

Conclusion

Yes, travelers can confidently find lactose free milk in Greece. With numerous Greek and international brands producing lactose-free dairy milk and a growing selection of plant-based alternatives, staying on top of your dietary needs is easier than ever. Simply head to a major supermarket like Olympos, AB Vassilopoulos, or Lidl to find a full range of options. With a little bit of preparation and knowing what to look for, you can fully enjoy your Greek holiday without worrying about your milk choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

While major brands are mostly found in cities and larger towns, some smaller stores might carry a basic selection. For guaranteed availability, it is best to stock up in a larger supermarket before heading to more rural areas.

Prominent Greek brands include OLYMPOS (Freelact) and DELTA (mmmMILK Lactose Free), both of which are commonly found in most large supermarkets across Greece.

Yes, plant-based milk alternatives like almond, soy, and oat milk are widely available in larger Greek supermarkets like AB Vassilopoulos and Lidl, and in dedicated health food stores.

Most products have some English labeling. Look for the phrase "lactose-free" on the carton. You can also look for the Greek phrase "Χωρίς λακτόζη" or use a translation app.

Some Greek companies, like Kri Kri, produce specific lactose-free cow's yogurt. However, traditional Greek yogurts and cheeses are not reliably lactose-free. Always look for a label confirming it is lactose-free or consider alternatives.

While some people with mild intolerance find goat or sheep milk easier to digest due to different lactose levels and fat structure, it is not truly lactose-free and may still cause symptoms for others. It is not a guaranteed solution.

There is significant demand, as studies suggest a large portion of the Greek population has lactose intolerance, leading to good availability of products in supermarkets and health food shops.