Does Kraft Dinner have lactose in it? Here's what the label says

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Foodisgood app, the original Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Dinner contains at least one ingredient with lactose and potentially more. For those with lactose intolerance, knowing the ingredients in everyday products is crucial for managing their diet, so the question, "Does Kraft Dinner have lactose in it?" is a very important one.

Quick Summary

Original Kraft Dinner is not lactose-free due to ingredients like whey, milkfat, and milk protein concentrate. While the amount of lactose can vary by product line, it is not safe for those with severe lactose intolerance. The classic powdered cheese mix is the primary source of dairy and lactose.

Key Points

Lactose is Present: Original Kraft Dinner contains several milk-based ingredients, including whey and milkfat, which contain lactose.
Powdered Cheese is Not Dairy-Free: The misconception that the powdered cheese is dairy-free is false; it is derived from milk products.
Deluxe Versions are Also Not Safe: The Deluxe variety with the pre-made liquid pouch contains real 2% milk cheese sauce and is also not lactose-free.
Alternatives Exist: Numerous lactose-free alternatives are on the market, including vegan mac and cheese brands and recipes using lactose-free cheese and milk.
Read Labels Carefully: For anyone with lactose intolerance, it is essential to read ingredient lists thoroughly and look for products specifically labeled as lactose-free.

Understanding the Ingredients: Why Kraft Dinner is Not Lactose-Free

For many, Kraft Dinner (or Kraft Mac & Cheese) is a nostalgic comfort food. However, for those with lactose intolerance, this classic dish presents a significant challenge. The belief that powdered cheese might be lactose-free is a common misconception that needs to be addressed. The short answer is no, Kraft Dinner is not free of lactose. The cheese sauce mix, whether powdered or in a liquid pouch, contains several milk-based ingredients that contain lactose.

The Breakdown of Kraft Dinner Ingredients

To understand why Kraft Dinner isn't suitable for a lactose-free diet, we need to look closely at the ingredient list of the original version. The primary culprits are the components of the cheese sauce mix:

Whey: This is the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained during the cheesemaking process. It is a common ingredient in many processed foods and contains a significant amount of lactose.
Milkfat: The fatty portion of milk, which also contains lactose.
Milk Protein Concentrate: A concentrated milk product that contains protein and, along with it, some lactose.
Cheese Culture, Enzymes: While these can vary, traditional cheesemaking often uses enzymes that process milk, but the final product still retains lactose, particularly in the amounts found in this type of processed cheese mix.

Comparing Kraft Dinner Variations

It's important to note that different versions of Kraft Mac & Cheese can have slightly different ingredients, but none of the standard versions are truly lactose-free. The Deluxe versions, which come with a pre-made cheese sauce pouch, are even less suitable for a lactose-intolerant diet, as the sauce is often made with real 2% milk cheese. The following table compares a standard boxed version with a Deluxe variety to highlight the differences.


Feature	Kraft Original Mac & Cheese (Powdered)	Kraft Deluxe Mac & Cheese (Liquid Pouch)
Lactose Status	Not lactose-free	Not lactose-free
Dairy Sources	Whey, Milkfat, Milk Protein Concentrate	2% Milk Cheese, Milkfat
Main Concern	Powdered cheese mix is not dairy-free.	Pre-made sauce contains real milk cheese.
Convenience for Dietary Needs	Requires careful reading of labels and avoiding all dairy.	Definitely not suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
Preparation	Mix cheese powder with butter and milk.	Squeeze pre-made sauce over cooked noodles.

Exploring Lactose-Free Alternatives

For those who love mac and cheese but need to avoid lactose, there are excellent alternatives available. The market has expanded significantly with options that mimic the classic taste without the dairy.

Vegan Mac and Cheese Brands: Companies like Annie's Homegrown and Daiya offer dairy-free and vegan mac and cheese options that use plant-based ingredients for the cheese sauce.
Lactose-Free Cheese Products: Many supermarkets now carry lactose-free cheese. Brands like Cabot are well-known for producing naturally lactose-free cheeses. Using these with lactose-free milk (like Lactaid) can create a homemade, creamy mac and cheese.
Nutritional Yeast: For a homemade, cheesy-tasting sauce, nutritional yeast is a popular ingredient. It has a savory, umami flavor that provides a similar profile to cheese without any dairy. Recipes often combine it with plant-based milk and spices.
DIY Homemade Recipe: Crafting a mac and cheese from scratch using lactose-free milk and cheese is the safest route for severe intolerance. This allows complete control over the ingredients. For example, a recipe might use lactose-free milk, margarine instead of butter, and a naturally lactose-free or dairy-free cheese product to create the sauce.

Conclusion: Navigating Kraft Dinner with Lactose Intolerance

In conclusion, the original and deluxe versions of Kraft Dinner are not suitable for those who are lactose intolerant, as they contain multiple milk-derived ingredients with lactose. While the amount of lactose in the powdered versions may be low for some, it is not a risk worth taking for those with sensitivities. The good news is that avoiding lactose no longer means giving up mac and cheese. With a variety of high-quality, delicious alternatives, you can still enjoy a bowl of cheesy, comforting goodness. Always read the ingredient list carefully and choose products specifically labeled as lactose-free or vegan to ensure a safe and enjoyable meal. You can find more information about lactose intolerance and dietary management on reputable sites like the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Making Informed Choices for a Lactose-Free Diet

Managing lactose intolerance is about being an informed consumer. Instead of relying on guesswork, checking labels and understanding the common sources of lactose in processed foods is key. The presence of whey, milkfat, and milk protein concentrate in Kraft Dinner’s cheese mix makes it a clear no-go for anyone with this dietary restriction. By exploring the many readily available and delicious alternatives, you can make smarter food choices that support your health without sacrificing flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the cheese powder in Kraft Mac & Cheese is not lactose-free. Its ingredients, such as whey and milkfat, are derived from milk and contain lactose.

The main ingredients containing lactose in Kraft Dinner are whey, milkfat, and milk protein concentrate, all found in the cheese sauce mix.

As of recent product formulations, no standard Kraft Mac & Cheese products are explicitly labeled as lactose-free. The powdered cheese and deluxe versions both contain milk-derived ingredients.

Individuals with lactose intolerance should avoid Kraft Dinner. While some with mild intolerance might tolerate small amounts, the product is not designed to be lactose-free and could cause digestive issues.

Good lactose-free alternatives include vegan mac and cheese brands like Annie's Homegrown, homemade recipes using nutritional yeast, or using lactose-free cheese and milk.

Yes, whey is the liquid byproduct of cheesemaking and contains a significant amount of lactose. It is a key reason why many dairy products, including Kraft Dinner, are not lactose-free.

While using lactose-free milk might help reduce the lactose content, it won't make the meal completely lactose-free. The cheese powder itself contains lactose and is a major source of the allergen in the dish.