Finding the Right Option: What Kind of Milk Can I Drink with Colitis?

October 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2020 study, people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis, have a significantly higher risk of lactose intolerance. Knowing what kind of milk can I drink with colitis is crucial for managing symptoms and maintaining proper nutrition, especially since many traditional dairy products can trigger flare-ups.

Quick Summary

Individuals with colitis may find traditional dairy milk aggravates symptoms due to lactose intolerance. Exploring alternatives like fortified lactose-free or plant-based milks, such as almond, oat, soy, and rice milk, can help manage symptoms while ensuring adequate nutrient intake, particularly calcium.

Key Points

Consider Alternatives: Many people with colitis are lactose intolerant and benefit from switching to fortified lactose-free dairy or plant-based milks, especially during flare-ups.
Choose Fortified Milks: To prevent nutrient deficiencies, particularly in calcium and vitamin D, always select milk alternatives that are fortified with these essential nutrients.
Monitor Individual Tolerance: Tolerance varies significantly between individuals. Keep a food diary to identify which specific milks and additives, like thickeners in oat milk, work best for your body.
Read Ingredient Labels: Be mindful of added sugars and artificial thickeners in plant-based milks, as these can sometimes cause irritation in a sensitive gut.
Consult a Professional: Work with a doctor or dietitian to create a personalized nutrition plan, ensuring your diet remains balanced and addresses your specific symptoms and nutritional needs.
Try Kefir for Probiotics: Fermented options like lactose-free kefir may be tolerated by some and provide beneficial probiotics, which can support a healthy gut microbiome.

Understanding the Link Between Colitis and Dairy

For many people with colitis, dairy products can be a significant trigger for digestive distress, including diarrhea, gas, and cramping. The primary culprit is often lactose, the sugar found in cow's milk. Inflammation in the gut, a hallmark of colitis, can impair the body's ability to produce the lactase enzyme needed to break down lactose. While not everyone with colitis is lactose intolerant, the prevalence is higher in this group. Identifying a well-tolerated milk substitute is therefore a common part of a personalized colitis management plan.

Milk Options During a Colitis Flare-Up

During a flare-up, the digestive system is highly sensitive, and many people need to follow a low-fiber, low-residue diet. At this time, it's particularly important to choose milks that are easy to digest and won't exacerbate symptoms. Fortified, lactose-free options, whether dairy or plant-based, are generally recommended. Smooth, non-fiber-containing drinks can be easier on the inflamed gut. Some individuals may find that even certain plant milks can cause issues, especially those with thicker additives or higher fiber content. Careful reintroduction and a food journal are key.

Milk Options During Remission

When symptoms are in remission, the dietary restrictions can often be relaxed. For some, low-fat or skim cow's milk might be tolerated in small amounts. However, many still prefer to stick with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives to avoid potential irritation. Remission is a good time to reintroduce foods gradually to identify individual tolerance levels. The Mediterranean diet, which includes moderate amounts of low-fat dairy and is rich in anti-inflammatory foods, is often recommended during this phase.

Fortification and Nutritional Considerations

Whether you choose a dairy or plant-based milk, it is vital to select options that are fortified with key nutrients, especially if you are avoiding traditional dairy for a prolonged period. Inflammatory bowel diseases like colitis can increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies, including low calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health. Look for products explicitly stating they are fortified with calcium and vitamin D on the label. Other important sources of calcium for those avoiding dairy include leafy greens like kale and certain types of fish.

Comparison of Milk Options for Colitis


Milk Type	Pros	Cons	Considerations
Lactose-Free Dairy	Provides the nutritional benefits of cow's milk without the irritating lactose.	Some individuals still react to milk proteins.	A good option for those sensitive only to lactose, not other dairy components.
Almond Milk	Naturally low in fiber, light flavor, easy to digest for many.	Lower in protein than dairy; ensure it's calcium-fortified.	Choose an unsweetened variety to avoid added sugars, which can trigger symptoms.
Oat Milk	Creamy texture, good source of soluble fiber (often better tolerated).	Can contain thickeners like gums and carrageenan that might irritate the gut in some.	Read the ingredients list carefully; choose versions without gums if additives are a trigger.
Soy Milk	Contains phytoestrogens with potential anti-inflammatory properties.	Can cause gas and bloating in some people.	Offers a good source of protein; fortified options are available.
Coconut Milk	Lactose-free and has potential antibacterial/anti-inflammatory effects.	Higher in saturated fat than other plant milks; choose low-fat varieties.	Best to use in moderation due to fat content; opt for lighter versions for drinking.
Rice Milk	Generally hypoallergenic and less likely to trigger allergies.	Low in protein; can have a higher glycemic index.	Very mild taste; a good option for those sensitive to both dairy and nuts/soy.

Expert Guidance and Personalized Plans

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing colitis through diet. The best strategy involves working with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian who specializes in inflammatory bowel disease. They can help you develop a personalized meal plan, identify your specific trigger foods, and ensure you are meeting all your nutritional requirements. Keeping a food journal is an excellent tool for tracking how different foods affect your symptoms, allowing for better-informed dietary choices. By testing new milks one at a time and monitoring your body's response, you can find the best and most soothing options for your condition.

Other Helpful Tips

Stay Hydrated: Staying well-hydrated is crucial, especially if you experience diarrhea, as this can lead to dehydration. Water is the best choice, but hydrating with broths and fruit-flavored waters can also help.
Watch for Additives: Many plant-based milks contain thickeners, stabilizers, and added sugars. For some people, these additives can cause gut irritation. Opt for versions with the fewest ingredients possible, or try making your own simple milks at home.
Consider Kefir: For those who can tolerate it, probiotic-rich kefir (made from lactose-free milk) can be beneficial. The fermentation process breaks down much of the lactose, and the probiotics can help promote a healthier gut microbiome.
Balance Your Diet: Even with careful milk selection, it is important to eat a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet overall. This includes lean proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and low-fiber fruits and vegetables during flares, and a Mediterranean-style diet during remission.

Conclusion

Navigating milk choices with colitis requires a personalized approach. While traditional dairy can be problematic due to lactose, numerous alternatives exist that can be well-tolerated. Fortified lactose-free dairy and plant-based milks like almond, oat, and rice are common and safe options, especially during flare-ups. Always opt for fortified varieties to ensure adequate calcium intake, as deficiencies can be a risk for individuals with colitis. By working with a healthcare professional and carefully monitoring your body's response, you can find the right milk options to support your digestive health and nutritional needs. WebMD: Ulcerative Colitis Diet Tips is a great resource to learn more about managing your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dairy milk can cause problems for people with colitis primarily due to lactose intolerance. The inflammation caused by colitis can reduce the body's ability to produce the lactase enzyme, which is needed to digest lactose, the sugar in milk.

Yes, lactose-free cow's milk is often a suitable option, as it removes the lactose that can trigger symptoms for many. However, some individuals may still react to the milk protein, so it's important to monitor your symptoms.

Yes, almond milk is often well-tolerated by people with colitis due to its light texture and low fiber content. Choose an unsweetened, fortified version to ensure you're getting enough calcium and to avoid added sugars.

Oat milk can be a good option for some, but it's important to read the ingredients list. Some brands contain thickeners like gums and carrageenan that may cause irritation for sensitive individuals. Look for varieties with minimal additives.

Yes, choosing fortified milk alternatives is highly recommended. Many dairy and plant-based options are fortified with calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health, especially since colitis can increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies.

During a flare-up, it is generally recommended to stick to easy-to-digest, low-residue options. Fortified lactose-free milk or bland, unsweetened plant milks like rice or almond milk are often safer choices than regular dairy milk.

The best way is through a process of trial and error, ideally with guidance from a healthcare provider or dietitian. Keeping a food journal to track symptoms after consuming different milks can help you identify what works best for your body.