Finding Lactase Supplements and Lactose-Free Options in Greece
When traveling with lactose intolerance, knowing your options for managing your diet is crucial. While the brand-name product Lactaid is not readily available on Greek shelves, effective alternatives are widely accessible. Tourists and residents alike can find suitable solutions in local supermarkets, pharmacies, and even specialized organic stores. This guide provides detailed information on where to find lactase enzyme supplements and lactose-free foods to ensure a smooth and delicious trip.
Where to Find Lactase Enzyme Supplements
For those who prefer to take a lactase enzyme pill before consuming dairy, you won't be left without options. Greek pharmacies and health stores stock several alternatives to Lactaid. You can ask a pharmacist for "χάπια για δυσανεξία στη λακτόζη" (hapia gia dysanexia sti laktozi), meaning 'pills for lactose intolerance'.
Commonly found lactase enzyme brands in Greek pharmacies:
- Lamberts Lactase Enzyme: A highly potent, vegan-friendly supplement available in many pharmacies.
- Solgar Lactase: A well-known global brand that offers lactase enzyme wafers, which can be found in Greek health food stores and pharmacies.
- Uni-Pharma Lacto fix: A locally available lactase supplement option.
If you prefer to find the specific Lactaid brand, you can order it online for delivery through sites like Ubuy Greece, though this is not a practical solution for immediate needs while on vacation.
Lactose-Free Dairy Products in Greek Supermarkets
While Lactaid-branded milk might not be on the shelf, Greek supermarkets offer an excellent selection of lactose-free dairy products under local brands. The availability of these products has increased significantly in recent years.
Leading Greek lactose-free milk brands:
- OLYMPOS Freelact: The first 100% Greek lactose-free milk, available in various fat percentages.
- DELTA mmm: Another popular Greek brand offering lactose-free milk.
These products are typically found in the refrigerated dairy aisle alongside regular milk. Look for the Greek phrase "Χωρίς λακτόζη" (choris laktozi), meaning 'lactose-free', on the packaging.
Navigating Greek Restaurants and Cafes
Dining out in Greece with lactose intolerance is manageable with a few key strategies. Greek cuisine features many naturally dairy-free dishes, including grilled meats (souvlaki), fresh fish, and salads with vinaigrette dressing. However, some traditional dishes contain yogurt or feta cheese, so it is important to communicate your dietary needs clearly.
Useful Greek phrases for travelers:
- "Έχω δυσανεξία στη λακτόζη." (Ekho dysanexia sti laktozi.) - "I have a lactose intolerance."
- "Χωρίς γάλα, παρακαλώ." (Khoris gala, parakalo.) - "Without milk, please."
- "Χωρίς τυρί, παρακαλώ." (Khoris tyri, parakalo.) - "Without cheese, please."
For coffee, many cafes now offer plant-based milk alternatives like soy, almond, or oat milk. Always ask for what is available, as it may not be on the menu. For traditional Greek yogurt, consider trying sheep's or goat's milk versions, as some individuals with lactose intolerance find these easier to digest.
Supermarket Comparison: Lactose-Free Products
To help with your shopping, here is a comparison of what you can expect to find in different types of Greek stores.
| Store Type | Lactase Pills | Lactose-Free Milk | Other Lactose-Free Dairy | Plant-Based Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large Supermarkets (e.g., ΑΒ Βασιλόπουλος, Sklavenitis) | Limited selection | Yes, local brands like Olympos and DELTA | Occasionally, products like cottage cheese | Yes, a good selection (soy, almond, oat) |
| Pharmacies (Φαρμακείο) | Yes, several brands like Lamberts, Quest | No | No | No |
| Organic Food Markets (e.g., 4 Seasons Bio) | Yes, wider selection | Yes, wider selection, including imported | Yes, often a better selection of cheeses and yogurts | Yes, excellent selection |
| Convenience Stores/Minimarkets | No | Unlikely | No | Sometimes, limited oat or soy milk |
Essential Tips for a Lactose-Free Trip to Greece
To ensure a stress-free experience, planning ahead is key. Here are some actionable tips:
- Pack your own supply: If you are attached to a specific brand or need an exact dosage, bring your own lactase enzyme pills from home. This is the most reliable option for peace of mind.
- Stay informed: Read packaging carefully and learn key phrases. Even if a dish seems dairy-free, confirm with your server.
- Explore alternatives: Greek food has a wealth of naturally dairy-free options. Explore the local vegetarian and vegan cuisine, which is often a perfect fit for lactose intolerance. Many restaurants now cater to these dietary needs.
- Use technology: Utilize translation apps on your phone to communicate with restaurant staff. Picture-based menus or pointing to key phrases can also be helpful.
Conclusion
While you won't find the familiar Lactaid brand on every Greek shelf, a trip to Greece with lactose intolerance is easily manageable. By relying on local alternatives, readily available in pharmacies and supermarkets, you can enjoy the country's rich food culture without discomfort. Whether it's a Greek brand of lactose-free milk for your coffee or a lactase enzyme pill before indulging in a dairy-rich meal, you have plenty of practical solutions at your fingertips. A little preparation goes a long way to ensuring a delicious and worry-free vacation.
Key Takeaways
- Lactaid Brand is Not Local: The Lactaid brand is not widely stocked in Greek stores but can be purchased online from international retailers that ship to Greece.
- Local Alternatives Exist: Effective lactase enzyme supplements from brands like Lamberts, Solgar, and Uni-Pharma are available in Greek pharmacies.
- Find Lactose-Free Products: Greek supermarkets like AB Vasilopoulos and Sklavenitis carry local lactose-free milk brands, such as Olympos Freelact and DELTA mmm.
- Use Greek Phrases: Learning phrases like "Έχω δυσανεξία στη λακτόζη" (I have a lactose intolerance) is vital for communicating dietary needs at restaurants.
- Consider Traditional Dairy: For some, sheep's or goat's milk dairy products are easier to digest than cow's milk products, and these are widely available in Greece.
- Embrace Plant-Based Options: Greek organic food stores and many cafes offer a growing selection of plant-based milks and other dairy alternatives.
- Bring Your Own Supply: For absolute certainty, pack a supply of your preferred lactase supplements from home, especially if visiting smaller, more remote islands.
FAQs
Q: Is it difficult to find lactose-free food in Greece? A: No, it is not difficult. While the specific Lactaid brand may be hard to find locally, supermarkets carry Greek-branded lactose-free milk and pharmacies stock alternative lactase enzyme supplements. Many traditional Greek dishes are also naturally dairy-free.
Q: Can I buy Lactaid pills in a Greek pharmacy? A: You will most likely not find the Lactaid brand in a Greek pharmacy, but you can find other effective lactase enzyme supplement brands, such as Lamberts and Solgar.
Q: How do I ask for lactose-free milk in a Greek cafe? A: You can ask, "Έχετε γάλα χωρίς λακτόζη;" (Echete gala khoris laktozi?), which means "Do you have lactose-free milk?" Many cafes also offer oat or almond milk, so it's worth asking what plant-based options are available.
Q: Are there any naturally lactose-free Greek cheeses? A: Very aged, hard cheeses like some graviera have very little lactose. For most, feta cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk is often better tolerated than cow's milk products.
Q: Is yogurt in Greece lactose-free? A: Traditional Greek yogurt is made from cow, sheep, or goat milk and is not lactose-free. Some supermarkets, however, carry lactose-free cow's milk yogurt or plant-based alternatives.
Q: Do I need to worry about cross-contamination with lactose-free products in Greece? A: When dining at restaurants, it's always best to be cautious and communicate your dietary needs clearly. In supermarkets, check for the "χωρίς λακτόζη" label on pre-packaged products to ensure they are lactose-free.
Q: What is the Greek word for lactose-free? A: The Greek phrase for lactose-free is "χωρίς λακτόζη" (choris laktozi).
Q: What if I have a severe dairy allergy, not just intolerance? A: If you have a severe dairy allergy, you should be extremely cautious and explicitly state your allergy to restaurant staff using phrases like "Είμαι αλλεργικός στο γάλα" (Eímai allergikós sto gála), meaning 'I am allergic to milk'. Ordering naturally dairy-free dishes is your safest bet.
Q: What are some safe Greek foods for lactose intolerance? A: Safe options include souvlaki (grilled meat skewers), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves without yogurt sauce), fresh fish, vegetables, salads without cheese (or ask for cheese on the side), and many traditional stews and roasted dishes. Check that sauces do not contain milk or cream.
