Is There Added Sugar in Lactaid Milk?

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Dairy industry, lactose-free milk, including Lactaid, contains no added sugar. Many people question this due to its distinctly sweeter flavor, but this is a result of the natural milk sugar, lactose, being broken down into simpler, sweeter-tasting sugars.

Quick Summary

This article explores why Lactaid milk tastes sweeter than regular milk, clarifying that this is not due to added sugars but to the enzyme lactase breaking down lactose into glucose and galactose. It covers the production process, nutritional content, and benefits for those with lactose intolerance.

Key Points

No Added Sugar: Lactaid milk does not contain any added sugar; the sweetness is a natural result of its processing.
Natural Sugar Conversion: The enzyme lactase is added to break down the natural milk sugar, lactose, into sweeter-tasting glucose and galactose.
Identical Nutrition Profile: Other than the change in sugar composition, Lactaid milk has the same nutrients, like calcium, protein, and vitamins, as regular milk.
Digestive Comfort: It is an excellent dairy option for people with lactose intolerance, allowing them to avoid digestive issues associated with lactose.
Not Dairy-Free: Lactaid is still a dairy product and is not suitable for individuals with a milk protein allergy.
Longer Shelf Life: Thanks to ultra-pasteurization, unopened Lactaid milk lasts longer in the refrigerator compared to regular milk.

Understanding Lactaid Milk: The Lactose-Free Process

Lactaid is a brand of dairy milk that has been processed to be suitable for people with lactose intolerance. The defining characteristic of Lactaid milk is that it has had the lactose—the natural sugar found in milk—pre-digested. The manufacturers achieve this by adding the enzyme lactase to the milk during production. For individuals who are lactose intolerant, their bodies do not produce enough lactase to break down lactose, leading to digestive issues.

The Science Behind the Sweetness

The perception of sweetness in Lactaid milk is a common point of confusion. The key lies in the molecular structure of sugars. Lactose is a disaccharide, or a complex sugar, made up of two simpler sugars: glucose and galactose. Lactase's role is to break the lactose molecule down into these two simpler, more digestible sugars. While the total sugar content in Lactaid is comparable to regular milk, glucose and galactose are naturally sweeter than lactose. This is why your taste buds register a sweeter sensation, even though no additional sweeteners have been added.

Lactaid vs. Regular Milk: A Nutritional Comparison

Aside from the sugar conversion, the nutritional profile of Lactaid milk is virtually identical to that of regular milk. It retains the same essential nutrients, including high-quality protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and D. In fact, some varieties of Lactaid are fortified with extra nutrients, such as calcium, which can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle to meet their daily calcium requirements due to dairy avoidance.


Feature	Lactaid Milk	Regular Milk
Added Sugar	None	None
Total Sugars	Varies by fat content (e.g., 12g per cup for whole milk)	Varies by fat content (e.g., 12g-13g per cup)
Perceived Sweetness	Slightly sweeter due to broken-down sugars	Standard milk sweetness
Lactose Content	Less than 0.01%	Approximately 4.8%
Enzyme Added	Yes (Lactase)	No
Digestion	Easier for lactose-intolerant individuals	Can cause digestive issues for lactose-intolerant individuals
Core Nutrients	Same as regular milk (calcium, protein, vitamins)	Same as lactaid milk

Benefits of Choosing Lactaid

For those with lactose intolerance, Lactaid milk provides a pathway to enjoying the nutritional benefits of dairy without the discomfort. It is a simple substitution that can be used in cooking, baking, coffee, or cereal, ensuring you still receive vital nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. Since it is real milk, it delivers the same taste and texture, with only a minor flavor difference noted by some.

The Longer Shelf Life of Lactaid

An added benefit of Lactaid milk is its extended shelf life. This is a result of the ultra-pasteurization process it undergoes, which allows it to last longer unopened than standard milk. This can be a convenient feature for smaller households or individuals who don't consume milk as frequently.

Who Should Consider Lactaid?

Individuals with diagnosed lactose intolerance: The most obvious group to benefit, allowing them to enjoy dairy without digestive upset.
Families with a mix of dietary needs: A family with a lactose-intolerant member can purchase one type of milk for everyone to use.
Anyone seeking easier digestion: Even those with mild lactose sensitivity may find Lactaid easier on their stomach and a way to avoid minor bloating or discomfort.
Those prioritizing longer-lasting products: Its ultra-pasteurized nature gives it a longer shelf life, reducing food waste.

Beyond Lactaid: Other Options

It's important to remember that lactose-free milk is not the same as dairy-free milk. Lactaid is still a dairy product and contains milk proteins, so it is not suitable for individuals with a milk allergy. For those with milk allergies, plant-based alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk are necessary. These options will have different nutritional profiles and sugar content, so it is important to check the nutrition labels carefully.

Conclusion

In summary, Lactaid milk does not contain any added sugar. The sweetness some people perceive is a natural byproduct of the lactase enzyme breaking down the milk's inherent lactose into simpler, sweeter-tasting sugars. Nutritionally, it is comparable to regular milk, offering the same essential vitamins and minerals. For individuals with lactose intolerance, Lactaid provides a digestive-friendly way to enjoy real dairy milk without the unpleasant side effects. For those with milk allergies, however, plant-based milks remain the necessary alternative.

Sources

HP Hood. (n.d.). LACTAID Lactose-Free Milk. Retrieved from https://hood.com/products/milk/lactaid/lactaid-whole-milk
Lactaid. (n.d.). Lactose-Free vs. Dairy-Free: What's the Difference? Retrieved from https://www.lactaid.com/lactose-sensitivity/lactose-free-vs-dairy-free
U.S. Dairy. (2025, September 15). What Is Lactose-Free Milk? Retrieved from https://www.usdairy.com/news-articles/what-is-lactose-free-milk
The Little Big Dairy Co. (n.d.). How is Lactose-Free Milk Made? Retrieved from https://www.littlebigdairy.co/blogs/news/how-is-lactose-free-milk-made
MedicineNet. (2022, July 29). Is Lactose-Free Milk Better Than Real Milk? What Are the Benefits...? Retrieved from https://www.medicinenet.com/lactose_free_milk_better_than_real_milk_benefits/article.htm
National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2024, November 20). Lactose intolerance: Learn More – Causes and diagnosis of lactose intolerance. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310263/
Better Health Channel. (n.d.). Lactose intolerance. Retrieved from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/lactose-intolerance
Foods Co. (n.d.). Lactaid® 100% Lactose Free Calcium Enriched Fat Free Milk. Retrieved from https://www.foodsco.net/p/lactaid-100-lactose-free-calcium-enriched-fat-free-milk/0004138309021
InstaCare. (2025, March 3). Lactose-Free Milk: Benefits, Nutrition, Alternatives, and More. Retrieved from https://instacare.pk/blog/benefits-of-lactose-free-milk
The Little Big Dairy Co. (n.d.). Is Lactose-Free Milk Healthy? Retrieved from https://www.littlebigdairy.co/blogs/news/is-lactose-free-milk-healthy

Frequently Asked Questions

Lactaid milk tastes sweeter because it has the natural milk sugar, lactose, broken down into simpler sugars, glucose and galactose. These two sugars are naturally sweeter than lactose, which is why your taste buds perceive an enhanced sweetness.

The total sugar content in Lactaid milk is very similar to regular milk. The difference is in the type of sugar; Lactaid's sugars have already been broken down into simpler forms, while regular milk's sugar is still in the form of lactose.

No, people with milk allergies should not drink Lactaid. A milk allergy is an immune reaction to the proteins in milk, not the lactose sugar. Lactaid is still a dairy product and contains the same milk proteins as regular milk.

For those with lactose intolerance or sensitivity, Lactaid is a healthier choice as it prevents digestive discomfort. Nutritionally, it offers the same benefits as regular milk, including protein and calcium. For those without intolerance, it is nutritionally equivalent, though some find the sweetness too much for certain dishes.

Lactaid milk is made by adding the enzyme lactase to real cow's milk during processing. This enzyme breaks down the lactose before it is packaged, making it easier for lactose-intolerant people to digest.

No, Lactaid milk does not contain artificial sweeteners. The sweetness comes entirely from the natural conversion of lactose into glucose and galactose by the lactase enzyme.

Yes, Lactaid milk can be used as a one-to-one substitute for regular milk in most recipes, including baking and cooking. However, because of its slightly sweeter taste, some people may prefer it more for sweet applications like shakes and cereal.