Nutrition Diet: Does Concentrated Milk Have Lactose?

November 11, 2025 •

5 min read

Approximately 75% of the world's population has some degree of lactose intolerance, making the question 'Does concentrated milk have lactose?' highly relevant for many consumers. The answer is yes; concentrated milk, including both sweetened condensed and evaporated varieties, contains significant amounts of lactose, often in higher concentrations than regular milk.

Quick Summary

Concentrated milk products contain higher levels of lactose than regular milk because the water has been removed, concentrating all milk solids. This can cause digestive issues for those with lactose intolerance, but lactose-free alternatives are available for a safe and nutritious diet.

Key Points

Lactose is concentrated: Concentrated milk contains more lactose per serving than regular milk because much of the water content has been removed.
Evaporated vs. Sweetened Condensed: Both evaporated and sweetened condensed milk contain high lactose levels, but only the sweetened variety has added sugar.
Lactose-free options exist: Lactose-free concentrated milk is produced by adding the lactase enzyme to break down lactose into simpler, more digestible sugars.
Nutritional parity: Lactose-free concentrated milk retains the same essential nutrients, such as calcium and protein, as its regular counterpart.
Managing intake: Individuals with lactose intolerance can manage their symptoms by choosing lactose-free alternatives, naturally low-lactose products like aged cheese, or using lactase enzyme supplements.
DIY alternatives: You can create homemade lactose-free condensed milk using store-bought lactose-free cow's milk and sugar.

Understanding Concentrated Milk

Concentrated milk products are a staple in many pantries, prized for their rich, creamy texture and long shelf life. The two most common types are evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk, and while they are produced through similar processes, they have a key difference: added sugar. Evaporated milk is simply milk with about 60% of its water content removed, while sweetened condensed milk undergoes the same water removal process but with a large amount of added sugar. The concentration of the milk solids—proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals—increases proportionally with the removal of water. Lactose, the natural sugar found in milk, is among these concentrated components.

Lactose in Evaporated and Condensed Milk

Because evaporated and sweetened condensed milk are made by removing a significant amount of water from fresh milk, the concentration of all milk solids, including lactose, increases dramatically. For individuals with lactose intolerance, this means a serving of concentrated milk can cause a more severe reaction than a serving of regular milk due to the higher lactose density per volume. A cup of regular whole milk contains about 13 grams of lactose, whereas a cup of evaporated or sweetened condensed milk can contain two to four times that amount. This increased density of lactose is a critical consideration for anyone managing lactose intolerance.

The Production of Lactose-Free Milk

For those who need a dairy-based option without the digestive discomfort, the market offers a wide array of lactose-free products. The process of creating lactose-free milk, including concentrated varieties, primarily involves two steps: membrane filtration and the addition of lactase enzyme.

Filtering: Fresh milk is passed through special filters, often to remove a portion of the lactose and other small molecules. This initial step reduces the overall lactose content, which also helps to manage the sweetness of the final product.
Enzymatic Hydrolysis: After filtration, the milk is treated with the lactase enzyme. This is the same enzyme that a person's body uses to break down lactose. It splits the complex lactose molecule into two simpler sugars, glucose and galactose, which are easily absorbed by the body without causing digestive issues.

This process does not alter the nutritional content of the milk, so lactose-free versions still provide the same essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins A, D, and B12.

Comparison of Lactose Content in Dairy Products

The following table illustrates the significant difference in lactose concentration between various dairy products, helping those with lactose intolerance make informed dietary choices.


Product	Lactose Content per 100g	Notes
Sweetened Condensed Milk	10-16 g	Also contains high amounts of added sugar.
Evaporated Milk	12.7 g	Concentrated milk, without the added sugar of condensed milk.
Whole Cow's Milk	4.0-5.0 g	The baseline for comparison; lactose is not concentrated.
Lactose-Free Milk	<0.1 g	Treated with lactase enzyme to break down lactose.
Aged Cheese	<0.5 g	Low lactose due to aging process; lactose is consumed by bacteria.

Nutrition and Dietary Choices for Lactose Intolerance

For individuals with lactose intolerance, a modified approach to a dairy-inclusive diet is necessary. The good news is that avoiding concentrated milk doesn't mean sacrificing dairy's nutritional benefits entirely. Here are some strategies for a balanced nutrition diet:

Choose Lactose-Free Alternatives: Opt for commercially available lactose-free dairy products, including lactose-free milks and creams. These products have the lactose pre-digested, so they provide the same nutritional value without the symptoms.
Embrace Naturally Low-Lactose Products: Certain dairy products are naturally low in lactose due to their production process. Hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan, cheddar, and Swiss have very little lactose because the whey (and lactose) is largely removed during manufacturing, and bacteria consume the remaining lactose during aging.
Use Lactase Enzyme Supplements: Lactase supplements, available in tablets or drops, can be taken before consuming dairy products to help the body digest lactose effectively. This is a convenient option when eating out or when lactose-free alternatives are not available.
Explore Plant-Based Options: Many people with severe intolerance or a dairy allergy turn to plant-based alternatives. Almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk can be used in many recipes that call for concentrated milk, and many are fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
Monitor Portion Sizes: Some people with lactose intolerance can tolerate small amounts of lactose, especially when consumed with other foods. Experiment with small portions of dairy to determine your personal tolerance level.

Can you use lactose-free milk to make condensed milk?

Yes, it is possible to make a homemade lactose-free sweetened condensed milk. By following the standard process of simmering milk and sugar to reduce and thicken the liquid, you can use lactose-free cow's milk as the base. This allows those with lactose intolerance to enjoy treats like caramel slices or Vietnamese iced coffee without the digestive side effects. The resulting product will be slightly sweeter than traditional condensed milk due to the pre-digested lactose.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if your nutrition diet needs to account for lactose intolerance, it is important to understand that concentrated milk products do contain lactose, and often in higher amounts than regular milk. Evaporated and sweetened condensed milk are produced by removing water, which concentrates the lactose, making them a high-risk dairy product for sensitive individuals. Fortunately, due to advances in food technology, there are excellent alternatives available. By opting for commercially produced lactose-free versions, utilizing lactase supplements, or choosing naturally low-lactose dairy products, you can maintain a balanced and dairy-inclusive diet without compromising your comfort.

For more information on managing lactose intolerance, you can consult reputable sources like Allergy UK.

Low-Lactose and Lactose-Free Dairy Options

Naturally Low-Lactose Products: Aged cheeses like Parmesan, sharp cheddar, and Swiss. The aging process allows bacteria to consume most of the lactose.
Lactose-Free Milk: Available in various fat percentages, these are cow's milk with added lactase enzyme.
Hard Cheeses: In addition to aged varieties, some hard cheeses have naturally low lactose content.
Cultured Dairy: Yogurt and kefir containing 'live and active cultures' can be easier to digest for some, as the bacterial cultures help break down the lactose.
Ghee: Clarified butter, with the milk solids (including lactose) removed during processing, is nearly lactose-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, evaporated milk is not lactose-free. It is a concentrated dairy product made by removing water from milk, which concentrates all the milk solids, including lactose, the natural sugar found in milk.

Concentrated milk has more lactose per volume than regular milk because approximately 60% of the water has been removed during processing. This removal of water means all other milk components, including lactose, are more concentrated.

Sweetened condensed milk is generally unsuitable for people with lactose intolerance. Since it's a concentrated form of milk, it contains a high amount of lactose, which can trigger digestive discomfort.

To make concentrated milk lactose-free, manufacturers use a two-step process involving filtering out some lactose and then adding the lactase enzyme to break down the remaining lactose into easily digestible sugars like glucose and galactose.

Yes, lactose-free concentrated milk tastes slightly sweeter than its regular counterpart. This is because the lactase enzyme breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose, which are perceived as sweeter by the taste buds.

Yes, aged cheeses like Parmesan, cheddar, and Swiss are naturally very low in lactose. The aging process allows bacteria to consume most of the lactose, making them easier to digest for many with lactose intolerance.

Good plant-based alternatives to concentrated milk include coconut milk, almond milk, and soy milk. These can often be used in the same recipes, offering a dairy-free option.