What Can I Add to Milk to Make It Lactose-Free?

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

An estimated 75% of the global population loses the ability to digest lactose as they age, a condition known as lactose intolerance. For those who love the taste of real milk but suffer from digestive discomfort, the solution is simple: you can add a lactase enzyme to milk to make it lactose-free yourself.

Quick Summary

Using lactase enzyme drops, you can easily convert regular dairy milk into a lactose-free version at home. This process breaks down the lactose sugar into simpler, more digestible sugars. Shake the milk and enzyme together, then refrigerate for at least 24 hours to achieve significant lactose reduction.

Key Points

Lactase Enzyme Drops: Add liquid lactase enzyme drops directly to regular milk to break down its lactose content.
At-Home Process: Simply add the drops to a carton of milk, shake it well, and refrigerate for 24 hours to achieve significant lactose reduction.
Flavor Alteration: The conversion of lactose into simple sugars (glucose and galactose) will give the milk a slightly sweeter taste.
Not for Allergies: This method addresses lactose intolerance, not a dairy protein allergy.
Cost-Effective: Making your own lactose-free milk with lactase drops is generally more affordable than buying commercial versions.
Limited Use: Lactase drops are not effective in acidic dairy products like yogurt and buttermilk; use lactase tablets for these items instead.

Using Lactase Enzyme Drops to Create Lactose-Free Milk

For many, buying pre-made lactose-free milk is convenient but can be more expensive and may not offer the flavor or freshness of regular dairy. By adding liquid lactase enzyme drops directly to a container of milk, you can create your own at home, giving you complete control over the process and ingredients. This method is the same enzymatic process used by commercial manufacturers. The lactase enzyme breaks down lactose, a complex sugar, into two simpler, more easily digestible sugars: glucose and galactose. This process is not instant and requires some time to fully convert the lactose, typically 24 hours in the refrigerator.

Step-by-Step Guide for Homemade Lactose-Free Milk

Here is a simple breakdown of how to make your own lactose-free milk using lactase drops:

Purchase liquid lactase drops: These are available at most pharmacies, health food stores, or online retailers.
Add drops to milk: Follow the dosage instructions on the product packaging, as the number of drops can vary by brand and desired lactose reduction level.
Mix thoroughly: Seal the milk container tightly and shake it well to ensure the enzyme is evenly distributed throughout the milk.
Refrigerate and wait: Place the container back in the refrigerator. The lactase will need at least 24 hours to break down the lactose effectively. For a greater reduction, some brands suggest waiting up to 48 hours or adding more drops.
Enjoy your dairy! Once the time has passed, your milk is ready to use in recipes, with cereal, or simply to drink.

Comparing Lactase Treatment vs. Dairy Alternatives

While treating regular milk is an effective solution, it's important to understand how it differs from other lactose-free options.


Feature	Lactase-Treated Dairy Milk	Plant-Based Alternatives	Store-Bought Lactose-Free Milk
Starting Product	Regular cow's milk	Nuts, seeds, grains (almonds, oats, soy)	Regular cow's milk
Lactose Content	Significantly reduced or near-zero	Naturally lactose-free	Significantly reduced or near-zero
Nutritional Profile	Virtually identical to regular milk	Varies widely; often fortified with calcium and vitamins	Identical to regular milk, just with lactase added
Flavor	Slightly sweeter due to simple sugars	Distinct flavor based on the source ingredient	Can taste slightly sweeter; some ultra-pasteurized versions may have a "cooked" taste
Preparation	DIY process; requires adding drops and waiting	Ready-to-drink from the carton	Ready-to-drink from the carton
Cost	More cost-effective than store-bought lactose-free milk	Varies by brand and type	Often more expensive than regular dairy milk

Considerations for Making Your Own

Using lactase drops offers the advantage of convenience and customization. You can choose your preferred fat percentage of milk and adjust the dosage to match your sensitivity level. However, it is not a perfect solution for everyone. For those with a true dairy allergy, this method will not work, as it does not remove the milk protein that causes the allergic reaction. This is also an option only for fresh dairy products. Liquid lactase drops are not suitable for use in acidic dairy products like yogurt or buttermilk, as the enzyme is not stable in an acidic environment. In these cases, taking a lactase tablet or capsule at the time of consumption is the recommended approach.

Other Approaches and Considerations

Another method involves fermentation. Products like yogurt and kefir are already easier for many people with lactose intolerance to digest because the bacteria in the live cultures help to break down the lactose naturally. For those looking for completely dairy-free options, homemade plant-based milks from oats, almonds, or soy are simple and cost-effective alternatives.

Conclusion

Adding lactase drops to milk is the most direct way to make it lactose-free at home, providing a fresh, cost-effective, and customizable option for those with lactose intolerance. While pre-made lactose-free milk and various plant-based alternatives are widely available, preparing your own dairy-based version allows you to control the ingredients and taste. Just remember that this method is for managing lactose intolerance, not a dairy allergy, and is best suited for fresh, non-acidic milk products. For other dairy items, over-the-counter lactase tablets are a more suitable option. Enjoying the goodness of dairy is still possible, even with lactose sensitivity, thanks to these simple solutions. For additional information on managing lactose intolerance, consult the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lactase drops contain the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the complex sugar lactose in milk into two simpler, more digestible sugars called glucose and galactose.

For optimal results, the milk should be shaken with the lactase drops and then refrigerated for at least 24 hours. A longer wait time can reduce more lactose.

Yes, it will make the milk taste slightly sweeter. This is because the lactose is broken down into simple sugars, which are perceived by the taste buds as sweeter.

Lactase drops are generally safe for individuals with lactose intolerance. However, they should not be used by those with a dairy allergy, as the milk protein remains unchanged. Always consult a healthcare professional before use, especially for infants, or if you have a medical condition.

No, liquid lactase drops are not effective in acidic products like yogurt, sour cream, or buttermilk. For these foods, over-the-counter lactase tablets or capsules are the recommended solution to take right before consumption.

Yes, the nutritional profile remains largely the same. The process breaks down the lactose sugar but retains the milk's protein, calcium, vitamins, and minerals.

In many cases, yes. Lactase drops are relatively affordable, and the process can be more cost-effective over time compared to the higher price of store-bought lactose-free milk.