ImportantThis guide is educational and does not replace diagnosis, medical advice, the official product label, or your personal emergency plan.
Start with the allergen declaration
On U.S. packaged foods, milk must be named either in the ingredient list or in a nearby Contains statement. Read both areas every time, even for a familiar product.
Names that can point to milk
Whey, casein, caseinate, curds, milk solids, buttermilk, cream, butter, and ghee are among the terms that can indicate milk ingredients.
- Casein and caseinates are milk proteins
- Whey is a milk-derived protein fraction
- Lactose-free does not automatically mean milk-protein-free
Check the exact package
Recipes can change and similar products can use different ingredients. If wording is unclear, contact the manufacturer before eating.