This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Eli Casas. Find them on Instagram at @elicasasnow. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Chocolate milk was my favorite growing up, and I can’t believe my body could tolerate dairy once upon a time. Somewhere between 15 and 20, my body said no more milk, double it, and give it to the next person. Not being able to consume milk-based products does come with some challenges, but there’s always a way, right? I began listening to my body and finding my limits as I embraced being lactose intolerant. Let’s phase it. Being in denial was not working out, and dairy moves fast when your body can’t process it correctly.
The Science Behind The Challenge
So, what’s coming between you and that pint of ice cream? Science, it’s all scientific.
Essentially, we are all born with the proper enzyme to process lactose. However, our levels decrease gradually as we age, leading to lactose intolerance.
In other cases, individuals develop different forms of lactose intolerance due to other health conditions, but this is less common.
You are not alone. About 60% of the United States population is right there with you, dealing with lactose intolerance.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, tests are available to determine whether or not you are lactose intolerant. As far as treatment goes, you can take supplements before consuming dairy that helps your body break down the lactose, such as Lactaid pills, which are typically available at your local pharmacy.
Tips Instead Of Denial
Are the Lactaid pills the ultimate hack? Yes, but in some ways, they feel like they only delay what’s yet to come. I have tried Lactaid pills before, and they do help with the discomfort. They allow your body to consume dairy more freely but are less effective if you don’t follow the instructions.
Some dairy products are easier to consume because they have fewer or no symptoms—I know it’s exciting! For example, aged cheese does not contain high amounts of lactose, making it easier for lactose-intolerant individuals to digest. You may already know some of them, such as cheddar or Swiss cheese. From first-hand experience, I can eat several pieces of cheddar cheese and feel no symptoms. However, not everyone experiences lactose intolerance the same way, so it’s essential to consult with a medical professional for parameters catered to your needs.
Just As Good Alternatives
The saddest thing about not being able to digest dairy properly is missing some of my favorite desserts, primarily ice cream. Over the years, several brands have become more inclusive. Still, not all ice cream shops have alternatives or a big selection. Side note: If you’re from LA or ever in town, check out Magpies. They have a decent-sized selection, and the flavors are present—some of the best dairy-free soft-serve I have ever had!
That said, Ben & Jerry’s deserves its flowers, too. Their shops offer an assortment of dairy-free flavors that are jam-packed with flavor. As someone who loves chocolate chip ice cream, I have become fond of their chocolate chip cookie dough made with oat milk.
Over the years, I learned that the easiest way to exist in spaces with limited options for my needs, in this case, dairy-free alternatives, is to shift my perspective by choosing to primarily frequent places that provide me with choices I like. Of course, there are circumstances where my presence may be required somewhere with no alternatives, and that’s okay because there’s also the option to gravitate towards foods that do not consist of dairy at all. A little food for thought!
What if no ice cream shops near you have dairy-free alternatives, or the selection is too bleak? Research and find grocery stores that carry dairy-free ice cream; it’s becoming more common. Let’s quickly run through some brands I have tried and think are worth trying. First up, Ben & Jerry’s has an assortment of pints, including Cherry Garcia, which is a solid 10 out 10, but if that’s not your palate, there’s also Chocolate Fudge Brownie, to name a couple.
Some other brands worth checking out include Talenti, SO Delicious, Oatly, and Simple Truth, to name a few.
Okay, we covered some ice cream alternatives, but there are also cheese, milk, and other dairy-free product alternatives. As I mentioned, some individuals can easily consume aged cheese, but if that’s not an option for you, check brands such as Follow Your Heart. They have shredded cheese options as well as cheese slices and more. They even have Feta crumbles!
I love it when the cheese has flavor and a noticeable cheese pull, and if you do, too, Daiya has it. The Mexican Blend Shreds in a quesadilla! Ugh! Do you know who else has that cheesy pull? CHAO by Field Roast. Their plant-based slices work wonders in grilled cheese sandwiches. I promise I am not overexaggerating; they are delicious.
For other dairy-free products such as sour cream, cream cheese, and butter, my go-to is Violife because the texture and flavor are to my liking; it doesn’t taste too plant-based.
I won’t lie to you and tell you that finding plant-based milk is easy because it takes time, but the key takeaway is that you want to find one with all-natural ingredients and little to no additives like gums or artificial additives. Again, finding a milk alternative that meets your needs may require research. However, based on ingredients, MALK is worth looking into.
Acceptance Is The First Step
Well, my fellow lactose-intolerant friends, I hope you have enjoyed these lactose-intolerant tips and that you don’t stray too far from your limits. Remember, consuming dairy when your body cannot digest it properly has consequences. However, finding dairy-free alternatives is a great way to not give up all your favorite foods. The most important thing is to accept lactose intolerance for what it is, a simple but complex genetic condition that sometimes comes with age. Much like all things that come with age, with the right accommodations and perspective, it does not have to hinder your life.
Do you have any lactose intolerant tips? Let us know in the comments below.
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