Ingredient

Lactase Enzyme

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Source
Unknown
Not yet classified by editors
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add lactase enzyme to dairy products to make them lactose-free. This process breaks …

What it is

Lactase enzyme is a protein that helps break down lactose, a sugar found in milk. It is naturally produced in the small intestine of mammals. For food use, it is typically produced through fermentation by specific strains of yeast or bacteria.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add lactase enzyme to dairy products to make them lactose-free. This process breaks down lactose into simpler sugars (glucose and galactose), making the product easier to digest for people with lactose intolerance. It is commonly found in milk, yogurt, ice cream, and other dairy-based foods.

Health notes

Lactase enzyme is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is not a nutrient but a processing aid that helps digest a specific carbohydrate. JECFA has evaluated lactase and established an acceptable daily intake. Its addition to food primarily benefits individuals with lactose intolerance by reducing digestive discomfort.

Allergen info

Lactase enzyme itself is not one of the nine major allergens. However, if it is produced using dairy-based fermentation media, trace amounts of milk could be present. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Lactase Enzyme

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Protein Milk Beverage Shamrock Foods Company Protein Milk Beverage Milk 54kcal 8.5Protein 1.1Fat 3.1Carbs Darigold, Inc. Darigold, Lactose Free Low Fat Milk Milk 47kcal 3.8Protein 1.1Fat 5.5Carbs Protein Milk Breverage, Vanilla Shamrock Foods Company Protein Milk Breverage, Vanilla Energy, Protein & Muscle Recovery Drinks 54kcal 8.5Protein 1.1Fat 3.4Carbs Protein Milk Beverage, Chocolate Shamrock Foods Company Protein Milk Beverage, Chocolate Energy, Protein & Muscle Recovery Drinks 54kcal 8.5Protein 1.3Fat 3.4Carbs Reduced Fat Milk Harris-Teeter Inc. Reduced Fat Milk Milk 54kcal 3.3Protein 2.1Fat 5.4Carbs Harris-Teeter Inc. Ultra-Filtered Nonfat Milk Milk 33kcal 4.6Protein 0Fat 2.9Carbs SHURFINE 100% Lactose Free 2% Reduced Fat Milk Milk 50kcal 3.3Protein 2.1Fat 4.6Carbs NANCY'S Organic Probiotic Whole Milk Kefir, Vanilla Yogurt High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 83kcal 4.2Protein 3.8Fat 7.9Carbs HARRIS TEETER Blackberry Cultured Dairy Blend Yogurt 41kcal 5.3Protein 0.9Fat 2.9Carbs HARRIS TEETER Vanilla Cultured Dairy Blend Yogurt 40kcal 5.3Protein 0.9Fat 2.6Carbs LIDL Grade A Ultra Pasteurized Fat Free Lactose Free Milk Milk 33kcal 3.3Protein 0Fat 5Carbs HARRIS TEETER Strawberry Banana Cultured Dairy Blend, Strawberry Banana Yogurt 41kcal 5.3Protein 0.9Fat 2.9Carbs
Vitamin D3 (324 products) Vitamin A Palmitate (225 products) Natural Flavors (153 products) Water (123 products) Salt (113 products) Cream (107 products) Carrageenan (99 products) Milk (86 products) Sucralose (79 products) Sugar (74 products)

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.