Lactose-Free Foods for Kids

In a lactose-free diet, you are substituting cow's milk with other products that are similar yet contain no dairy. When it comes to a child's diet, the most important thing is to make sure the child gets the nutrition he or she requires while omitting foods that contain dairy. As children are usually harder to please in terms of flavor and type of foods, it can be harder to adjust their diets. However, soy-based and rice-based products offer many options that are nutritious and easy to substitute.

Soy-based products

Soy products are made from soybeans, which contain folic acid, iron and minerals like calcium. Soy milk has gained popularity in the past several years and can now be found at any grocery store. Companies such as Silk, Soy Dream and Total Soy provide original soy milk, as well as vanilla and chocolate soy milk, which children may like better. These companies also distribute soy ice cream, yogurt, mix for shakes and even baby formula. Soy milk and products can be enjoyed on their own or used in recipes that call for milk.

Rice-based products

While rice products are high in carbohydrates, they also provide a lot of nutritional benefits for children on a lactose-free diet. Rice milk contains 20% of the recommended daily calcium intake, as well as vitamin C. Similarly to soy products, rice products are easy to find and come in many different variations. Milk, ice cream and yogurt can be found made out of rice. They can be found in sweetened and unsweetened variations.

Recipe ideas

In addition to providing children with rice and soy substitutions for dairy, there are ways to create their favorite foods without lactose. Macaroni and cheese can be made with soy cheese; ice cream sundaes can be made with soy or rice ice cream and soy whipped cream. Even chocolate mousse can be made out of tofu, soy milk and cocoa flavoring. Chowder, french toast and grilled cheese are also popular meals that can be made with soy or rice substitutions. Check the Rice Dream website, listed below, for more recipe ideas.