Increasingly popular with people looking for a healthier alternative to traditional alcoholic drinks, However, alcohol-free beer does not always fit in with a lactose-free diet.
Follow the guide to find out everything there is to know about the links between lactose and non-alcoholic beers, so that you can enjoy them safely and without any undesirable effects.
Lactose and alcohol-free beer: an unexpected duo
Whether with or without alcohol, some brewers' beers are made from milk sugar, the famous lactose, which may be used during boiling or secondary fermentation. This non-fermentable sugar is mainly used in stout and brown ale beers. to soften the taste, like a sweetener. Lactose can also add a creamy texture to the beer, so the perfect dosage depends largely on the degree of creaminess and bitterness reduction desired.
Because it is non-fermentable, lactose does not increase the alcohol content of beer. In alcohol-free beers, lactose can also be added to a minimalist list of ingredients, consisting of water, hops, malt and yeast.
Good to know: lactose is present in beverages with light, sweet, creamy flavours, which have a certain roundness and a slight bitterness on the palate.
Monte Carlo Beer's alcohol-free lager is one of the non-alcoholic beers with lactose. On the other hand, Heineken 0%, for example, is one of the popular alcohol-free beers that do not mention lactose in their ingredients.
Do all beers contain lactose?
Rest assured: all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers contain no lactose, as it is not naturally present in the hops. On the contrary, the addition of lactose is rather marginal. It mainly concerns Milk Stouts and Milkshake IPAs, which are as smooth as they are creamy.
Please note: this does not mean that these beers are made with milk as such, but rather that the sugar derived from milk replaces some of the sugar normally used during the brewing process. If you are lactose-intolerant, however, you are advised to drink these beverages in moderation or to take an oral supplement of the enzyme lactase at the same time to reduce or eliminate the side effects associated with lactose consumption.
Before you try a new alcohol-free beer, be sure to decipher the label to avoid any nasty surprises. By law, manufacturers are obliged to clearly indicate in bold any allergens present in their products. Lactose can be found under a variety of names: milk, whey, milk powder, whey, etc., which is why it's so important to inform yourself on the subject.
If you're following a strict lactose-free diet, be sure to choose beers whose labels do not mention any milk derivatives. Don't hesitate to ask the professionals at the bar or brewery to avoid any ambiguity and enjoy your beer with complete peace of mind.
Enjoy your alcohol-free beers without worry with LACTOLERANCE!
Hello, I'm Vincent
Like you, I'm lactose intolerantI know exactly what you're going through and the difficulties you encounter on a daily basis. For over 10 years, I've been helping our customers to use our dietary supplements and giving advice and tips on how to improve their digestive comfort. I'm also a keen cook and gourmet, so you'll find my favourite recipes for a lactose-free diet in this blog.
Lactose intolerance is not inevitable! With LACTOLERANCE you can digest with complete peace of mind
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