What is a Dairy-Free Diet – interested in learning more about a dairy-free diet? This is a great place to start!

Learn where to start, resources and try some fun new dairy-free recipes!

(This is informational ONLY.  If you are considering a dairy-free diet please discuss with your doctor or a dietitian)

Have you been thinking about trying a dairy-free diet?  If so, you have come to the right place!  

What is Dairy

Dairy products or milk products are a type of food produced from or containing the milk of mammals. They are primarily produced from mammals such as cattle, water buffaloes, goats, sheep, camels and humans.

What is a Dairy-Free Diet

Following a dairy-free diet would be omitting all dairy products and foods with dairy in them.

What Foods are Dairy-Based

• Milk
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Butter
• Ice Cream
• There are many more.  For a complete list checkout this list of foods and ingredients to avoid. 

What are Some Reasons that People Choose (or have to) Eat a Dairy-Free Diet

Some people have a diagnosed milk allergy, lactose intolerance, or they might just find that foods containing dairy give them problems like:

• Digestive troubles
• Acne
• Eczema
• Feel groggy
• Other allergic reactions

What Benefits Might you see if you Follow a Dairy-Free Diet

When you remove foods with dairy in them from your diet you might notice that any of the above symptoms that you are experiencing might resolve themselves.

Some people need to eliminate dairy entirely and some might still be able to tolerate certain dairy products (i.e. cheese or yogurt) but not others.  You could follow just a milk-free diet, or lactose-free or casein-free.  It all depends on your own body and how it reacts to each.

If you continue to experience some of these symptoms after eliminating dairy you might want to discuss this further with a doctor or registered dietitian.

The Whole30 effect – some people find that they feel better eating a dairy-free diet after doing a round of whole30, not because they are allergic, but after reintroduction they find they just feel better, lighter, and less groggy.

Now that you have identified what to avoid, find what foods make your body feel great

Ok, it can be hard knowing that some foods that taste absolutely delicious don’t jive well with your body.  But when you see how good your body will feel after omitting the foods that give you trouble – I promise you, it’s worth it!!  There are so many delicious foods in this world and we are here to help you with some amazing recipes to fit the diet that helps you feel your best!

Here are a few dairy-free reader favorites:

1. Dairy-Free Broccoli Cheese Soup
2. Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole
3. Healthy Chicken Salad
4. Strawberry Smoothie
5. Dairy-Free Lasagna

Interested in going dairy-free: tips on starting

1. Learn ALL the foods that may contain dairy 
2. Learn about dairy-free certifications on packaged foods
3. Track how you are feeling when you eat various foods with dairy
4. Talk to a doctor or dietitian
5. Start experimenting with new recipes!   Here are a few we love:
   1. Meatballs and Dumplings
   2. Matcha Latte
   3. Ultimate Shrimp and Chicken Green Curry

Interested in other ways of eating

• What is … Plant Based
• What is … Gluten-Free
• What is … Whole30
• What is … Paleo
• What is … Real Food