Is there lactose in condensed milk?
High — take care.
Condensed milk is high in lactose — it's essentially milk with the water removed and sugar added, so the lactose is concentrated. It's one to be careful with, especially in desserts where it's used generously.
No surprises here, but worth spelling out: condensed milk is milk that’s been reduced down, which concentrates everything — including the lactose. Because it turns up in sweets, slices and desserts where it’s used by the canful, it can deliver a big lactose hit.
:::note Mate to mate: this is a “know it’s in there” ingredient. A lot of no-bake desserts and caramel slices lean on condensed milk, so if those reliably upset you, this is likely why. :::
How much lactose is in condensed milk?
Because the water is removed, condensed milk contains more lactose per spoon than regular milk. In a dessert made largely from it, the total can be significant.
When you can still enjoy it
Lactose-free condensed milk exists and works in most recipes. Coconut condensed milk is a dairy-free alternative for baking. Or, for a small serve of a treat, a lactase tablet can help.
If condensed milk isn't handy, reach for…
Common questions
Can lactose-intolerant people have condensed milk?
Is there a lactose-free condensed milk?
Why do caramel desserts upset my stomach?
Want the full picture? Grab our free Living Lactose-Free in Australia cheat sheet — it sorts 60+ foods like this one so you never have to guess at the supermarket again.