Many children are diagnosed with cow milk allergies within the first few years of life. While uncommon, some adults can develop symptoms of a cow milk allergy as well. Cow milk allergy is an allergy to milk protein, which is different than lactose intolerance. Symptoms of a milk protein allergy usually occur quickly after consumption of a food item that contains cow’s milk. These symptoms can be a mild rash to severe anaphylactic shock which requires immediate medical attention.
If you fear you have a milk protein allergy, make sure to talk with your doctor or registered dietitian. Along with the attention of your healthcare provider, you should also consider confirming your milk allergy with a test that detects IgE allergies and IgG food intolerances. These food tests can give you a complete picture of foods that bother you. You may want to avoid all animal-based milk until your doctor can give you clearance on these items.
What foods contain milk?
Most people with a milk protein allergy know to avoid milk, but milk is used in lots of different foods. Don’t forget about milk that is used in baking! Here is a list of obvious (and no so obvious) food items that contain cow’s milk:
- Cow’s milk (reduced fat, full fat, and flavored milks)
- Half-and-half, cream
- Whipping cream
- Buttermilk, sour cream
- Cheese
- Cottage cheese, curds
- Ice cream, custards
- Pudding
- Ghee
- Yogurt, Greek yogurt
- Chocolate
- Baked goods (cakes, cupcakes, cookies)
- Candy (caramel)
- Artificial butter flavoring
- Cream-based sauces and dressings
- Margarine, butter (watch out for melted butter on restaurant meals)
- For a complete list, visit the FARE website
Milk is one of the top 8 allergens and must be identified on food product labels. Here are some key words to look for on food labels that tell you the product contains milk:
- Casein hydrolysate
- Caseinate
- Lactalbumin (includes lactalbumin phosphate)
- Lactoferrin
- Lactose
- Lactulose
- Milk protein hydrolysate
- Rennet casein
- Whey (includes whey protein isolate)
What should I do if I have a milk protein allergy?
As with any allergy, it is imperative that you avoid all products that contain milk. This includes items that are baked or cooked with milk-containing products. If you suspect you consumed a food that contained milk, monitor and manage your symptoms. In severe cases, you may need immediate medical attention.
- At Home: When eating and cooking at home, you control how your meals are prepared. Make sure everyone who cooks in your household is aware and understands how to prepare meals for you. One simple mistake can be dangerous to your health!
- Eating Out: When out at restaurants for fast food places, it is essential that you alert the staff that you have a milk allergy. Restaurants are becoming increasingly adept to cooking for people with food allergies.
- At the Grocery Store: When shopping for food, make sure to read all ingredients and food labels. Look for the mandatory allergen warning on labeled food. Foods in the deli, seafood, and bakery sections of your grocery store may not have food labels. Talk with the staff about your allergy. You should also know grocery-prepared foods that contain milk products or are used on the same equipment as milk products:
- Deli meats may be sliced on the same equipment as cheese
- Processed and packaged meats may contain cheese for flavoring or contain casein
- Some fish may contain casein
Now that you know how to test for a cow’s milk allergy and what foods to avoid, be your own advocate and protector of your health. Refer back to the lists above and remember the tips provided for eating at home, eating out, and grocery shopping. Above all, avoid foods containing cow’s milk. Always make sure you have an epinephrine auto injector with you and know how to use it. Teach your friends and family how to use it if you can’t do it yourself.
