Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is the inability to absorb lactose (the predominant sugar in milk) into the digestive system. Lactose is a disaccharide and for lactose to be absorbed, it must be split into smaller sugars by the enzyme lactase, which is present in the lining of the small intestine.  If the levels of the lactase enzyme are low or absent, a lactose intolerance occurs.

People who have had major bowel or stomach surgery or suffer from coeliac disease, are often lactose intolerant.  Avoiding foods containing dairy products can help lactose intolerance.  Foods which contain lactose are milk, milk powder, butter, margarine, prepared foods & bread.

Fermented milk products such as yoghurt and cheese also contain lactose.

We have substituted Soya milk and dairy free margarine for milk products in our recipes.  ‘Pure' margarine, which is free from hydrogenated oils, artificial colourings and preservatives, is used in our recipes.  It is still possible to have a fish pie with a creamy filling!