If you are allergic to dairy, you have already experienced the difficulty in finding dairy-free processed food products.  After all, even things that look safe may contain traces of your allergen.

There are many items you should research and possibly avoid that may contain dairy ingredients.  For instance, caramel color, artificial butter flavor, seasonings and flavorings may include dairy.  Be cautious when purchasing canned fish, tuna fish and processed meats.  Never purchase deli meat sliced in a food mart as deli slicers are used for both cheese and meat. Additionally, many deli meats have milk additives themselves.

Some hygiene products and cosmetics are made with dairy derivatives.  There are also medications and supplements that are made with casein enriched cornstarch.

When you are shopping, beware of labels advertising, “non-dairy substitutes.”  A surprising number of products labeled “non-dairy” actually contain small amounts of milk.

Related posts:

1. Egg Allergy: The Basics
2. Soy Allergy: The Basics
3. Wheat and Gluten Allergy: The Basics