Our cooperative produces lactose free milk so the health benefits of organic milk are available to lactose intolerant individuals. An estimated 25% of Americans are unable to digest lactose. Lactose intolerance is particularly common in non-European ethnic populations. As people age, they produce less lactase. Lactose intolerance occurs in children as well, but not as frequently. Organic Valley produces the only organic lactose free milk on the market today.

Ultra pasteurized milks, should be stored cold (below 40 degrees). Proper storage of these milks is very important because the conversion of lactose sugar to glucose and galactose makes these milks more sensitive to variations in storage temperature.

Lactose intolerant individuals can enjoy the health benefits of drinking real organic milk from pasture-fed cows, and don't need to seek out dairy alternatives. Drinking organically produced milk offers optimal nutritional value, reduces exposure to synthetic chemicals, and supports healthier food production in our country. Up to 78% of Americans are believed to be calcium deficient-organic milk is an excellent source of easily absorbed calcium.

Organic Valley lactose free milk can be used in all the same ways other milk is used. Drink a glass of rich, creamy lactose free milk as a satisfying snack, with a meal, or have it with a bowl of cereal. Lactose free milk can also be used in lactose free sauces, salad dressings, and desserts.

Organic whole milk from our pasture-fed cows is skimmed to the desired fat level, and then the enzyme "lactase" is added to the milk and slowly mixed for 24 hours. We derive our lactase enzyme from the dairy yeast Kluyveromyces. It takes a minimum of 24 hours for the lactase enzyme to break down the lactose. Samples of the milk are tested to ensure the lactose is reduced to a "lactose free" state, and then the milk is ultra-pasteurized.

There are no specific federal regulations governing lactose free labeling. We believe the statement "lactose free" should meet a threshold lower than 0.5 grams per serving. Lactose tests cannot guarantee zero lactose. The test we utilize typically has a 0.1% detection limit, and does not allow us to detect lactose contents below that level. Where to Buy | Reading Room | FAQ | Farmer Support | Contact Us | General Store | Resources

Organic Valley's lactose free milk is delicious and nutritious organic milk with the natural enzyme lactase added. Lactase breaks down the milk-sugar lactose into the more easily digestible sugars galactose and glucose. The lactase we add is similar to the lactase created by the body during normal digestion of dairy products. After the lactose is broken down to galactose and glucose, the milk is sometimes perceived as having a slightly sweeter flavor profile.

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Yes. All natural mammalian milks, including human milk, contain lactose (milk sugar). However, many lactose intolerant people are able to tolerate goat milk. It has been suggested that the reason for this lies in its superior digestibility. Quickly passing through the digestive tract, goat milk leaves less undigested residue behind in the colon to ferment and cause the unpleasant symptoms of lactose intolerance.

Organic Valley produces the only certified organic lactose free milk on the market, today. Furthermore, we use all organic flavors - organic strawberry and organic vanilla, as well as organic cocoa - in our flavored single-serve milks. No colors are added.

Certified organic milk is put into a tank at a very low level, about 200ppm (0.02%) of lactase enzyme is added. Over the next 24 hours the lactase breaks down the lactose sugar into glucose and galactose. Every gram of lactose is broken down into ? gram glucose and ? gram galactose so the carbohydrate content of the milk stays the same.

Organic Valley's independent family farms are clustered in regions across the country. We package and deliver their milk to the nearest regional markets to ensure value and freshness. Look at your carton to see which region it's coming from.

It is pasteurized organic whole milk that has not been homogenized. We call it 'Cream-On-Top' because of the visible layer of cream that rises to the top of the milk. This separation occurs naturally when milk is non-homogenized.

Our family farms in the Northwest region produce our Cream-On-Top milk. At this time, the product is only available in the Northwest.

We introduce the natural enzyme lactase into the milk. Lactase breaks down lactose into more easily digestible glucose and galactose.

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Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest significant amounts of lactose, which is the predominant sugar in milk. In lactose free products, the lactose is converted into two simple sugars that the body of someone with lactose intolerance can easily digest. Thus, they can still enjoy the same milk product without the discomfort.

Wholesome, delicious, and nutritious Organic Valley milk is produced by cooperative family farmers working in harmony with nature. Certified organic farms are required to follow the strict production rules of the USDA's National Organic Standards (www.ams.usda.gov/nop), and are inspected and audited for compliance by an independent third party for compliance every year.

We are not "certified organic"... however, the milk produced The Goat Man is free of antibiotics, pesticides, preservatives and Bovine Growth Hormones (BGH). We do not advocate the sale of raw milk.

Wholesome, delicious, and nutritious Organic Valley milk is produced by cooperative family farmers working in harmony with nature. Certified organic farms are required to follow the strict production rules of the USDA's National Organic Standards (www.ams.usda.gov/nop), and are inspected and audited for compliance by an independent third party for compliance every year.

Milk contains a sugar called lactose. In order to digest lactose, the body must produce a special enzyme called lactase. If the body doesn't produce enough lactase, the undigested lactose can cause gas, nausea, cramps, and diarrhea. This is lactose intolerance. Certain groups are more prone to lactose intolerance: Blacks, Native Americans, Asians, the elderly, and the sick.

The Medifast Protein bars, Ready-to Drink products, Take Shape Shakes and Fast Soups are all lactose free. Medifast 55 and Medifast 70 shakes are considered low-lactose products as each shake contains only one gram of lactose per serving. The FDA allows the claim "lactose free" for any product that contains less than 0.5 grams of lactose per serving.

Lactobacillus denotes ”lactic acid producing” or “acid loving.” The term “Lacto” does not indicate a relation to lactose or dairy, as is commonly misunderstood. Lactose may be used in the medium to grow the probiotic culture; however, this is completely removed from the final product. Our probiotic formula, Plantadophilus, is lactose-free, and prefers a pH of 6.5 to 6.8. [back to top]

All imported cheeses: Swiss, Light Swiss, Oltermanni Baby Muenster, Havarti, Muenster, Gouda and Black Label Swiss. Swiss, Light Swiss and Muenster loaves are sold behind the glass in the service deli. Swiss, Light Swiss, Havarti, Muenster and Gouda are also sold presliced and prepackaged in the self-service deli. All five varieties of our presliced cheeses are also sold in stick form on the cheese table in the self-service deli. Oltermanni Baby Muenster is also available in a 1lb.

Organic Valley shelf-stable 8 oz. Low Fat (1%) milk is delicious and nutritious single-serve organic milk. Convenience, portability and portion control make this product an instant favorite with busy people. The revolutionary process of aseptic packaging allows the milk to be stored at room or chilled temperatures for up to 6 months until opened. The milks come in original and chocolate flavor, and eliminate worry about the product staying fresh.

We have a supplier who imports certified organic produce from the United States, Mexico, and other countries. We require that growers from outside of the Kootenays be certified organic. We have many Kootenay and South Okanagan growers who we buy produce from whenever possible. In order to support local growers, we do not require that our Kootenay organic growers be certified however most of our growers are. Our non-certified growers grow to certified standards.