Dairy Free- Need Help

I cut most dairy out of my diet because I have really high cholesterol. Also, dairy is like crack to me and was a big part of my weight gain!! I found a few good dairy alternatives that will satisfy a cheese/dairy craving pretty well...

Go Veggie! products are my favorite. They have dairy-free shredded cheese, sliced cheese, parmesan cheese, cream cheese - you name it! I give these products to my friends and family and they have no idea it isn't real dairy. The sliced cheese is great on grilled cheese sandwiches, and I love the cream cheese.

Tofutti Supreme Sour - this is the only good sour cream alternative I've found. I really enjoy it on potatoes and you can even make dip with it.

Check out a health food store for other dairy alternatives. It's a little hit-or-miss, but you'll be able to eventually find things that you like. I'm able to buy the Go Veggie! and Tofutti products at my local grocery store, but you may need to try a Whole Foods or specialty store in your area.

Good luck!

Is it due to lactose or casein?

I am not sure, I have been having angioedema. It almost always happens after I eat Greek Yogurt, but sometimes with ice cream or even lactose free milk. I have not been back to my allergist in a year, because it cost too much.

Since that is a sign of a serious allergic reaction, and possible anaphylaxis, this really isn't the appropriate forum for your issue. Go to the doctor. how much is your life worth?

My niece has a dairy allergy. It is surprising how many products contain dairy - it's even taco seasoning packets!

When I cook and bake for my niece, I use the Earth Balance brand butter. It tastes decent and works pretty well in all the recipes I have substituted it in. When I bake with it, the cookies taste fine but are slightly more crumbly.

Stop giving her recipes or food alternative ideas until she's able to see her doc and find out what the trigger is. She's obviously got a serious allergy since her reaction is anaphylactic. If she doesn't find the exact trigger there's a risk of death involved.

Stop giving her recipes or food alternative ideas until she's able to see her doc and find out what the trigger is. She's obviously got a serious allergy since her reaction is anaphylactic. If she doesn't find the exact trigger there's a risk of death involved.

I thank you for your concerns. I know what my triggers are, I just have not been retested in the past 2 years. I was asking for help for recipes.

Then are they lactose or casein?

Stop giving her recipes or food alternative ideas until she's able to see her doc and find out what the trigger is. She's obviously got a serious allergy since her reaction is anaphylactic. If she doesn't find the exact trigger there's a risk of death involved.

I thank you for your concerns. I know what my triggers are, I just have not been retested in the past 2 years. I was asking for help for recipes.

Then are they lactose or casein?

It is both. I have numerous food allergies, they are not all this serious. Some psychological trauma has caused a relapse in the severity.

Oh, I see. I asked because, if it's just lactose, then things like kefir and hard cheeses are safe. If it's casein then all dairy products and any food at all with any milk as an ingredient is also off the table. Make sure you watch for ingredients like lactose, whey, whey protein, and casein listed alone. There's a smart phone app called ipiit that will scan the bar code and tell you if the ingredient you need to avoid is in the product you are looking at.
As far as foods to use, there are some great non-dairy alternatives like Tofutti Better than Sour Cream and Better than Cream Cheese, Daiya non-dairy Cheese Shreds in Mozzarella and Cheddar. Soy Milk, Rice Milk and Almond Milk are all great alternatives. I use Olive Oil or unrefined Coconut Oil for cooking and in place of butter. There are some soy and coconut milk yogurts and ice cream alternatives too.

I like the So Delicious line for milk/dessert/yogurt substitution.