Other Foods Containing Lactose

It is important to read the label of ingredients on foods since many foods other than those made with milk may contain lactose. Examples of these include: bakery products; cereals; instant potatoes, soups, and breakfast drinks; margarine; non-Kosher lunch meats; salad dressings; candies; mixes for pancakes, biscuits, and cookies; artificial sweeteners; hot chocolate mixes; cream cheese and peanut butter with milk solid filler; omelets, scrambled eggs and soufflés at restaurants; and gelatins made with an ingredient called carageenan. Many prescription drugs also contain lactose. A pharmacist can answer specific questions about which drugs contain lactose, but some of them include birth control pills and tablets for stomach acid and gas.