A vegan product doesn’t have any animal-derived ingredients on purpose. This means it doesn’t have milk, butter, cheese, yoghurt, whey, casein, lactose, eggs, gelatin, or honey. By that standard, vegan is meant to be free of dairy. But in UK factories, the same machines that make a vegan chocolate bar at 10 a.m. might make a milk chocolate bar at noon. That’s why you might see “may contain milk” or “made in a facility that handles milk” on foods that are otherwise labelled as vegan. Just because something is vegan by its ingredients doesn’t mean it’s safe for people who are very allergic to milk.
Risk of Milk Protein
Is there lactose? Common UK phrase: Vegan. No animal ingredients on purpose. Possible trace from lines that are shared. No (except for traces). Vegan, and sometimes “may contain milk.” No dairy, no dairy ingredients in the recipe. Possible trace from lines that are shared. No (except for traces) “Dairy-free,” PAL may look like. May be real dairy that is lactose-free. Yes (milk proteins stay), No (lactose is gone), “Lactose-free milk/cheese.” From plants, mostly plants, but not always. Check the label to be sure. “Plant-based,” ingredient-led.
Why going vegan isn’t always better for people who are allergic to dairy
People who are allergic to milk must stay away from even small amounts of milk proteins, such as casein and whey. Vegan recipes don’t call for milk, but it can get into the food through shared mixers, chocolate enrobing tunnels, or café steam wands. Once, I followed a barista in Manchester who made oat lattes on demand but used the same cloth on a dairy wand between orders. The oat drink didn’t have any animal products in it, but the equipment did. Be careful with cafés and shared-line products, even if they say they’re vegan, if you have a severe allergy.
The Law and Labels: What You Need to Know About UK Rules
The 14 main allergens, including milk, must be clearly listed in the ingredients list in the UK. This is usually done in bold. It is up to the company to decide whether or not to use precautionary allergen labelling (PAL), like “may contain milk,” but they should do so based on a risk assessment. That’s why PAL doesn’t always show up: some factories can separate lines, but others can’t. In the meantime, reserved dairy terms are still important. In the UK, many packages say “oat drink” instead of “oat milk” because “milk” is only for secretions from mammals. There are some old exceptions, like “coconut milk.”
The Good and Bad of Vegan Dairy Alternatives
There are real benefits to vegan dairy substitutes like oat and soy drinks, coconut yoghurts, and nut-based cheeses. Many of them are fortified with calcium and vitamins B12 and D, and they usually have less saturated fat than full-fat dairy. People who don’t eat animal products for moral or environmental reasons also like them. To get the same amount of calcium as dairy, adults in the UK should drink fortified drinks with about 120 mg of calcium per 100 ml. Adults also need about 700 mg of calcium, as well as iodine (about 140 µg) and vitamin B12 (about 1.5 µg). A balanced diet can include well-chosen vegan foods.
Smart Shopping: A Short List and Advice from Experts
Begin with the back of the pack. Look for bolded milk words in the list of ingredients, and then look for PAL. For nutrition, choose drinks that are fortified with calcium (about 120 mg/100 ml) and vitamin D and B12. If protein is important, think about soy or pea-based drinks. If you have allergies, look for brands that have strong allergen controls or make their products in separate facilities. In cafés, ask for separate steam wands, pitchers, and cloths. Don’t be afraid to ask for a new set. More than any logo on the cup, clear communication lowers risk.
Final Thoughts
Every time, read both the list of ingredients and the warning that says “may contain milk.” Choose products that are fortified, and think about where you can get iodine (fortified drinks or supplements as needed). Try out different brands for baking; “barista” blends may change the sweetness and texture. Use the “free-from” sections of stores, but make sure to check PAL again, as the ranges vary by site. If you’re not sure, call customer service to get the results of allergen cleaning tests and validation.
| Product Type | Lactose-Free | Dairy-Free | Vegan | Allergen Warning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oat Drink | Yes | Yes | Yes | May Contain Milk |
| Coconut Yogurt | Yes | Yes | Yes | May Contain Milk |
| Soy Milk | Yes | Yes | Yes | May Contain Milk |
| Almond Cheese | Yes | Yes | Yes | May Contain Milk |
