Is there lactose in egg?

The short answer is no

You're standing in the kitchen, breaking an egg over the pan and thinking: is there lactose in this? Especially if you're lactose intolerant, you don't want to take a chance. Good news: a fresh egg does not contain lactose. Stay sharp with processed products containing egg, though, because sometimes milk or cream is added to them. That way you can continue to enjoy them without any tummy troubles.

What is lactose again?

Lactose is the lactose in milk from mammals, such as cow, goat and sheep. Your body uses the enzyme lactase To cut lactose into glucose and galactose. If you don't make enough lactase, it can cause gas, cramps and sometimes diarrhea. If you want to understand the mechanism better, read also What is lactose intolerance and What does lactase do.

Eggs and lactose: what about it?

Eggs come not from mammary glands but from the reproductive system of birds. A chicken egg (as well as an egg of quail or duck) is therefore naturally lactose-free. So for a fresh egg, you don't need lactase and you don't need to avoid lactose.

Where does the confusion come from?

The doubt begins at products containing egg. In pancakes, cake, quiche, mayonnaise or ready-made omelets is regulated milk, cream, cheese or milk powder used for flavor and texture. In such a case there may be lactose in the final product, but that is due to the added dairy, not the egg itself. When in doubt, always check the label; practical tips can be found in Check the ingredient list.

Helpful tip when shopping

Read the ingredient list and scan for words like milk, room, cheese, milk powder, whey powder or lactose. Also look at the allergen listing such as “Contains milk.” When in doubt in the store, a scanning app helps. With a few practices, you'll soon see it at a glance.

Important difference from cow's milk intolerance

Even with cow's milk intolerance, a fresh egg contains no milk protein, so you don't have to worry about that. Only with mixed or processed products can it be a problem, depending on what has been added.

At lactose intolerance involves breaking down milk sugar. At cow's milk intolerance your body reacts to other components in cow's milk, such as milk protein. In either case, you don't have to avoid eggs unless you also have a chicken egg allergy have.

Read more About cow's milk intolerance in our blog.

All in a row

• Fresh eggs are completely lactose-free
• Processed products containing egg may indeed contain lactose if milk (products) have been added
• Always check the label when in doubt

Carefree enjoyment

Eggs fit perfectly into a lactose-free diet. From a simple boiled egg to a luxurious frittata: they are nutritious, versatile and completely lactose-free. Just always take extra care with ready-to-eat products, that way your meal will remain carefree and above all delicious.

Frequently asked questions about lactose in egg

Is there lactose in egg

No. Eggs do not naturally contain lactose. An egg comes from a bird's reproductive system and not from mammary glands. This also applies to eggs from quail or duck.

Can products containing egg still contain lactose

Yes, when dairy products are added. Examples are pancakes, cakes and pastries, some pasta doughs, ready-made quiches, egg salads and sometimes mayonnaise or ready-made omelettes. Therefore, always read the ingredient list.

Are eggs safe for lactose intolerance or cow's milk intolerance

Yes. Fresh eggs contain no lactose and no milk proteins from cow's milk. With processed products, it depends on what has been added. Avoid egg only if there is also a chicken egg allergy.