Lactose-Free Strawberry Smoothie Recipe

Food allergies are never any fun, but can you imagine being lactose intolerant or having dairy sensitivities? That means no ice cream, no milk shakes, and no milk with your cookies.  I went through a dairy sensitivity myself caused by a prescription I was taking.  I couldn’t drink milkshakes, eat ice cream or dip my cookies in regular milk.  It was terrible.  But then I learned about LACTAID® and found that I could even still make some of my favorite recipes that usually call for milk, but make them with LACTAID® instead.

According to the National Dairy Council and the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, for many people their primary source of important nutrients, including Calcium, Potassium and Vitamin D, comes from dairy foods like milk. So what happens if someone is lactose intolerant and dairy causes discomfort?  Thanks to LACTAID®, you can still enjoy meals that are normally made with milk (but substituted with LACTAID®).  Although you may think that avoiding dairy foods altogether is the solution, it can actually leave your everyday diet deficient in essential nutrients.

Thankfully, there are real dairy options that give you the nutrients you need and the taste you love even if you’re lactose intolerant!  Yay, right?!!  Natural cheeses that are lower in lactose, yogurt with live and active cultures which help digest the lactose, or lactose free dairy like LACTAID® Milk, Cottage Cheese and Ice Cream make for great solutions.  Did you know that LACTAID® Milk provides the same package of nine essential nutrients you expect from dairy milk because it is 100% real milk, and can even be used in any recipes that call for milk.  By using these lactose free dairy products, you can enjoy meals as simple as cereal for breakfast to dinner faves like mashed potatoes or mac and cheese!

You can find LACTAID® at your local grocery store.  I found it at my store and it was even on sale (not to mention the various coupons you can find for the product).  Plus, if you are on the WIC program, you can even use your vouchers to purchase LACTAID®.  At my local grocery store, I found a variety of LACTAID® milk products, including whole milk, reduced fat and 1% low fat.

LACTOSE-FREE STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

Ingredients:

– 5 ice cubes (or more if you want)
– 1/3 cup LACTAID® milk
– 1/2 cup favorite flavored juice
– 1 small banana
– 6 frozen strawberries (or more if you want more strawberry flavor)

Directions:

In a blender, add ice cubes, LACTAID® milk,  juice, small banana (broken into 3 pieces for easier blending), and frozen strawberries.  Blend until ice is crushed and ingredients are combined.  Serve in a cup with a straw and a strawberry on the side.  Enjoy!

GIVEAWAY

1 lucky reader on The Mommy-Files will win a FREE LACTAID® product coupon!!!

 I participated in an Ambassador Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for National Dairy Council and the LACTAID® Brand. I received product coupons from the LACTAID® Brand to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.