lactose intolerant

Meaning

This term describes a person who cannot easily digest lactose, a type of sugar found in dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter. People use this expression to explain why they need dairy-free alternatives or why they must avoid certain dishes.

Examples

• I need to order my latte with oat milk because I am lactose intolerant.

  I need to order my latte with oat milk because I am lactose intolerant.

• Is there any butter in this sauce? My husband is highly lactose intolerant.

  Is there any butter in this sauce? My husband is highly lactose intolerant.

• Being lactose intolerant makes it a bit challenging to try local desserts when traveling.

  Being lactose intolerant makes it a bit challenging to try local desserts when traveling.

• She took a lactase enzyme pill before eating the pizza because she is lactose intolerant.

  She took a lactase enzyme pill before eating the pizza because she is lactose intolerant.

• Many restaurants now offer dairy-free cheese options for customers who are lactose intolerant.

  Many restaurants now offer dairy-free cheese options for customers who are lactose intolerant.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I have lactose intolerant.

  ✓ I am lactose intolerant.

  'Lactose intolerant' is an adjective phrase describing a person. You 'are' lactose intolerant, or you 'have' the noun condition 'lactose intolerance'.

• ✗ I am allergic to lactose intolerant.

  ✓ I am lactose intolerant.

  'Lactose intolerant' is already the state of being sensitive to lactose. You cannot be 'allergic to' the adjective itself.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Can I get this soup without cream? My sister is ___.

  💡 Unable to digest dairy products.

  Show answer

  lactose intolerant

• If you are ___, you should avoid traditional ice cream and opt for sorbet instead.

  💡 Adjective describing someone who gets sick from drinking milk.

  Show answer

  lactose intolerant