Just thought some of you lactose intolerant folks might find this interesting. Today in Walmart I came across a tub of powdered "non-dairy beverage" in the powered milk section. I thought this might be pretty handy for those of us who can't have milk as I have yet to find storable substitute until now. At any rate, the stuff is marketed by Wally World under their Great Value brand. The tub makes 8 quarts and cost about $5, which is quite a bit cheaper than what I pay for liquid soy & rice based milk. I made a quart up and the taste seemed similar to non-dairy creamers, not bad but not entirely like milk. Said that it is best to chill before drinking so it'll probably taste better after that. The downfall is it has relatively little vitamin/mineral content. 10% Vit A, 25% vit D, and 160 calorie per cup (45 from fat), 0 cholesterol. I still wish I could have a goat, but until then at least I can keep this stuff on hand.

-- elle (eagle-quest@juno.com), January 20, 2001

Answers

Elle, Thanks for the info. I have a problem with lactose intolerance and any ideas may help. Did it mention what the calcium level was? I am getting tired of taking the little pills to help me when i do have milk products. Does goat milk digest fairly easily? I am thinking about getting a goat or two to help lead sheep and provide milk just in case we need to bottle feed or supplement any lambs. What a bonus if the milk would be good for me too.

-- JoAnn (jonehls@excite.com), January 21, 2001.

Check the label on this type of product closely. Some are loaded with palm oil and other noxious chemicals.

-- JLS in NW AZ (stalkingbull007@AOL.com), January 21, 2001.

Joann, I have a moderate lactose intolerance and have never had a problem with dairy products since I switched to goats milk. We make our own ice cream, cheese etc. and it is so nice to not end up with the terrible stomach cramps etc. that I experienced with the cows milk.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), January 21, 2001.

Unfortunately, the Calcium level is zippo. I was not recommending this as a total replacement for milk products. Rather something that I was able to keep in the pantry for "just in case" times.

-- elle (eagle-quest@juno.com), January 21, 2001.

Thanks for your help. I think i will try the goats milk. Better than nothing, and as for the calcim, i will just keep supplementing other ways. JoAnn

-- JoAnn (jonehls@excite.com), January 22, 2001.

For calcium, eat your green leafies. Collards, spinach, etc. They're full of the stuff, especially if you put a little acid (vinegar, whatever) in your tummy at the same time.

-- Soni (thomkilroy@hotmail.com), January 22, 2001.

Elle, I would stick to a soy or rice based substitute, those non- dairy creamers are loaded with hydrogenated oils, very bad stuff, worse than cholesterol, keep your arteries healthy, stay away from the hydrogenated oils at all costs!

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), January 26, 2001.