We found out our daughter has a milk protein allergy/sensitivity very early on (at about 2 weeks old.) She had been pretty fussy and had been pooping a lot (there can be other symptoms as well such as eczema, wheezing, vomiting, and colic-like symptoms, which thankfully she didn’t have). Since she’s our first kiddo, we weren’t sure how much crying/pooping was normal. Apparently this inability to digest the milk protein casein is pretty common in infants and thankfully our pediatrician recognized the symptoms, did a simple stool test, and set us on the right path. Since then I’ve talked to lots of moms whose children also suffer from this same sensitivity and many more who now have grown kids but think this was an undetected issue when their children were little.
This is not a sensitivity to lactose (sorry moms, lactose-free items are out too) but to the milk protein casein. Since casein is passed through breast milk and can take up to two weeks for this to leave a breastfeeding mom’s system, we used Nutramigen® formula for the 2 weeks it took to clear my system (we tried to reintroduce breast milk after a week and we saw all of her symptoms return.) We also tried a goat’s milk formula called Holle® and had some success although it made her stool a bit too solid so we went back to Nutramigen.
All of that being said, I now have to monitor my diet pretty carefully so as not to accidentally ingest dairy or soy (which has cross-reactivity.) And as careful as I’ve been, it has unfortunately still found its way in to my diet a time or two (when eating out) and the results were a really uncomfortable and crying baby with diarrhea – poor thing!
It can seem really difficult to eat anything other than whole foods (eggs, meat, veggies, and fruit.) Don’t get me wrong, I do eat a LOT of whole foods, but sometimes I need something quick and easy for a meal. And let’s be honest, sometimes I just want junk food! I’ve compiled the list below to help you if you’re on the same dairy/soy free journey. Most of the items below can be sourced at Sprouts, Albertson’s/Safeway, and the Commissary (if you have access.)
This is NOT meant to be an all-inclusive food list and I highly recommend that you double check ingredient lists in case they change or you have additional allergens. I am also NOT a doctor and this is not meant to diagnose or treat your baby. I am merely a mom trying to help other moms facing this dietary challenge.
Please leave a comment or email me if you have other items you love or restaurants that I’ve failed to mention. I hope it helps and thanks for reading!
This is not a sensitivity to lactose (sorry moms, lactose-free items are out too) but to the milk protein casein. Since casein is passed through breast milk and can take up to two weeks for this to leave a breastfeeding mom’s system, we used Nutramigen® formula for the 2 weeks it took to clear my system (we tried to reintroduce breast milk after a week and we saw all of her symptoms return.) We also tried a goat’s milk formula called Holle® and had some success although it made her stool a bit too solid so we went back to Nutramigen.
All of that being said, I now have to monitor my diet pretty carefully so as not to accidentally ingest dairy or soy (which has cross-reactivity.) And as careful as I’ve been, it has unfortunately still found its way in to my diet a time or two (when eating out) and the results were a really uncomfortable and crying baby with diarrhea – poor thing!
It can seem really difficult to eat anything other than whole foods (eggs, meat, veggies, and fruit.) Don’t get me wrong, I do eat a LOT of whole foods, but sometimes I need something quick and easy for a meal. And let’s be honest, sometimes I just want junk food! I’ve compiled the list below to help you if you’re on the same dairy/soy free journey. Most of the items below can be sourced at Sprouts, Albertson’s/Safeway, and the Commissary (if you have access.)
This is NOT meant to be an all-inclusive food list and I highly recommend that you double check ingredient lists in case they change or you have additional allergens. I am also NOT a doctor and this is not meant to diagnose or treat your baby. I am merely a mom trying to help other moms facing this dietary challenge.
Please leave a comment or email me if you have other items you love or restaurants that I’ve failed to mention. I hope it helps and thanks for reading!
Cereals
Again, I'd love to hear about your great restaurant finds (local and national) and other easy-to-make foods that are in the dairy/soy-free category so please leave a comment!
- A lot of cereals are dairy/soy free and are my go-to when I’m too tired to make a meal for myself. A few of my favorites are Special K® (most products), Cheerios®, Life® and Frosted Mini Wheats®. Bonus – most are fortified with extra vitamins and are high in fiber.
- Brand name and store brand almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, and rice milk
- So Delicious Dairy Free® and Natural Bliss® coconut/almond milk creamers
- I’ve found that the easiest to find are Earth Balance® (with the red- and olive-colored tops) and Melt Organic®
- Dave’s Killer Bread® (I especially love the cinnamon raisin bread!) They also have a great story to tell on their website - this company gives people with criminal backgrounds "Second Chance Employment." I didn't know that until I wrote this, so that is just a total bonus in my book!
- Miss Jones Organic® (my dad and husband LOVE when I bake these into cupcakes) and the chocolate chip cookies are really good too. The frostings are tasty but expensive and tend to get hard when put in the fridge.
- Betty Crocker® Rich and Creamy & Whipped frostings (certain flavors) – the ingredient list says ”may contain dairy”, but there isn't any dairy listed so I think it’s probably processed on the same equipment. We haven’t had any issues, but if you’re über careful like I was when my baby was teeny, stick with Miss Jones.
- So Delicious Dairy Free® has a great variety of ice creams
- Enjoy Life® brand chocolate chips and baking chocolates
- Immaculate® brand items (check the labels. They have a few varieties of ready-to-bake cookies we really like)
- Sprouts® brand pecan pie from the bakery section (our store's pie is safe - check the ingredients at your store in case they use a different recipe.)
- Most corn chips are safe (my favorites are Late July® corn chips)
- Kettle® and Sprouts® brand kettle chips
- Wheat Thins® and Triscuits®
- Del Real® brand pollo asado/carnitas/pork in chile verde. (I especially love that the ingredient lists are SUPER simple and that they microwave in minutes.)
- Tortilla Land® uncooked tortillas
- Taco Seasoning - McCormick® brand (most of the others I’ve found contain soybean oil)
- Tyson® brand chicken tenders and nuggets (certain kinds – check the label. Some say "Fried in vegetable oil" or "Breading set in vegetable oil" but they don't specify if they use soybean oil. I gambled and so far we are doing okay with both versions.)
- SmartMade by Smart Ones® (3 options: Roasted Vegetables with Angel Hair, Rosemary Grilled Beef & Vegetables, Grilled Peppercorn Beef & Vegetables)
- Alexia® brand fries and tots (check the label)
- Chipotle® - stay away from the sofritas, cheese, queso and sour creams and you’re good to go!
- Five Guys® - get your burger wrapped in lettuce and order fries (they use peanut oil in the fryer).
- http://www.fiveguys.com/-/media/Public-Site/Files/NutritionAllergensMarch2017US.ashx?la=en
- In and Out Burger® - get your burger “Protein style” and order fries (they use sunflower oil in the fryer.)
- Papa John’s - Original and pan pizza doughs and sauces are safe, as are all the toppings. We order ours with extra sauce, no cheese, and lots of toppings. Not quite as decadent as a cheesy pizza, but it’s close!
- https://www.papajohns.com/allergens/pdf/papa-johns-allergen-guide.pdf
- Texas Roadhouse®
- They don’t have an allergens list, so I always let my server know and order my steak without seasoning, have them steam my veggies and ask for my salad without cheese or croutons (and bring my own dressing.) Stay away from the delicious rolls but indulge in the peanuts.
- Sabertooth
- They have a good handle on their ingredient lists so just ask your server. I like their carne asada tacos and they have some of the best fries in town.
- Savage Goods
- They have an excellent handle on their ingredient lists since even their breads are made in-house. Most of their items are vegan and soy free but stay away from anything with tofu and don't be afraid to ask. Their baked goods are a real treat, especially their sea salt chocolate chip cookies and their cinnamon rolls!
Again, I'd love to hear about your great restaurant finds (local and national) and other easy-to-make foods that are in the dairy/soy-free category so please leave a comment!
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