For those who are lactose intolerant, enjoying a nice alcoholic drink like Baileys Irish cream may seem out of the question. After all, Baileys contains dairy ingredients like cream and milk. However, with some careful examination of the ingredients and nutrition information, those who are lactose intolerant may be able to consume small amounts of Baileys without too much discomfort.
What is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is a condition where the body lacks sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase needed to properly digest lactose, the main carbohydrate found in dairy products. Lactose intolerance can cause a range of digestive issues when dairy is consumed, including bloating, gas, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person based on the degree of their lactase deficiency.
There are a few types of lactose intolerance:
- Primary lactose intolerance – This is the most common type, occurring in adulthood due to the natural decline in lactase production. It is most prevalent in populations with ancestry from areas where milk consumption historically was uncommon.
- Secondary lactose intolerance – This occurs as a result of illness or injury to the small intestine which damages lactase-producing cells. It may be temporary or permanent depending on the underlying cause.
- Congenital lactose intolerance – A rare, inherited form present from birth.
- Developmental lactose intolerance – Common in premature infants whose lactase production has not yet fully developed.
People with lactose intolerance need to monitor their dairy intake and limit foods high in lactose. However, small amounts of dairy may often be tolerated, especially when consumed with other foods. The amount that can be tolerated varies by individual. Many people with lactose intolerance can for example drink small glasses of milk with a meal without issues.
Does Baileys Contain Lactose?
Baileys Irish Cream contains both cream and skim milk as main ingredients. This means it does contain lactose. Here is the ingredient list from Baileys Original Irish Cream:
- Cream
- Alcohol
- Sugar
- Cocoa
- Water
- Skim Milk Powder
- Thickening Agent (Guar Gum)
- Natural Vanilla Flavourings
The cream and skim milk powder both contribute to the lactose content. A 1.6 oz (50ml) serving of Baileys contains about 0.45g of lactose. In comparison, an equal serving of milk contains around 5g of lactose.
So while Baileys does have some lactose, there is substantially less than in regular milk since the alcohol, cream, and other ingredients dilute the lactose. The lower amounts of lactose means those with lactose intolerance may be able to consume small servings of Baileys without ill effects.
Baileys Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for a 1.6oz (50ml) serving of Baileys Original Irish Cream:
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 121 |
Fat | 5 g |
Saturated Fat | 4 g |
Carbohydrates | 11 g |
Sugar | 10 g |
Protein | 0.6 g |
Lactose | 0.45 g |
The table highlights the lower lactose content compared to the levels of fat, carbs, and sugar. The lactose is a minimal part of the overall nutritional profile.
Baileys Lactose Free Option
In addition to the regular Baileys Irish Cream, they also produce a lactose-free version called Baileys Almande. This allows those with lactose intolerance to enjoy Baileys without worrying about digestive issues.
To make it lactose-free, the cream is replaced with almond milk. Here are the ingredients in Baileys Almande:
- Sugar
- Water
- Almond Milk (4.5%)
- Neutral Grain Spirits
- Cocoa
- Natural Flavors
- Caramel Color
- Vegetable Oil (Coconut and Palm Kernel Oil)
- Salt
- Almond Extract
- Fruit and Plant Concentrates (for Color)
With the almond milk base instead of cream, a 1.6 oz (50 ml) serving contains no lactose at all. This makes it a good lactose-free alternative to enjoy the Baileys flavoring without adverse effects. However, the nutrition profile does differ somewhat from the regular version.
Baileys Almande Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 171 |
Fat | 4.5 g |
Saturated Fat | 4 g |
Carbohydrates | 14 g |
Sugar | 14 g |
Protein | 0 g |
Lactose | 0 g |
With no cream, Baileys Almande has less fat and calories per serving compared to regular Baileys, but slightly higher carbs and sugar. But most importantly, it contains no lactose at all.
Can You Drink Baileys if Lactose Intolerant?
Whether someone who is lactose intolerant can drink Baileys depends on the severity of their intolerance.
These are some general guidelines based on limited scientific research and anecdotal evidence:
- People with mild lactose intolerance may be able to consume up to 1-2 servings of Baileys spaced over several hours without major issues. Consuming it with food can also help minimize symptoms.
- Those with moderate lactose intolerance can likely tolerate a single serving of Baileys, but may experience some bloating and abdominal discomfort afterwards. Lower fat dairy products like skim or 1% milk may be even more challenging than Baileys.
- People with severe lactose intolerance should avoid Baileys containing dairy ingredients. Even a small amount could trigger symptoms like cramping, diarrhea, and nausea.
- For all levels of lactose intolerance, Baileys Almande lactose-free is the safest option and unlikely to cause issues even when consumed in larger servings.
There can be high individual variability in lactose tolerance. The only way to know for sure if standard Baileys Irish Cream is tolerated is to try a small 1-2 ounce serving and see if any unpleasant digestive symptoms develop over the next 12-24 hours. Monitoring symptoms helps determine what one’s personal tolerance level may be.
Tips for Consuming Baileys with Lactose Intolerance
Here are some tips to help minimize the chances of a negative reaction if you want to try sipping Baileys as someone who is lactose intolerant:
- Stick to a maximum of 1-2 ounces of Baileys at a time.
- Drink it chilled and slowly over a period of time rather than all at once.
- Consume Baileys along with a meal or substantial snack.
- Avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
- Stay well hydrated when consuming Baileys to help dilute and flush out the lactose.
- Consider using lactase enzyme drops or tablets to help break down the lactose in Baileys.
- Have lactase enzyme supplement pills on hand to take after drinking Baileys if needed.
- Always opt for the lactose-free Baileys Almande if unsure about tolerating the small amounts of lactose in regular Baileys.
Using these tips can help mitigate issues, but there is no guarantee. It depends on your individual level of lactose intolerance which can only be determined through trial and error.
Baileys Alternatives
If unable to tolerate Baileys at all, there are some alternatives to consider that capture a similar sweet indulgence without the cream and lactose content:
Kahlúa
Kahlúa is coffee-flavored liqueur made with rum and sugar. It contains no cream, milk, or lactose. Enjoy it on ice or in milk-free cocktails.
Chambord
Chambord is a raspberry liqueur with a rich fruity flavor. It contains no dairy. Mix it with sparkling wine for a fun, lactose-free cocktail.
Godiva Dark Chocolate Liqueur
This thick, chocolatey liqueur contains no lactose. It offers a sweet chocolate taste reminiscent of chocolate milk or chocolate Baileys.
Coconut Rum
Flavored rums like coconut and spiced rums offer creamy, dessert-like flavors without lactose. Enjoy mixed into tropical cocktails.
Irish Whiskey Cream Liqueurs
Some Irish cream liqueurs like Carolans substitute coconut cream for the dairy cream used in Baileys. These offer a very similar taste and texture while being lactose-free.
The Bottom Line
Baileys Irish cream does contain small amounts of lactose. People with mild lactose intolerance can likely consume it in moderation, while those with more severe intolerance need to avoid it.
Drinking Baileys chilled, slowly, and with food can help minimize intolerance symptoms. Fortunately, the lactose-free Baileys Almande provides an option that preserves the Baileys flavor for those unable to tolerate any lactose at all.