Powdered milk, also known as dried milk, is a manufactured dairy product made by evaporating milk to dryness. Milk is a dairy product produced by mammary glands of mammals, most commonly cattle. Since powdered milk is produced from regular milk, it contains the same dairy components – like lactose and casein – that make regular fluid milk a dairy product. This leads to the question of whether powdered milk should be considered dairy-free or not.
What is powdered milk?
Powdered milk, or dried milk, refers to milk that has had almost all of its water content removed through evaporation. The water content is usually reduced to less than 5% of the original volume. This makes the milk more portable and extends its shelf life. Powdered milk is produced through one of three processes:
Spray drying
This involves spraying liquid milk into a chamber with hot air blowing over it. The hot air evaporates the water, leaving behind fine powdered milk solids. Spray dried powder has a grainy texture.
Roller drying
Here, milk is spread over heated rollers to form a film. The rollers evaporate the water content, leaving behind a sheet of dried milk that is then ground into powder. Roller dried milk has a smoother texture.
Freeze drying
In this process, liquid milk is first frozen and then subjected to a vacuum. This allows the frozen water in the milk to sublimate directly from solid phase to gas. The result is a very fine milk powder with more volatiles retained.
No matter the production process, powdered milk contains the same macronutrients as fresh milk – just in concentrated, dry form. The major components of powdered milk are:
- Lactose – milk sugar that makes milk taste sweet
- Fat – supplies fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins
- Protein – casein and whey proteins
- Vitamins and minerals – like vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus
So while the texture and form is different, powdered milk retains the key dairy components of fluid milk.
Why is milk considered a dairy product?
Milk from cows, goats, sheep and other mammals is considered a dairy product because:
- It contains lactose – a milk sugar that gives it a signature sweet taste.
- It provides casein and whey proteins – milk proteins that have important nutritional benefits.
- It is produced by the mammary glands of mammals – specialized organs for providing milk-based nutrition to young ones.
Additionally, milk is included under the dairy food group in nutrition guidelines. The USDA defines dairy products as foods made from milk that retain their calcium content. Along with fluid milk, other dairy products include yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and butter among others.
The signature components of dairy – lactose, casein, whey and mammary-gland sourcing – are all retained in powdered milk. The only difference is the removal of water. So powdered milk is still functionally a dairy product.
Does removing the water make powdered milk dairy-free?
Simply removing the water content from milk does not change its status as a dairy product. Here are a few reasons why powdered milk is still considered a dairy ingredient:
- It retains all the proteins naturally found in milk, including casein and whey. These milk proteins can trigger allergic reactions in those sensitive to dairy.
- It contains the same fatty acids found in milk fat, like palmitic, oleic and stearic acids.
- It provides lactose, the milk sugar, which cannot be digested by those with lactose intolerance.
- Nutritionally, it provides calcium and vitamin D, key macronutrients associated with dairy products.
- Legally, the FDA defines milk as a lacteal secretion from cows or other dairy animals, whether in fluid, dried or powdered form.
The proteins, carbohydrates and fats remain unchanged between fluid milk and powdered milk. Only the texture and consistency is altered when the water is removed. So powdered milk retains the same allergenic and nutritional qualities of dairy milk.
How does powdered milk compare to dairy-free milk alternatives?
Dairy-free milk alternatives, like almond milk, oat milk and soy milk, differ from powdered dairy milk in several key ways:
Source
Dairy-free milks are made from plant sources like nuts, grains and legumes. Powdered dairy milk comes from animal milk.
Proteins
Dairy-free milks contain no casein or whey, the two proteins found in milk. Powdered milk is high in these milk proteins.
Nutrients
Dairy-free milks are often fortified with calcium and vitamin D to mimic dairy milk’s nutritional profile. Powdered milk naturally contains calcium and vitamin D.
Carbohydrates
Dairy-free milks contain no lactose. Powdered milk contains lactose.
Allergies
Dairy-free milks are safe for those with milk allergies. Powdered milk can trigger allergic reactions.
Intolerances
Dairy-free milks are safe for those with lactose intolerance. Powdered milk still contains lactose.
So while they can be used similarly in recipes or beverages, dairy-free plant milks differ significantly from powdered dairy milk in both composition and tolerability. Powdered milk cannot be considered a dairy-free ingredient.
Is powdered milk used in “dairy-free” labeled products?
Some products labeled as “dairy-free” do contain powdered milk as an ingredient. This is because powdered milk is not considered a “major allergen” requiring mandatory labeling on packages. However, most reputable dairy-free brands avoid powdered milk and exclusively use plant-based alternatives. Here are some tips for spotting powdered milk in dairy-free products:
- Read the ingredients list – powdered milk can be listed as milk powder, dry milk solids, milk protein, etc.
- Call the manufacturer to inquire if powdered milk is used.
- Look for third-party certification from vegan organizations.
- Choose brands that exclusively use plant-based ingredients.
If avoiding dairy due to an allergy or intolerance, double-check labels before purchasing products marked dairy-free. Powdered milk is still milk and not suitable for a 100% dairy-free diet.
What are some alternatives to powdered milk for dairy-free diets?
Those looking to avoid all forms of dairy, including powdered milk, have many plant-based alternatives available:
Dairy-free milk powders
- Soy milk powder
- Rice milk powder
- Oat milk powder
- Coconut milk powder
- Almond milk powder
These dairy-free powdered milks can be reconstituted with water and used like fresh milk in recipes.
Dairy-free creamers
- Coconut creamer powder
- Oat creamer powder
- Almond creamer powder
These lend a creamy texture to coffee, cereals, etc. without the dairy.
Plant-based yogurts
- Coconut yogurt
- Almond yogurt
- Oat yogurt
- Soy yogurt
Cultured dairy-free yogurts provide probiotics without the milk proteins.
Vegan protein powders
- Pea protein
- Rice protein
- Hemp protein
- Pumpkin seed protein
These can provide a quality protein source on dairy-free diets.
With all the innovative options now available, avoiding powdered milk and dairy products no longer means sacrificing taste, nutrition or function in recipes.
Does powdered milk count as a milk ingredient for people with milk allergies?
Yes, powdered milk contains the same allergenic proteins – casein, whey and albumin – found in fresh milk. For those with confirmed milk allergies, powdered milk should be avoided as it can trigger an allergic reaction:
- Casein and whey proteins – these are the main allergens responsible for cow’s milk allergy.
- Bioactive peptides – peptides formed during milk processing can also elicit allergy.
- Cross-reactivity – the proteins in cow’s milk are similar enough to goat and sheep milk to cause reactions.
All forms of milk, including powdered, have the potential to cause an IgE-mediated reaction involving hives, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing.
For this reason, powdered milk is not considered an acceptable ingredient for elimination diets or products catered to milk allergy sufferers. It should be avoided alongside all other dairy products like yogurt, cheese and ice cream. Those managing a milk allergy must read product labels carefully to watch for powdered milk hiding in the ingredients list.
Is powdered milk lactose-free?
No, powdered milk still contains lactose and is unsuitable for people with lactose intolerance. When milk is dried to create powder, the lactose remains present in the same concentration as fresh milk.
The lactose content in different forms of powdered milk are:
- Nonfat dry milk – around 52% lactose
- Whole milk powder – around 46% lactose
- Buttermilk powder – around 52% lactose
So while the water is removed, all the natural sugars like lactose remain behind in powdered milk. When reconstituted, it provides a significant source of lactose – the culprit behind gas, bloating and other digestive issues in lactose intolerance. Those avoiding lactose should not consume powdered milk or any food products containing it as an ingredient.
Lactose content in 1 cup powdered milk vs fresh milk
| Type of Milk | Lactose Content |
|---|---|
| Fresh whole milk (1 cup) | 12-13g lactose |
| Fresh skim milk (1 cup) | 12-13g lactose |
| Instant powdered milk (1 cup reconstituted) | 14-16g lactose |
As this table shows, reconstituted powdered milk actually contains slightly more lactose per cup than fresh fluid milk. So those with lactose intolerance should avoid it.
Conclusion
While powdered milk has had its water content removed through drying, its signature dairy proteins, sugars and nutrients remain intact. For this reason, powdered milk cannot be considered dairy-free or appropriate for dairy-restricted diets. It retains allergenic potential and lactose to trigger reactions in those sensitive. Always check labels on dairy-free products as some manufacturers sneak in powdered milk as a “hidden” dairy ingredient. 100% plant-based milk powders and creamers now provide suitable alternatives for achieving both taste and function without the dairy.