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Lactose-free milk -

This might sound obvious, but some people do get this wrong. Lactose-free milk is still cow's milk, and therefore a dairy product. It just goes through a process that removes the lactose from it.

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Lactose-free milk -

While it makes it a safe option for people who are lactose intolerant, it doesn't for those who are allergic to dairy. This is because, unlike lactose intolerance, which is a digestive condition, those allergic to dairy receive an immune response.

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Deli meat -

Yes, all those delicious lunch meats you get from your local deli can contain dairy. These are processed meats, and dairy products are often used to bind the meat together.

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Deli meat -

Lactose and caseinates are the most common offenders. This may be easy to spot if you buy a pre-packaged product with a nutrition facts label, but not so much if you buy it from your local deli.

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Sherbet -

We all know that regular ice cream if off the menu for those who don't consume dairy, but it turns out sherbet is also a no-no.

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Sherbet -

To give it a softer texture, cream, milk, or buttermilk are added to the mix. The alternative? Stick to sorbets, as those are actually dairy-free.

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Tuna -

This might come as a surprise for many, but it's true that some brands of canned tuna contain dairy.

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Tuna -

Casein (one of the proteins in milk), sometimes labeled as hydrolyzed caseinate, is used by some brands as a flavor enhancer.

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Medications -

Some drugs do contain dairy products; most commonly, lactose. This includes popular anti-inflammatories and allergy medications, among others.

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McDonald's fries -

Many of us are aware that these are not vegetarian. Well, at least in the US, where they contain beef flavoring, which contains milk.

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Fish sticks -

Fish sticks (or fish fingers) are a processed food, and as such they do contain more than just fish and breadcrumbs. These often contain whey (a type of protein found in milk).

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Fish sticks -

Whey adds both flavor and texture. In addition, some brands may dip the fish in milk during the process, to reduce the smell of fish.

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Breadcrumbs -

Some bread recipes contain milk or yogurt, and things get even more complex when it comes to breadcrumbs.

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Breadcrumbs -

Packaged breadcrumbs can contain an array of dairy products, including dry milk powder, whey, casein, and butterfat.

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Chewing gum -

Surprisingly, some brands of chewing gum do add dairy products to their formula.

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Chewing gum -

One of these products is casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate, also known as recaldent, which is extracted from milk.

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Margarine -

One of the reasons people consume vegetable spreads is because they do not contain animal products... Or do they?

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Margarine -

It turns out some brands of this popular butter alternative actually contain milk. Dairy products such as whey, casein, or lactose are sometimes added, so it's always best to check the label before you buy.

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Protein bars -

While there are a few alternatives on the market, the majority of protein bars contain milk protein (either or both whey and casein).

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Cereal/granola bars -

The same goes for cereal bars. Milk additives are sometimes added, and some bars even have them as part of their flavoring (e.g. yogurt-coated).

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Nougat -

Traditional nougat is typically dairy-free, as it's usually a combination of nuts, honey, sugar, egg whites, and candied fruit. Though this is not true for all forms of nougat, especially those made with chocolate.

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Nougat -

Milk powder is sometimes used to achieve the fluffy consistency found inside these bars.

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Instant mashed potatoes -

Like other processed foods on this list, mashed potatoes are not just potatoes in powder or flake form.

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Instant mashed potatoes -

Some brands of instant mashed potatoes also contain dairy. In fact, many even call for milk or cream to be added during the preparation.

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Artificial sweeteners -

While this is not true for every product, some artificial sweeteners do contain lactose in their formula.

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Artificial sweeteners -

Though the quantity is pretty small, which can actually be helpful for lactose-intolerant people to start building some tolerance without the discomfort.

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Soup -

Canned/packaged soups and broths can also contain dairy. Milk solids are sometime added, so make sure you read the label before buying.

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Potato chips -

While the chips themselves might not have dairy in them, many flavors do. Obvious examples include sour cream varieties.

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Potato chips -

Not so obvious examples include ketchup or barbecue, which may contain lactose. 

Sources: (Health Digest) (Taste of Home) (Go Dairy Free) 

See also: Ten delicious alternatives to cow's milk

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