Lactose-free candy is made without milk sugar and can be naturally lactose-free or made lactose-free with enzymes. It allows those with lactose intolerance to enjoy candy without digestive issues.
Lactose-free sweets are sweets that are free from lactose or milk sugar. This type of candy is especially good for people who can’t digest milk sugar well, but anyone can eat it. It is often still sweet despite having no lactose, as it usually contains other natural forms of sugar or sugar substitutes, but this varies with the recipe.
Some candies are naturally lactose free. This means that the original candy recipe doesn’t normally call for milk. Two good examples are rock candy and jelly beans. These recipes often get their sweetness from other forms of sugar, such as fructose, the type of sugar in fruits. They do not require any additional processing.
When a candy recipe calls for milk, manufacturers can make it lactose-free with the use of enzymes that break down the lactose in the milk. This requires an additional processing step, but allows the manufacturer to leave the original recipe essentially unchanged. Sticking to the recipe as often as possible is important to preserve the texture and consistency of the candy, because milk has its own chemical formulation that includes useful dietary substances such as fat, protein and vitamin C. In fact, lactose is only a percentage of the whole liquid is why the manufacturer chooses to use enzymatic processing instead of a milk replacer.
The ability to use enzyme processing means candy makers are virtually limitless in the types of lactose-free candy they can create. Someone craving lactose-free candy can find everything from taffy to candy bars and fudge. These candies are generally no more expensive than their lactose-containing counterparts.
Lactose-free candies are of particular significance to those who suffer from lactose intolerance, which is a medical condition in which the body cannot absorb lactose properly. Normally, lactase, an enzyme produced by the cells lining the small intestine, breaks down lactose into two simpler sugars, glucose and galactose. People who are lactose intolerant are lactase deficient and therefore cannot convert lactose into glucose and galactose. The results are symptoms such as gas, nausea, and abdominal bloating and pain.
The ability to eat lactose-free candy means that people with lactose intolerance can enjoy a sweet treat without suffering the symptoms of their enzyme deficiency. It also means they can eat candy without having to also eat a dietary aid containing the lactase they need to digest lactose. This creates a better overall candy experience. Candy manufacturers understand this and create lactose-free versions of their products in order to broaden their customer base.
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