Plain cow's milk is naturally gluten-free. However, this doesn't apply to all dairy products. Many processed dairy products may contain added ingredients that do contain gluten.
Understanding Gluten and Milk
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Plain milk, from cows or other mammals, does not contain these grains and therefore does not naturally contain gluten. This is confirmed by numerous sources like the U.S. Dairy https://www.usdairy.com/news-articles/does-milk-have-gluten and Beyond Celiac https://www.beyondceliac.org/gluten-free-diet/is-it-gluten-free/milk/.
When Milk Might Contain Gluten
The key factor is added ingredients. Flavored milks, milkshakes, or products like malted milk drinks often contain gluten-containing additives. Always check the ingredient label to be sure. Even some yogurts or cheeses might contain gluten if stabilizers or flavorings are added. The NHS also confirms that breast milk is naturally gluten-free https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coeliac-disease/treatment/.
Important Considerations for People with Gluten Sensitivity
- Read labels carefully: Always check the ingredient list before consuming any dairy product, especially processed ones.
- Avoid malted milk products: These typically contain barley malt, which contains gluten.
- Consult your doctor: If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, discuss any concerns about dairy products with your doctor. While plain milk is generally safe, some individuals might experience heightened sensitivity to certain dairy products (Kaiser Permanente notes this https://wa.kaiserpermanente.org/kbase/topic.jhtml?docId=za1124).
