📄 How to Print: Press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac), then click "Print" or "Save as PDF". Laminate or keep in your wallet for grocery trips.
Printable • Pocket-Sized • Free
🛒 Grocery Trip Ingredient Checklist
Take this checklist with you on every grocery trip. Check off each hidden dairy phrase you spot on labels. When in doubt, ask a store employee or check the product online.
Hidden Dairy Ingredients to Watch For
🚫 Obvious Dairy
- Milk
- Cheese
- Butter
- Cream
- Yogurt
- Whey
⚠️ Sneaky Dairy (Casein-Based)
- Casein
- Caseinate
- Sodium caseinate
- Calcium caseinate
- Milk solids
- Milk powder
🔍 Hidden in "Natural Flavor"
- Lactalbumin
- Lactoglobulin
- Lactose
- Whey protein
- Hydrolyzed milk protein
- Curds
🍫 In Sweets & Chocolate
- Butterfat
- Milkfat
- Ghee
- Nougat
- Caramel color (may contain lactose)
- Chocolate (often milk-based)
Label-Reading Tips
- Read the ingredient list first — Not just the allergen statement. Some products say "dairy-free" but contain casein.
- Check the allergen line — It should say "Contains: [list]" or "May contain: [list]".
- Watch for parentheses — e.g., "protein (milk)" = dairy. "Flavor (vegan)" = likely safe.
- Non-dairy ≠ dairy-free — "Non-dairy creamer" often contains sodium caseinate (a milk derivative).
- When in doubt, skip it — There are plenty of safe options. Don't guess.
Quick Reference: Safe Brands
Not sure if a brand is safe? Check our Brand Finder for verified, kid-tested options across all categories.
Learn More About Each Ingredient
Want to understand what each ingredient does and why it's in food? Visit IngredientDetective.com's Food Additive Taxonomy for detailed breakdowns of every additive, preservative, and stabilizer.
💡 Pro Tip: Screenshot this page or print it and laminate it. Keep it in your wallet or car for quick reference at the store.
Educational only • Not medical advice. Always consult product labels and your pediatrician for specific dietary concerns.