CheckVegan

Is Lactose vegetarian?

Lactose

Vegetarian Unconfirmed

Lactose is a disaccharide sugar composed of glucose and galactose, found exclusively in the milk of mammals. It is obtained as a by-product of cheese and dairy processing and is used as an excipient in pharmaceuticals, as a food ingredient, and in fermentation media.

Also known as 4-O-beta-D-Galactopyranosyl-D-glucose, Lactin, lactosum, Milk Sugar
INCI name Lactose
CAS number 63-42-3
EC number 200-559-2
CosIng ID 34832
Last reviewed 16 April 2026

An ingredient is considered vegetarian if it avoids components derived from killing an animal.

Classifications are made to the best of our knowledge based on available scientific and regulatory sources. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of every entry, errors in the sources we draw from can always occur. This tool also cannot account for cross-contamination, which depends entirely on individual suppliers and producers. If you believe a classification is incorrect, you can report an issue.

Report an issue