So, you are not just gluten-free, but dairy-free, too

"What?! First, no gluten and now no dairy, either?" You may be asking in tears and frustration. If this is the case, don't worry. I'm here to help. So, take a deep breath and exhale knowing that there are now plenty of great-tasting dairy-free alternatives on the market and going dairy free may be the next best thing for your health since going gluten free. A casein-free diet (casein is the protein found in milk and is also used as a binding agent in some cosmetics, paints, and nail polish) has been found to be very beneficial for a number of reasons - from those with autism to anyone with an auto-immune disorder or wishing to avoid one.

Below is a list of foods that contain casein taken from Living Without magazine:

• All bovine milk products
• Milk - White or chocolate
• Cream
• Half & half
• Yogurt
• Sour Cream
• Cheese
• Butter
• Sherbet
• Ice Cream
• Ice Milk
• Creamed Soups and Veggies
• Soup Bases
• Puddings
• Custard
• Whey

Casein-Free Alternatives

• Rice Milk
• Soy Milk (not a fan of soy personally)
• Hemp Milk
• Coconut Milk
• Any nut milk - almond, cashew - especially homemade
• Pareve Creams and Creamers
• Sorbet
• Italian Ices
• Ghee (ensure it says Casein Free as not all brands are - see www.spunkycoconut.com to learn how to make your own)
• Coconut Butter
• Coconut Milk
• Earth Balance "Butter" Spreads - also in soy free
• kosher pareve foods
• Foods certified as kosher non-dairy or pareve
• Note: for a non-dairy alternative to powdered milk, there are rice, goat, and coconut milk options available. You just might have to purchase on-line as it's a difficult item to find

Foods/Items that MAY contain casein

• Margarine
• Tuna fish
• Dairy-Free Cheese (most brands)
• Cosmetics
• Medicines
• Nail polish
• Paints
• Lactic Acid
• Artifical Flavorings
• Semi-sweet Chocolate
• Hot Dogs
• Lunch Meats
• Sausage
• Ghee

If an item as "dairy free" it still may contain casein. And as you may have noticed by the list, many non-food items contain casein. So, once again, it's "let the buyer beware." Please read labels and "if in doubt, go without." Get to know your options and don't forget to smile and have fun :)