On the surface, it seems like this question is a no-brainer. Why would orange juice - or any fruit juice, for that matter - contain milk?
But for those suffering from lactose intolerance, the innocuous orange drink may be a potential hazard - especially for those suffering from severe dairy reactions.
For those with food allergies, thorough research could mean the difference between a healthy breakfast and a trip to the emergency room.
Orange juice is dairy-free and therefore contains no milk, despite regularly being sold in the dairy section of most supermarkets.
While some orange juice contains added calcium, there's no reason for dairy allergy sufferers to be alarmed: the calcium in orange juice isn't derived from dairy products.
What Are the Benefits of Orange Juice?
According to a 2012 study published in Nutrition Journal, regular consumption of 100% orange juice by adults is associated with benefits such as:
- Better nutrition
- Decreased risk of obesity
- Lower risk of disease
100% orange juice is a great source of many vital nutrients, and a standard 8-ounce serving of orange juice contains:
- Vitamin C - 67% of Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
- Potassium - 10% RDI
- Folate - 15% RDI
- Magnesium - 6% RDI
- Protein - 2 grams
Orange juice fortified with calcium has all the vitamins and minerals mentioned above, with the bonus of extra calcium and Vitamin D.
Can You Mix Orange Juice With Milk?
Though it sounds unconventional, some swear by the breakfast combination of orange juice and milk.
A common recipe known as "Morir Soñando" is enjoyed by many in the Dominican Republic and is considered by many to be the official drink of the Dominican summer.
While this silky and sweet drink can be made with lime or passion fruit juice, it is most commonly made with orange juice and is best served chilled.
This recipe is unique to the Dominican Republic and is one recipe that isn't shared with the rest of the Caribbean.
If you are aiming to make Morir Soñando but don't want to use dairy milk, flax milk and pea milk have neutral flavors and textures, making them great alternatives for this recipe.
Why Does Some Orange Juice Contain Added Calcium?
While orange juice is high in many essential vitamins and minerals, it is naturally low in calcium - vital for healthy bones and teeth.
Because orange juice contains so many essential nutrients, fortifying it with calcium makes it a veritable super drink - loaded with everything you need to start the day.
If you don't want or don't have fortified orange juice, dairy milk is an excellent source of calcium.
For those with a dairy allergy, oat milk is one of the most popular non-dairy milk alternatives and is readily available in most supermarkets.
A single serving of oat milk contains 350mg of calcium, slightly less than a serving of whole milk.
Oat milk also contains 20% of the daily intake value of Vitamin D, which is higher than dairy milk's daily value of 15%.
