Dairy allergies impact up to 3% of children in developed nations, but about 4 out of 5 outgrow the condition by adolescence. Unlike lactose intolerance, which involves difficulty digesting milk sugars, a dairy allergy is an immune reaction to milk proteins such as casein and whey. When someone with a dairy allergy consumes these proteins, even in trace amounts, their body can respond with a range of symptoms, including hives, gastrointestinal upset, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Fortunately, alternatives like almond, coconut, and oat milk, as well as nut-based and other dairy-free cheeses, provide safe and commonly available substitutes.