I am lactose intolerant.
lat-TOH-zyoh — stress the second syllable of 'lattosio'. Intollerante: een-tol-leh-RAHN-teh.
Use when ordering pasta, pizza, or desserts that might contain cheese, butter, or cream. Lactose intolerance is well understood in Italy — staff will guide you.
'Intollerante al' means 'intolerant to' — 'al' is the contraction of 'a + il'. This is a common phrasing in medical and everyday contexts. Italy's rich dairy tradition means many classic dishes contain lactosio.
Non posso mangiare latticini.
I cannot eat dairy products.
Broader term covering all dairy.
Senza formaggio, per favore.
Without cheese, please.
Direct request; simpler for pizza orders.
Avete latte senza lattosio?
Do you have lactose-free milk?
Useful at breakfast or for coffee orders.
Many Italian supermarkets stock 'senza lattosio' (lactose-free) versions of milk, cheese, and even mozzarella. These products are widely available across the country.