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PhrasesOrdering CoffeeAvete latte senza lattosio?
A2formal

Avete latte senza lattosio?

Do you have lactose-free milk?

Pronunciation

lat-TO-sio — three syllables, stress on second.

When to use it

If you are lactose intolerant and ordering a milk-based coffee drink.

What it means

'Lattosio' = lactose. 'Senza lattosio' = lactose-free. Italian bars increasingly stock lactose-free milk ('latte delattosato') alongside regular milk. Alternatives like soy or oat milk are less universal but available in city bars.

Variations

Avete il latte di soia?

Do you have soy milk?

Soy milk ('latte di soia') is the most common plant-based alternative in Italian bars

Avete il latte d'avena?

Do you have oat milk?

Oat milk ('latte d'avena') is popular but not universal — more common in urban specialty bars

Sono intollerante al lattosio.

I am lactose intolerant.

Explaining the reason makes the request clearer and more sympathetic

Mini Dialogue

— Avete latte senza lattosio? Sono intollerante. — Sì, abbiamo il Parmalat senza lattosio. Va bene? — Perfetto, grazie. Un cappuccino con quello. — Subito.

— Do you have lactose-free milk? I am intolerant. — Yes, we have Parmalat lactose-free. Is that alright? — Perfect, thank you. A cappuccino with that. — Right away.

Cultural Note

Lactose intolerance is common across southern Italy and Sicily (over 50% of the population has some degree of intolerance). As a result, lactose-free milk ('latte delattosato') is widely available even in traditional bars in the south.