Lactose intolerance affects between 30% and 50% of adults in Spain. For many people, eating cream- or dairy-based ice cream causes digestive discomfort that spoils what should be a simple pleasure. The good news is that artisan Italian gelato offers a natural solution: fruit sorbets and fruit-based flavours are lactose-free by definition — no artificial substitutes needed.
At La Palau, an Italian gelateria in the Born neighbourhood of Barcelona, right in front of the Palau de la Música Catalana, we carry a wide selection of lactose-free artisan gelato flavours, made by Menodiciotto — a producer founded in Turin in 1986 by master gelatier Luca Grassi.
Lactose-free gelato flavours at La Palau
These are the flavours currently available at La Palau that contain no dairy:
Fruit flavours — all lactose-free and vegan:
- Sicilian Lemon — a classic Italian flavour, sharp and refreshing
- Natural Strawberry — made with real fruit, no artificial colouring
- Alphonso Mango — premium mango variety, creamy and tropical
- Charentais Melon — seasonal French melon, sweet and delicate
- Passion Fruit · Passione — exotic and aromatic
- Pineapple · Ananas — light and refreshing
- Peach — ripe, seasonal fruit flavour
- Frutti di Bosco — mixed berry blend
Other lactose-free flavours:
- Fondente Nero — intense dark chocolate, dairy-free, vegan
- Cocco — natural coconut, creamy without dairy, vegan
All of these flavours are also gluten-free and suitable for vegans.
Why is fruit gelato naturally lactose-free?
Artisan fruit gelato contains no milk or dairy products — it is made with fruit, sugar, water and in some cases natural glucose. It is not a dairy-based recipe adapted to remove lactose: it simply never contained any.
This sets it apart from many industrial “lactose-free ice creams”, which are made from a dairy base to which the enzyme lactase is added to break down the lactose. The result may technically be lactose-free, but it remains a processed product with artificial ingredients.
Menodiciotto’s fruit gelato is naturally lactose-free, made with simple ingredients and no additives.
Dark chocolate: lactose-free and surprisingly creamy
One of the most surprising flavours for lactose-intolerant customers is the Fondente Nero (dark chocolate). Many people assume that chocolate always contains milk — but high-quality dark chocolate doesn’t need it. Menodiciotto’s Fondente Nero is an intense dark chocolate gelato with no dairy, vegan and gluten-free — with a creaminess that surprises first-time tasters.
GÜD artisan ice lollies: lactose-free and 0% added sugar
As well as gelato, La Palau serves GÜD artisan ice lollies, all with no added sugar. Most of the fruit flavours are also lactose-free:
- Mojito
- Raspberry
- Passion Fruit
- Frutti di Bosco
- Piña Colada
- Kiwi · Cucumber
- Orange · Strawberry · Banana
- Orange · Carrot · Apple
- Summer Mix · Orange
- Strawberry · Choco
- Mango · Choco
- Coconut · Chia
- Coconut · Blueberry
A great alternative to gelato — perfect if you want something lactose-free and sugar-free at the same time.
Horchata: another lactose-free option
The Valencian horchata de chufa we serve at La Palau is 100% lactose-free and vegan. It is made with Valencia tiger nuts, water and sugar — no milk or dairy of any kind. A refreshing dairy-free drink option.
Other ice cream shops with lactose-free options in Barcelona
If you’re in a different part of the city, these gelaterie also offer lactose-free options:
Gocce di Latte (Pla de Palau, 4 · El Born) — a dedicated vegan and lactose-free parlour with dairy-free cones included.
Shanti Gelato (Carrer dels Carders, 18 · El Born) — lactose-free flavours made with rice milk, almond milk, oat milk or soya.
Gelaaati Di Marco (Carrer de la Llibreteria, 7 · Gothic Quarter) — wide selection of lactose-free flavours alongside vegan and low-sugar options.
Parallelo Gelato (Carrer de Sèneca, 18 · Gràcia) — known for their creamy vegan and lactose-free gelato made with nut-based alternatives.
Tips for lactose-intolerant customers at gelato shops
Even if a flavour is lactose-free, in artisan gelaterias all flavours are scooped from shared display cases that also hold dairy-based flavours. If you have a severe intolerance, let the team know so they can take precautions when serving you — such as using a clean scoop or serving you first.
At La Palau we can check the allergen information for any flavour on request.
Where to find us
La Palau is at Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, 14, in the Born, Barcelona, right in front of the Palau de la Música Catalana. We are open every day from 12:30 to 23:30.
See all flavours on our menu or visit our location and hours page.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have lactose-free ice cream at La Palau?
Yes. All fruit flavours (lemon, strawberry, mango, melon, passion fruit, pineapple, peach, mixed berries) and the dark chocolate are lactose-free. Coconut is also lactose-free. In total, over 10 flavours of artisan gelato with no dairy.
Does the lactose-free gelato contain artificial substitutes?
No. Menodiciotto’s fruit flavours are naturally lactose-free — they never contained milk in the first place. No enzymes or dairy substitutes are added.
Is the dark chocolate gelato lactose-free?
Yes. Menodiciotto’s Fondente Nero is a dark chocolate gelato with no milk, vegan and gluten-free.
Are the GÜD ice lollies lactose-free?
Most of the fruit flavours in the GÜD range are lactose-free. Those containing chocolate or dulce de leche may contain dairy — ask in the shop if you are unsure.
Is the horchata lactose-free?
Yes. The Valencian horchata de chufa we serve at La Palau is 100% lactose-free and vegan.
Is there a risk of cross-contamination?
Gelato is scooped from display cases where lactose-free and dairy-based flavours are stored together. If you have a severe intolerance, let the team know so we can take the necessary precautions when serving you.
Where are you and what are your opening hours?
Carrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, 14, Born, Barcelona, opposite the Palau de la Música Catalana. Open every day from 12:30 to 23:30.