There's just so much intolerance in the world. Can't we all just get along?
Before my ulcers were discovered (and subsequently cured with Nexium), my doctor checked me out for IBS, gall-bladder function, AND lactose intolerance. Fortunately, it was none of those, but I did learn a few things in the process.
First, since I had to stop the dairy products for a while (in order to test that theory), I tried "Smart Balance Light." I don't like most such spreads, but the Smart Balance Light impressed me quite a bit, and I started using it all the time (except for now, since it is not available here). Aside from all the usual positive factors of such spreads, the "Light" (as opposed to the regular) is lactose free (many other such spreads still contain SOME kinds of milk solids or other lactose-bearing ingredients). Anyway, it tasted so good that I kept on using it, and my parents now love it, too, even though they don't have any lactose problems, either.
Also, I discovered that I DO like soy milk. When I had first tried the stuff, I had been really put off by it since, because of its name, I had expected it to taste like milk. In addition to my temporary reason for trying to stay dairy free, I also encountered one of those little coupon machines at the display for Sun Soy's products, including the then-new "Coffee Latte" flavour, so that's what I decided to try, and it was
delicious! Eventually, I also tried the plain soy milk, this time NOT expecting it to be the same as milk, and I loved it. Now, I even make my own soy milk.
Thus, even though I know people have different tastes, I can give my personal "thumbs up" to Smart Balance Light and to soy milk (especially Sun Soy versus Silk). Just remember, if you decide to try soy milk, taste it for itself, and
don't expect it to taste exactly like milk.