Are there any alternatives to lactose when making beer?

Question

Someone I know wants to make beer but he can't get hold of lactose powder to make the beer. Now he's wondering if there are any other sugars he can use that can do the same thing.

Answer 1

Yup.
Fructose
Works a treat

Answer 2

Yes using Malt extract of the type of grain that you are using will help greatily without giving any of the side effects to the Beer.

First question is this a from grain or from malt extract brewing project. If it is from Malt extract than there is no need for the Sugars unless all you want is to max the alcohol content and you will get a very cidery flavor from most sugars

Beer is from Malted grains (Barley, Wheat being most common)
Hops (a flower that adds bitter and is a natural preservative)
Yeast (the type breaks the beer family down into to two types: Ales and Lagers)
Water

Agents added to beers can range from different items used to clarify or flavor a beer. But the above is the basic that has been around for a good long time.

Answer 3

Grain, malt, hops and yeast + distilled water = ingredients for making beer--at home or professionally. Lactose powder is not necessary.

Since beer is mostly water, do not use anything but distilled water.

Adding molasses instead of sugar can make a deeper, warmer flavored beer.

Answer 4

Lactose and Gluten free beers exist, most common one is Red Bridge, but there are some others... he can use commercial sorghum... but I think it may be even harder to find.

B:
The Lactose or Gluten come from the malted hops.

Answer 5

Both Dextrose and Glucose are the best in terms of high production with low after taste - Fructose as suggested above does have an after taste but one that supports / harmonises the taste of the beer.

Sucrose (table sugar) produces a high level of sediment and often has a peculiar after taste in finished product.

Sugar additives can be avoided by ensuring that enzymes such as maltase /amylase are given time to act upon the grain to breakdown the complex starches into simple sugars.

Answer 6

Why use lactose, beer should be made from malt.