Which food items are typically excluded from the diets of Korean Americans?

The exclusion of milk and dairy products from the diets of many Korean Americans is linked to lactose intolerance, which is relatively common in Asian populations. Traditionally, many East Asian cuisines, including Korean, do not incorporate significant amounts of dairy. This stems from cultural dietary practices that developed over centuries and are further supported by genetic factors that affect lactose digestion. As a result, Korean Americans often rely on other sources of calcium and nutrients typically provided by dairy, such as leafy greens, tofu, and fortified non-dairy alternatives.

While grains, meats, vegetables, and fish are integral and commonly consumed components of Korean cuisine, milk and dairy products are often absent due to these dietary norms and health considerations.