Used extensively in the food industry as a sweetener and filler in baked goods, confectionery, and dairy products. It enhances texture and flavor while providing bulk. In pharmaceuticals, it serves as an excipient in tablet and capsule formulations, aiding in drug delivery and stability. Lactose is also a key ingredient in infant formula, mimicking the nutritional profile of breast milk. Additionally, it is utilized in microbiological media for culturing bacteria and other microorganisms in laboratory settings.