As-synthesized Ni-based Lewis acidic catalysts, with tunable concentrations of beta-Ni(OH)(2) and gamma-NiOOH, were tested on the conversion of sugars to methyl lactate (MLA) in near-critical methanol solutions. The concentration of gamma-NiOOH increased with an increase in the Ni(NO3)(2)center dot 6H(2)O/2-methylimidazole (Ni/2-Hmim) molar ratio. Compared to beta-Ni(OH)(2), the gamma-NiOOH showed more mesopores in the catalyst, which facilitated the diffusion of reactant and products. Ni/2-Hmim-4 [Ni(NO3)(2)center dot 6H(2)O/2-methylimidazole molar ratio = 4] exhibited the best catalytic activity. Under optimal conditions (180 degrees C for 12 h), the highest MLA yield was 41.9% on the conversion of glucose. Ni/2-Hmim-4 was employed to convert disaccharides to MLA. Notably, for sucrose, the reaction afforded a 38.7% MLA yield at 200 degrees C for 12 h. The catalyst was reusable for at least three cycles.