Osmophilic yeast Kluyveromyces strains that represent lactose-utilization ability were screened for D-arabitol production. Fifteen strains were tested. D-Arabitol was found in the culture of K. lactis GG 799, NRRL 8279, NBRC 1903, NBRC 0433, CBS 4627, NRRL 1564, CBS 2619 and NRRL 4087. Null or negligible trace amount of D-glucose or D-galactose was observed in the culture of K. lactis on lactose. Glycerol and ethanol were formed as main by products of D-arabitol from lactose.