Dairy Ingredients

We've indexed 9 dairy ingredients. Of those, 8 non-vegan, 1 that depend on the source. Use this hub to look up any dairy on a label and find vegan alternatives where needed.

What are dairy ingredients?

Dairy ingredients come from the milk of cows, goats, sheep, or buffalo. They include milk solids, whey, casein, lactose, and many derived proteins. None are vegan — but plant-based alternatives exist for nearly every dairy ingredient.

Dairy at a glance

Non-vegan dairy ingredients to avoid

Commonly found in

Baked goodsProtein powdersProtein barsProcessed snacksBaked goods (cakes, cookies, croissants)Sauces (e.g., Hollandaise)Toast spreadPastriesPopcorn toppingPancakes and wafflesBiscuits and sconesSalad dressings (e.g., ranch)

All dairy ingredients (9)

Frequently asked about dairy

Are all dairy ingredients vegan?

No — none of the 9 dairy ingredients we've indexed are confirmed vegan. 8 are animal-derived and 1 depend on the source.

Which dairy ingredients should vegans avoid?

The most common non-vegan dairy ingredients are Butter, Buttermilk, Casein. See the list below for the full breakdown and vegan alternatives for each.

What are vegan alternatives to dairy ingredients?

Popular plant-based replacements include Coconut oil, Soy protein, Pea protein, Vegan butter (plant-oil based). Each non-vegan entry below lists specific alternatives suited to its function.

How do I spot dairy ingredients on a food label?

Dairy ingredients are usually listed by their common name in the ingredients list. If a label is ambiguous, check our individual entries below or contact the manufacturer to confirm the source.

Why are some dairy ingredients listed as "check label"?

1 dairy ingredient we've indexed can be derived from either plant or animal sources depending on the manufacturer. The vegan status only becomes clear when you check the brand or look for vegan certification.