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
All dairy ingredients (9)
Butter
A dairy product made by churning fresh or fermented cream or milk to separate the butterfat from the buttermilk. It is a solid fat used as a spread, condiment, and in baking.
Buttermilk
A dairy liquid, which is either the fluid left after churning butter or, more commonly, cultured milk with a characteristically sour taste. It's used extensively in baking for its tenderizing effects.
Casein
The main protein found in milk and cheese, often used as a binder in processed foods and as a slow-digesting protein supplement.
Ghee
Clarified butter commonly used in Indian cooking.
Lactose
A sugar naturally found in milk, often extracted and used as a cheap filler, sweetener, or carrier in pills and foods.
Whey Powder
A common protein source and filler found in protein bars, chips, and baked goods.
Whey Protein
A high-quality protein powder derived from milk, widely used by bodybuilders and athletes for muscle recovery.
Whey Protein Isolate
A dietary supplement and food ingredient created by filtering milk protein. Whey protein isolate is a highly processed form that contains over 90% protein and minimal lactose or fat.
Yogurt
A fermented food product made by adding bacterial cultures to milk, which thickens it and imparts a tangy flavor. It is consumed on its own or used as an ingredient in sauces, dips, and baked goods.
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.