Find out if whipped cream is safe for a dairy-free diet, which brands of dairy-free whipped cream are best, and how to make your own dairy-free whipped cream.
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When it comes to pies and cakes, nothing can be better than topping it with a big dollop of fresh whipped cream. But what if you follow a dairy-free diet? Can you still enjoy whipped cream on your favorite dessert recipes? If not, what can you use instead?
In this post, we’ll talk about dairy-free whipped cream, what brands you can buy at the store, the different types of dairy-free whipped cream, and how to make your own.
Whether you have food allergies or are just trying to avoid dairy for the time being, this post will give you all the information you need to make or buy dairy-free whipped cream next time you’re looking for something sweet to top off your dessert.
Is whipped cream dairy-free?
First, before we get into this post further, let’s talk about whipped cream. Is cream and whipped cream a dairy product?
The short answer is yes.
Cream that comes from cow’s milk is considered a dairy product, because it comes from animal milk. Any animal milk based product, including cream, ice cream, milk, cheese, and yogurt are all dairy products.
If you’re following a dairy-free diet, whipped cream that’s made from normal milk is not going to be a good option for you. You’ll need to find or make your own dairy-free version at home.
Read on: Is whipped cream gluten-free?
What are the different types of dairy-free whipped cream from the store?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free whipped cream option, you’ll be glad to know that you have options!
You can find some of these at the grocery store and others you’ll need to make at home. There are three main types of dairy-free whipped cream to look out for at the grocery store:
- Soy-based dairy-free whipped cream
- Almond-based dairy-free whipped cream
- Coconut-based dairy-free whipped cream
None of these are better for you than others, it will come down to preference of what flavor and texture you like. You’ll want to try one or a few out before you decide on what you’d like to use in the future.
Dairy free whipped cream brands
You can find many different brands of these types of whipped cream at grocery stores. Here are a few brands you can be on the lookout for:
Soy-based dairy-free whipped cream
SoyaToo
Almond-based dairy-free whipped cream
Reddi-Whip Non-Dairy Almond Milk
Whipt Plant-Based Whipped Dreams Dairy Free Coconut
Coconut-based dairy-free whipped cream
So Delicious Dairy-free CocoWhip
Trader Joe’s Non-Dairy Whipped Coconut Topping
Whole Foods 365 Coconut Whipped Topping
Reddi-Whip Non-Dairy Coconut Milk
Silk Dairy-free Heavy Whipping Cream Alternative
Whipt Plant-Based Whipped Dreams Dairy Free Coconut
Gay Lea Coconut Whipped Topping
Nature’s Charm Coconut Whipping Cream
Oat-based dairy-free whipped cream
Whole Foods 365 Oat-Based Whipped Topping
Sprouts Farmers Market Oatmilk Whipped Topping
Whipt Plant-Based Whipped Dreams Dairy Free Oat
Is Cool Whip dairy-free?
You might be wondering if Cool Whip is dairy-free and a good option for you.
I’ve written an entire post answering that question: Is Cool Whip Dairy-free? and provide a few substitutes to get the same texture and flavor you’re after from store-bought brands.
How can I make my own dairy-free whipped cream?
If you don’t want to buy whipped cream from the store, don’t worry! There are two extremely easy ways to make your own dairy-free whipped cream at home. Both of them are a cinch if you have a hand blender or a stand mixer!
Dairy-free Coconut Whipped Cream
This recipe for dairy-free whipped cream is made with a can of coconut milk (or a few, depending on how much you want to make).
Use any brand of coconut milk that you already use in your cooking or baking. Two of the most popular options are Thai Kitchen and Native Forest.
All you need to do is transfer the the thick solid cream from chilled canned coconut milk (save the liquid for another recipe) into a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on medium with an electric mixer for about 3-4 minutes to create a fluffy texture. You can also do this by hand with a whisk but expect to get a good arm workout!
The full fat variety is the best here, as the lower fat options won’t have as much coconut cream in the can.
You can enjoy the dairy-free whipped cream plain, with powdered sugar or maple syrup as a sweetener, and add vanilla extract for a little extra flavor.
Get the dairy-free whipped cream recipe.
While you can make this ahead and store it in an airtight container, it’s going to have the best texture when freshly made.
Dairy-free Aquafaba Whipped Cream
If you aren’t a fan of coconut or need to stay away from it for health reasons, try this aquafaba whipped cream recipe.
Aquafaba is simply the liquid that is left over cooking liquid from chickpeas or garbanzo beans.
If you buy canned chickpeas, the aquafaba is usually the liquid that you throw out when you drain the canned beans to use in salads, soups, or other recipes. Now you can use that liquid and make up a delicious whipped cream too!
Get the dairy-free aquafaba whipped cream recipe.
Read on: Are chickpeas gluten-free?
I really love both of these two recipes as a dairy-free whipped cream and have used them on a number of occasions for get togethers and family gatherings.
You can use homemade dairy-free whipped cream the exact same ways you’d be able to use normal whipped cream, so don’t be too intimidated by trying to make your own at home!
Try it on top of pie, cakes, with fresh fruit, as a dip, or trifles! Use it for any special dessert, at Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas too!
Whether you’re someone who likes to make whipped cream at home or would rather take a shortcut from the store, when you’re eating a dairy-free diet, you don’t have to live without this delicious ingredient!
There are so many delicious uses for dairy-free whipped cream, from topping summer fruit bowls to putting a dollop on top of pumpkin pie. I hope with these recommendations and recipes, you have everything you need to enjoy this ingredient on your dairy-free diet.
Love this post? You might also want to check out this content:
- Dairy-free Whipped Cream Recipe
- Dairy-free Aquafaba Whipped Cream Recipe
- Is Cool Whip Dairy-free?
- 101 Gluten-free Dairy-free Desserts
- Dairy-free Pumpkin Pie Recipe (vegan, gluten-free)
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