Half-and-half is a dairy product that consists of equal parts whole milk and light cream. It is commonly used in coffee, tea, and various recipes for its creamy texture and rich flavor. Since it contains milk and cream derived from cow’s milk, half-and-half is not dairy-free. You can consider using plant-based milk or creamers made from almond, soy, coconut, or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Natural Dairy-Free Half-and-Half Alternatives
The easiest way to buy dairy-free half-and-half is to look for vegan half-and-half. Vegan foods are always dairy-free. However, dairy-free foods are not always vegan. Here are some dairy-free, vegan half-and-half alternatives you can use in your recipes.
- Cashew Cream: Soak raw cashews in water, then blend until smooth. This creates a rich, creamy texture suitable for replacing half-and-half in recipes. Adjust thickness by changing the water-to-cashew ratio.
- Almond Cream: Blend soaked almonds with water until smooth and strain to remove solids. This creates a thicker, creamier alternative to almond milk, which can be used as a half-and-half substitute.
- Coconut Cream: Skim the thick layer of cream from a can of full-fat coconut milk. This rich, dairy-free cream can be used instead of half-and-half, adding a subtle coconut flavor.
- Silken Tofu: Blend silken tofu until smooth to create a creamy, dairy-free substitute for half-and-half. This option works well in sauces, soups, and smoothies, adding a mild flavor and creamy consistency.
Ready-to-Use Dairy-Free Half-and-half Alternatives
Not in the mood to make yourself dairy-free half-and-half. No problem. You can buy ready-to-use boxed versions of dairy-free and vegan half-and-half substitutes. Let’s check the most famous ones.
Silk Dairy-Free Half & Half Alternative: A plant-based option made from oat and coconut milk, providing a rich, creamy texture without dairy. It’s ideal for coffee, tea, and recipes that require half-and-half.
Califia Farms – Dairy-Free Half and Half Substitute: A dairy-free blend of almond milk and coconut cream, offering a smooth, creamy alternative for recipes and beverages without added sugars.
Let’s Do Organic Heavy Coconut Cream: A thick, dairy-free cream made from organic coconut, perfect for replacing dairy-based heavy cream in recipes or creating dairy-free whipped cream.
Thai Kitchen Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Coconut Cream: A rich, dairy-free coconut cream that’s suitable for people on gluten-free diets. Its thick consistency is perfect for adding creaminess to various dishes and desserts.
Can I use Rice Milk to make Dairy-Free Half-and-Half?
Yes, you can use rice milk as a base for a dairy-free half-and-half alternative. To achieve the desired creaminess, consider blending rice milk with thicker ingredients like cashew cream, coconut cream, or silken tofu. This mixture can then be used as a substitute for traditional half-and-half in various recipes and beverages while maintaining a dairy-free profile.
Final Words
Half-and-half is not dairy-free, as it contains whole milk and light cream derived from cow’s milk. However, numerous plant-based alternatives, such as oat, almond, and coconut-based creams, are available. All can effectively replace half-and-half in recipes while maintaining a creamy texture and satisfying taste for those seeking dairy-free options.
