Yes, vegan butter is dairy-free. It is specifically designed to be a plant-based alternative to traditional butter, which is made from cow’s milk. Vegan butter is made from various plant-based oils, such as coconut oil, palm oil, or sunflower oil, and often includes other ingredients like water, salt, and emulsifiers to create a texture and taste similar to dairy butter. Since vegan butter does not contain any milk or dairy products, it is suitable for those following a vegan or lactose-free diet.
Is Dairy-Free Butter Always Vegan?
No. Dairy-Free butter is not always vegan. Vegans don’t eat anything coming from animals, like milk, honey, eggs, meat, or animal-derived ingredients like gelatin, refined sugar, food colors, or flavors.
A dairy-free butter is free from milk but may have honey or refined sugar. Hence, you cannot rely on a dairy-free tag as vegan, but those on a dairy-free diet can rely on a vegan label.
Best Dairy-Free & Vegan Butters
The brands listed below also produce non-vegan butter and foods. Hence, you must always check the labels and ingredients on the packaging before buying.
Milkadamia Buttery Spread: A rich and creamy butter substitute made from macadamia nuts, offering a unique buttery taste for cooking and baking.
Kite Hill Plant-Based Butter Alternative: Crafted from almond milk, this vegan butter boasts a mildly nutty flavor and a delightful, creamy texture that works well in various dishes.
Violife Plant Butter: A coconut oil-based butter alternative with a rich, creamy texture that melts and spreads like traditional butter, making it a versatile choice for cooking and baking.
Melt Organic Butter: This blend of plant-based oils creates a smooth and spreadable texture with a buttery taste, suitable for everyday use in cooking, baking, and spreading.
Country Crock Plant Butter: A dairy-free, plant-based butter made with a blend of oils, providing a classic buttery taste and texture perfect for spreading on toast or using in recipes.
Trader Joe’s Vegan Buttery Spread: This affordable vegan butter has a smooth texture and a mild buttery flavor, making it a great option for everyday use.
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! It’s Vegan: A plant-based spread that mimics the taste and texture of traditional butter, perfect for those looking to make a seamless transition to a vegan alternative.
Miyoko’s Kitchen Cultured Vegan Butter: Made from cashews and fermented with live cultures, this vegan butter offers a rich, tangy flavor and a creamy texture ideal for cooking and baking.
Nutiva Organic Vegan Buttery Spread: A blend of organic, non-GMO plant-based oils creates a smooth and spreadable butter alternative with a rich, buttery taste for various uses.
Cross Contamination Risks
Most of the brands reviewed above prepare vegan and non-vegan foods. Hence, there is always a risk of cross-contamination for dairy items when buying ready-to-eat vegan (dairy-free) butter. Buy your food from a 100% vegan brand or make butter at home.
Tips to Select a Dairy-Free Butter
- Check ingredients: Ensure the product is dairy-free by reading the label and looking for plant-based oils instead of milk derivatives like casein or whey.
- Reputable brands: Choose from well-known brands specializing in plant-based or vegan products for higher quality alternatives.
- Taste and texture: Find a dairy-free butter that closely resembles the taste and texture of traditional butter to suit your preferences and recipes.
- Nutritional content: Compare the nutritional information of different options to select a healthier choice that aligns with your dietary goals.
- Read reviews: Consult online reviews and recommendations from others to help you identify a dairy-free butter that has been well-received by users.
Homemade Dairy-Free Vegan Butter Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup refined coconut oil (melted)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or soy milk (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (e.g., canola, sunflower, or grapeseed oil)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (optional for a salted butter version)
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine the melted refined coconut oil, almond milk (or soy milk), neutral oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), and sea salt (if using). Ensure the coconut oil is melted but not hot, as it may cause the mixture to separate.
- Blend the ingredients on high speed for about 1-2 minutes or until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well-emulsified.
- Pour the mixture into a silicone mold, a small container, or a butter dish, and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the dairy-free butter for at least 2 hours or until it has firmed up and set. Once set, it’s ready to be used just like regular butter.
Store the vegan butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for longer storage.
Do Vegan and Dairy-Free Butter Taste Like Real Butter?
It depends on how well the butter is made and the quality of the substitutes used. Some get closer to the real taste, while some are like margarine. You can read reviews before buying. You’ll have to test different dairy-free butters before you settle on your favorite one.
Is Dairy-Free Butter Healthy?
Most dairy-free and vegan butters are high in calories and total fat. However, they have lower saturated fat content and a high concentration of monosaturated fats. The nutritional values may change from product to product. Hence, it is important to check the labels on the packaging. Moreover, eating products like margarine and butter in moderation is better as they are highly processed.
