Donuts are a beloved breakfast food and snack for many people. The traditional doughnut is made from wheat flour, eggs, butter, and milk. This means most donuts contain dairy ingredients. However, there are some donut options that do not contain dairy for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant.
In the opening paragraphs, it’s important to answer key questions upfront. Do any donuts not have dairy? Yes, there are several dairy-free donut options available. Can you buy dairy-free donuts? Yes, many shops offer dairy-free donuts, and they can also be made at home. Are there vegan donut options? Yes, there are many delicious vegan donuts made without dairy.
Dairy-Free Donuts at Shops
Many local donut shops and large chains now offer dairy-free donut options due to increasing demand. Here are some places you can find dairy-free donuts:
Local bakeries
Independent donut shops may offer dairy-free or vegan donuts. Check the menu or ask if they have options without dairy ingredients like milk, butter, or eggs. Some bakeries make donuts with non-dairy milk like almond milk.
Large chains
Some large donut chains like Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Tim Hortons now have dairy-free donuts. These are made without milk, butter, or eggs. They often use soy milk or almond milk instead.
Vegan bakeries
All-vegan bakeries will offer dairy-free and egg-free donuts. These are made with plant-based ingredients like coconut oil, vegan milk, and egg replacers. Major cities often have all-vegan bakeries.
So if you’re looking for a dairy-free donut, check the menu at local shops or chains. Call ahead to ask if they have vegan options. The demand is growing, so more places are now offering dairy-free donuts.
Making Dairy-Free Donuts at Home
If you can’t find dairy-free donuts in your area, you can make them at home. Here are some tips:
Use dairy-free milk
Any unsweetened dairy-free milk like almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk can replace cow’s milk. Make sure it’s unsweetened.
Replace butter with oil
You can substitute butter with neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or coconut oil. The texture may differ slightly.
Use egg replacers
Common egg replacers for baking include bananas, flax eggs (flaxseed + water), and commercial egg replacer powders. These mimic eggs in donuts.
Add dairy-free glazes/fillings
Finish your donuts with dairy-free glazes made with powdered sugar, plant milk, and extracts. Fill them with fruit jams, coconut cream, or dairy-free chocolate.
Use a trusted recipe
Find a highly rated dairy-free donut recipe to ensure best results. King Arthur Baking and Minimalist Baker have great options.
With the right ingredients and a good recipe, you can make delicious dairy-free donuts at home. It does take some trial and error to perfect them.
Dairy-Free Donut Recipe Example
Here is an example of a simple dairy-free donut recipe from Minimalist Baker. It uses almond milk and coconut oil.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp (24g) granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup (80ml) unsweetened almond milk, at room temperature
- 2 Tbsp (28g) coconut oil, melted + more for frying
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the milk, oil and vanilla. Stir to combine.
- On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together. Using a rolling pin, roll it to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut into donut rounds using a 3-inch donut cutter, twisting the cutter to release the donuts. Transfer donuts to a parchment paper-lined tray.
- Heat 1 1/2 inches oil to 350oF (177oC) in a pot. Working in batches, fry donuts 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Glaze or coat in sugar while warm.
This basic recipe can be adapted by using different dairy-free milks, oils, glazes, and toppings.
Nutrition of Dairy-Free vs Regular Donuts
Dairy-free donuts made with plant-based ingredients are lower in saturated fat and cholesterol compared to regular dairy donuts. Here’s a nutrition comparison:
| Nutrition Facts | Dairy Donut (1) | Dairy-Free Donut (1) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 290 | 260 |
| Fat | 16g | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 3.5g |
| Cholesterol | 65mg | 0mg |
| Sodium | 240mg | 260mg |
| Sugar | 15g | 12g |
| Protein | 3g | 2g |
As you can see, dairy-free donuts are lower in saturated fat and contain no cholesterol. They have slightly less calories and fat overall. The sugar content depends on the recipe, but is similar. Dairy-free donuts do contain slightly less protein.
Benefits of Choosing Dairy-Free Donuts
Here are some of the top benefits of choosing dairy-free donut options:
Accommodates dietary needs
Dairy-free donuts work for those with lactose intolerance, milk allergies, or who follow a vegan or plant-based diet. This makes donuts accessible for more people.
Reduced saturated fat
Donuts made with oil instead of butter contain less artery-clogging saturated fat and no cholesterol. This makes them a slightly healthier indulgence.
Great taste and texture
Well-made dairy-free donuts are soft, crisp, and offer the classic sweet flavor people love. You won’t feel like you’re missing out.
Ethical reasons
Vegans choose dairy-free donuts because dairy production conflicts with their ethics regarding animal welfare and the environment.
May be easier to digest
Those sensitive to dairy may find that dairy-free donuts give them less gas, bloating, and discomfort.
Potential Drawbacks
Dairy-free donuts do come with a few potential downsides:
Higher in certain carbs
The flours in vegan donuts can be higher in certain carbohydrates. This may matter for low-carb diets.
Less protein
Without dairy proteins, dairy-free donuts offer slightly less protein per serving. Adding a nut butter drizzle can help.
Need modifications
Recipes need to be adjusted to turn out well without dairy. It can take testing to get the taste and texture right.
More expensive
Specialty dairy-free donuts from bakeries can cost more than regular donuts. Homemade versions require special ingredients.
Allergens still possible
Dairy-free donuts often use eggs, wheat, nuts, and soy. Those with allergies should still exercise caution. Gluten-free options are rarer.
Finding Dairy-Free Donuts
Here are some tips for finding dairy-free donut options in your area:
Check bakeries and cafes
Call ahead or visit local bakeries, cafes, and gourmet donut shops. Ask if they offer dairy-free or vegan donuts. New options are popping up.
Search online directories
Websites like HappyCow list vetted vegan food options by city. Search for “vegan donuts [your city]” to find dairy-free donut sellers.
Shop vegan grocery items
Many regular grocery stores now sell dairy-free and vegan packaged donuts in the bakery section. Read labels carefully.
Ask coffee chains
More coffee chains are offering dairy-free food items, including donuts made with almond or coconut milk.
Make them yourself
When all else fails, you can whip up dairy-free donuts yourself using plant-based ingredients. It just takes some practice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are definitely dairy-free donut options for those avoiding milk products. Many bakeries and chains now sell vegan donuts made with plant milks and oils instead of butter. You can also find recipes to make dairy-free donuts at home. While they may be pricier or harder to perfect, dairy-free donuts provide a delicious treat those with milk allergies or on plant-based diets can also enjoy. Just be sure to check labels and ingredients for any allergen concerns. With the growing demand, expect even more dairy-free donut options in coming years.
