Quick Answer
Coleslaw can contain dairy products like cheese, yogurt, sour cream, buttermilk, and cream. However, many coleslaw recipes are dairy-free and use ingredients like mayonnaise, vinegar, vegetable oil, and lemon juice instead of dairy products. Checking the ingredient list can help identify if a pre-made coleslaw contains dairy.
Ingredients That Make Coleslaw Dairy
Here are some common dairy ingredients used in coleslaw recipes:
Cheese
Some recipes add shredded cheese like cheddar, swiss, gouda, or blue cheese to coleslaw for extra flavor. The cheese gives the coleslaw a creamier, richer taste.
Yogurt
Plain yogurt or Greek yogurt is sometimes used in coleslaw instead of mayonnaise to give a tangy flavor. The yogurt adds thickness and moisture as well.
Sour Cream
Sour cream is a popular ingredient in creamy coleslaw dressings. It helps create a thick, rich consistency. The sour taste also complements the cabbage and vegetables.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk has a mild tang that enhances coleslaw dressing. When combined with mayonnaise, the buttermilk gives the coleslaw a smooth, creamy texture.
Cream
Heavy cream or half-and-half may be used sparingly in coleslaw dressing to add extra creaminess. Just a splash gives the dressing a silky texture.
Non-Dairy Ingredients in Coleslaw
Here are some ways coleslaw can be dairy-free:
Mayonnaise
The base of many coleslaw dressings is mayonnaise, which on its own contains no dairy products. Mayonnaise helps coat the cabbage and vegetables to give the coleslaw a creamy texture.
Vinegar
Adding a vinegar like apple cider, white, or rice wine gives coleslaw a tangy flavor. The acidity of the vinegar also helps tenderize the vegetables without needing dairy products.
Vegetable Oil
Canola oil, olive oil, or other vegetable oils are used to make mayonnaise and emulsify coleslaw dressings. This gives the coleslaw a rich mouthfeel without dairy ingredients.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice mimics the tart, acidic taste provided by buttermilk or yogurt in coleslaw. The juice also dresses the cabbage and vegetables.
Mustard
Mustard seeds ground into powder add texture and a sharp, mustardy flavor to coleslaw dressing without the need for dairy products.
Pre-Made Coleslaw and Dairy Products
When buying pre-made coleslaw from a grocery store deli or restaurant, check the ingredients list to see if it contains dairy products like:
- Cheese
- Milk
- Buttermilk
- Sour cream
- Cream
- Yogurt
Labels like “vegan coleslaw” or “dairy-free coleslaw” indicate that the prepared coleslaw does not contain milk, cheese, yogurt, or other dairy ingredients. However, always verify by reading the full ingredients list.
Some people may assume that creamy coleslaw recipes must contain dairy. But rich, thick dressings can be achieved with mayonnaise, oil, vinegar, and other non-dairy ingredients. So don’t rely solely on the texture and appearance when determining if prepared coleslaw has dairy products in it or not. Check the label carefully.
Why Coleslaw May Contain Dairy
There are several reasons why cooks and restaurants may choose to put dairy products in coleslaw:
Creaminess
Dairy ingredients like sour cream, buttermilk, and cream give coleslaw a lush, creamy consistency that coats the vegetables. The dairy fats give the coleslaw a smooth, rich mouthfeel.
Flavor
Ingredients like cheese, yogurt, and buttermilk have distinctive flavors. They impart new tastes to balance the crunchy vegetables and tangy dressing in coleslaw. This makes the coleslaw more complex and interesting.
Moisture
The liquid in dairy products like yogurt, sour cream, and buttermilk moisturize the vegetables, keeping the coleslaw from drying out.
Texture
Dairy products help thicken coleslaw dressing so it adheres to the cabbage and vegetables. This prevents the vegetables and dressing from separating.
Acidity
Buttermilk and yogurt give coleslaw a mild tang that brings out the flavors of the vegetables and seasonings. They provide acidity without an overly sharp vinegar taste.
Nutrition Comparison of Dairy and Non-Dairy Coleslaw
Here is a nutritional comparison between coleslaw made with dairy ingredients versus oil-based ingredients:
| Nutrient | Coleslaw with Dairy | Coleslaw without Dairy |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 180/cup | 180/cup |
| Total Fat | 18g | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg | 0mg |
| Sodium | 170mg | 170mg |
| Carbs | 6g | 6g |
| Fiber | 2g | 2g |
| Sugar | 4g | 4g |
| Protein | 3g | 0g |
Key differences:
- Dairy coleslaw is higher in saturated fat and cholesterol due to ingredients like cheese, cream, and sour cream.
- Non-dairy coleslaw tends to be higher in unsaturated vegetable oils.
- Dairy coleslaw contains more protein than non-dairy versions because of the milk proteins.
So while both versions have similar amounts of calories, carbs, and fiber, the dairy coleslaw contains more saturated fat and cholesterol. If avoiding saturated fat or cholesterol, a non-dairy coleslaw would be better.
Most Common Dairy Allergies
Some people need to avoid dairy products due to allergies or intolerances. Here are the most common:
Milk Allergy
A milk allergy means the immune system reacts to the proteins in milk. This is most common in young children but can affect anyone. All milk from animals like cows, goats, and sheep must be avoided.
Lactose Intolerance
People with lactose intolerance lack enough of the enzyme lactase to digest the milk sugar lactose. Consuming dairy products can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Aged cheeses tend to be lower in lactose.
Whey or Casein Allergy
Whey and casein are proteins found in milk. Someone can be allergic to one or both of these milk proteins. This requires avoiding all dairy products.
Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy
A cow’s milk protein allergy is an immune reaction to one or more proteins in cow’s milk. All dairy products from cows must be eliminated. Goat or sheep dairy may be tolerated.
Any of these conditions require diligently reading ingredient labels to spot traces of milk or dairy derivatives like whey. Dairy-free coleslaw provides a safe option for those with dairy allergies.
Tips for Making Dairy-Free Coleslaw
Here are some tips for preparing coleslaw without milk, cheese, yogurt, or other dairy products:
Use oil-based dressings
Make creamy dressings from non-dairy ingredients like olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, or vegan mayonnaise. Whisk in mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, and spices.
Try plant-based milks
For a creamy base, use unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk instead of buttermilk or yogurt.
Add texture with nuts and seeds
Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or peanuts or seeds like sunflower or poppy. This mimics the crunch from cheese.
Include crunchy vegetables
In addition to cabbage, add shredded carrots, bell peppers, jicama, radishes, or broccoli slaw. This provides extra texture and flavor.
Brighten with acidity
Apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, or citrus bring needed acid without dairy. Balance this with a touch of sweetener.
Boost flavor with herbs and spices
Liven up dairy-free coleslaw with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, dill, or chives. Spices like garlic powder, paprika, or celery seed also add interest.
With oil-based dressings, vegetable mix-ins, and bold seasonings, you can make flavorful coleslaw without any dairy products.
Simple Dairy-Free Coleslaw Recipes
Here are two easy recipes for tasty dairy-free coleslaws:
Creamy Vegan Coleslaw
Ingredients:
- 1 bag coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp sugar or agave
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions:
- In large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Add coleslaw mix and toss until evenly coated.
- Chill coleslaw in fridge 30 minutes or up to 8 hours before serving.
Crunchy Oil-Based Coleslaw
Ingredients:
- 1/2 small head green cabbage, shredded
- 1 large carrot, shredded
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/4 tsp celery seed
- 1/8 tsp salt
- Dash pepper
Instructions:
- In large bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, parsley, honey, celery seed, salt and pepper.
- Add shredded cabbage and carrot. Toss to evenly coat.
- Cover and refrigerate 1 hour before serving.
Both of these easy coleslaw recipes avoid butter, milk, cheese, and cream. Feel free to add other crunchy veggies like bell pepper, radishes, or broccoli slaw to either recipe. Enjoy dairy-free!
Conclusion
While some coleslaw recipes do contain dairy products like cheese, sour cream, buttermilk, or yogurt to create a creamy dressing, many versions are dairy-free. Using oil and vinegar instead of milk and cream to dress the cabbage and vegetables can result in a tasty coleslaw without dairy. Those avoiding dairy due to allergies, intolerances, or personal preference can look for or prepare coleslaw made with non-dairy ingredients. With the right substitutions and seasonings, coleslaw can still be rich, flavorful, and creamy without a drop of milk or dairy derivatives. Checking labels, recipes, and ingredients is key to determining if pre-made coleslaw contains potential allergens for you or if a recipe can easily be adjusted to be dairy-free. With the right homemade oil and vinegar based dressing and crunchy vegetables, coleslaw can be a delicious side dish to enjoy regardless of dietary needs.
