Strawberry milk is a popular beverage that combines the flavor of strawberries with the creamy texture of milk. But with the increasing popularity of dairy-free diets and milk alternatives, many people wonder: does strawberry milk actually contain dairy?
The short answer is yes, traditional strawberry milk does contain dairy. Specifically, it is made by adding strawberry flavoring and coloring to cow’s milk. Cow’s milk contains two main types of proteins – casein and whey – which are derived from dairy. Thus, any beverage made with cow’s milk, including strawberry milk, contains components from dairy sources.
However, there are also dairy-free versions of strawberry milk available. These are made from non-dairy milks, such as almond, soy, coconut, oat, or rice milk. By blending strawberry flavoring with these plant-based milks instead of traditional dairy milk, you can create a beverage that has the taste of strawberry milk without containing any dairy ingredients.
Below we’ll explore the ingredients and nutritional value of traditional dairy strawberry milk versus dairy-free strawberry milk alternatives. We’ll also provide a comparison of their taste and texture. This information can help you determine which type best aligns with your dietary needs or preferences.
Ingredients in Dairy Strawberry Milk
Traditional dairy strawberry milk contains just a few main ingredients:
- Milk – usually reduced-fat (2%) or non-fat milk. Whole milk is sometimes used as well.
- Strawberry flavoring and coloring
- Sugar – often added in the form of high fructose corn syrup or sucrose
- Stabilizers and emulsifiers – ingredients like carrageenan or polysorbate 80 are often added to improve texture and prevent separation
The key dairy ingredient is the milk, which provides the creamy texture and classic milk flavor associated with strawberry milk. Cow’s milk contains two naturally occurring types of proteins:
- Casein protein – makes up about 80% of the protein in cow’s milk. Casein forms curds in the acidic environment of the stomach.
- Whey protein – makes up about 20% of milk protein. Whey remains soluble in the stomach and is absorbed quickly into the body.
Both of these dairy proteins are present in any beverage made from cow’s milk, including strawberry milk. Some people aim to eliminate dairy milk proteins if following a vegan diet or avoiding dairy for health issues like lactose intolerance or milk allergies. For those individuals, dairy-free strawberry milk is the better choice.
Ingredients in Dairy-Free Strawberry Milk
To make strawberry milk without the dairy components, plant-based milks are used in place of cow’s milk. Some popular choices include:
- Almond milk – made from blended almonds and water
- Soy milk – made from soybeans
- Coconut milk – made from the white flesh of mature coconuts
- Oat milk – made from blended oats and water
- Rice milk – made from milled rice and water
These plant-based milks provide the liquid base for dairy-free strawberry milk. All other ingredients are similar to traditional strawberry milk, including:
- Strawberry flavoring and food coloring
- Sugar or another sweetener
- Thickeners and emulsifiers
The main difference is that plant-based milks do not contain casein or whey protein from dairy sources. Soy milk and some other plant milks do contain protein from the original plant source, but not milk proteins. This makes dairy-free strawberry milk safe for vegans and those with dairy issues.
Nutritional Value Comparison
Below is a nutritional comparison of one cup of traditional strawberry milk made from 2% dairy milk versus a dairy-free strawberry milk made with unsweetened almond milk.
Dairy Strawberry Milk (2% milk)
| Calories | 170 |
| Fat | 5g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbs | 26g |
| Sugar | 24g |
| Calcium | 276mg |
| Vitamin D | 124 IU |
| Phosphorous | 222mg |
Dairy-Free Strawberry Milk (almond milk)
| Calories | 90 |
| Fat | 2.5g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Carbs | 16g |
| Sugar | 13g |
| Calcium | 444mg |
| Vitamin D | 101 IU |
| Phosphorous | 13mg |
As shown above, dairy-based strawberry milk provides more protein, while dairy-free strawberry almond milk provides more calcium and less sugar. However, nutrients can vary significantly based on the exact plant milk used. For example, soy or rice milk would offer more protein than almond milk.
Taste and Texture Comparison
In terms of taste and texture, dairy-based and dairy-free strawberry milk can differ in the following ways:
- Dairy strawberry milk tends to have a richer, creamier, and more indulgent mouthfeel.
- Non-dairy versions are often thinner and watery, but ingredients like gums or starches can help improve texture.
- The strawberry flavor may be more or less intense depending on the recipe and amount of flavoring added.
- Dairy-free versions tend to separate more than dairy milk when left sitting.
- Sweetness varies by brand based on the amount of added sugar.
Despite some textural differences, both types provide the classic strawberry flavor consumers expect from strawberry milk. It comes down to your personal preferences and dietary needs to choose between dairy or non-dairy strawberry milk.
Cost Comparison
Dairy-free milks often cost slightly more than cow’s milk. The average prices for a half-gallon are:
- Cow’s milk – $1.99 to $2.50
- Almond milk – $2.49 to $3.49
- Soy milk -$2.49 to $3.49
- Oat milk – $2.79 to $3.99
- Coconut milk – $1.99 to $2.99
Strawberry flavoring and other ingredients also influence the final cost. On average, a half-gallon of strawberry milk may range from:
- Dairy strawberry milk – $2.49 to $4.49
- Dairy-free strawberry milk – $3.49 to $4.99
However, dairy-free brands sometimes offer coupons or discounts to help offset the slightly higher price. Choosing shelf-stable options can also help reduce costs since refrigeration is not required until opening.
Popularity and Consumption
Dairy-based strawberry milk remains the most popular and widely available option. However, dairy-free milks are a fast-growing market as more people adopt vegan diets or avoid dairy for health reasons.
Some key stats on dairy milk versus dairy-free milk consumption:
- U.S. dairy milk sales totaled $12 billion versus $2 billion for dairy-free milk in 2019.
- But dairy-free milk sales are steadily rising, projected to reach $3 billion by 2024.
- plant-based dairy sales grew by 20% from 2019 to 2020.
- Oat milk saw the biggest spike, with sales up 425% since 2015.
Within the flavored milk category, chocolate milk has traditionally dominated over other flavors like strawberry. However, one report showed flavored non-dairy milk sales increasing by 52% in 2020 alone. Strawberry was the second most popular behind chocolate.
So while dairy strawberry milk still dominates the market, dairy-free versions are catching up as consumer habits evolve. We can expect those trends to continue as plant-based diets expand. Brands are also innovating with new dairy-free bases like quinoa, banana, or potato milk.
How to Make Your Own
It’s easy to make homemade dairy or dairy-free strawberry milk with just a few ingredients:
Dairy Strawberry Milk
- 1 cup milk of choice – 2%, 1%, whole, or skim
- 1/4 cup strawberry syrup or 3-4 tablespoons strawberry jam
- Pink food coloring (optional)
- Add all ingredients to a blender.
- Blend until fully mixed, about 10-20 seconds.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Dairy-Free Strawberry Milk
- 1 cup milk of choice – almond, soy, oat, etc.
- 1/4 cup strawberry syrup or 3-4 tablespoons strawberry jam
- Pink food coloring (optional)
- Add all ingredients to a blender.
- Blend until fully mixed, about 10-20 seconds.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Get creative with your own strawberry milk recipes. Add fresh strawberries, use coconut creamer for extra richness, or top with whipped cream if dairy is allowed!
Which Should You Choose?
So does strawberry milk contain dairy? The answer depends on the type you select:
- Traditional strawberry milk is made from dairy milk, containing milk proteins.
- Dairy-free versions use plant milks and are vegan-friendly.
Here are some factors to help choose the best strawberry milk for your needs:
- If you follow a vegan or dairy-free diet, opt for a plant-based version.
- If limiting sugar, compare brands and select unsweetened when possible.
- Consider nutritional needs like protein, calcium, and vitamins.
- Factor in the thickness and creaminess you prefer.
- Think about convenice – shelf stable or refrigerated.
- Compare costs and look for coupons or discounts on dairy-free milks.
While traditional dairy strawberry milk is lower cost and more widely available, dairy-free alternatives are on the rise. With some research you can find a great plant-based brand that suits your nutritional needs, budget, and taste preferences.
The Bottom Line
Traditional strawberry milk is made by adding flavoring and sweeteners to cow’s milk. Since cow’s milk contains dairy proteins like casein and whey, any beverage made with it is not vegan or dairy-free. However, plant-based milks made from almonds, soy, oats, coconut, and other foods can create delicious dairy-free strawberry milk. Choosing between dairy and non-dairy comes down to your specific diet, nutritional needs, taste preferences, and budget considerations. Both types provide the sweet, pink, classic flavor of strawberry milk to enjoy.
