Quick Answer
No, Baileys Irish Cream is not dairy-free. It contains cream, which is a dairy product.
Ingredients in Baileys Irish Cream
The main ingredients in Baileys Irish Cream are:
- Cream
- Irish whiskey
- Cocoa extracts
- Sugar
- Natural flavors
As you can see, the primary ingredient is cream. Cream is the fatty part of milk that rises to the top. It cannot be produced without milk, which makes it a dairy product.
Other dairy derivatives found in Baileys Irish Cream include skim milk powder and whey powder. Both of these are milk-based ingredients.
Therefore, Baileys Irish Cream clearly contains dairy.
Why Baileys Contains Dairy
Baileys Irish Cream is designed to be a cream liqueur. Its creamy texture and flavor come from the dairy ingredients.
The high fat content of the cream gives Baileys its signature thick, smooth mouthfeel. Removing the cream would completely change the nature of the product.
The developers of Baileys specifically chose dairy cream rather than a non-dairy creamer or plant-based milk. Dairy cream provides the richest flavor and aroma.
Part of Baileys’ marketing is its dairy origins. The bottle labels emphasise the triple-distilled Irish whiskey and dairy cream.
In summary, Baileys contains cream because:
- Cream is essential for the thick, creamy texture
- Dairy cream has a richer, more indulgent flavor than plant-based options
- Dairy origins are part of Baileys’ brand identity
Baileys without dairy would not have the same taste or mouthfeel that consumers expect.
Can You Make a Dairy-Free Version of Baileys?
It is possible to make a homemade alcohol-based drink similar to Baileys without dairy products. However, it would not replicate the exact taste and texture of Baileys Irish Cream.
Some options for dairy-free Baileys substitutes include:
- Coconut cream – Adds creamy texture and tropical flavors
- Almond milk – Provides a milky base for the drink
- Soy milk – Another option for a dairy-free milk base
- Vegetable oil – Can replicate some of the richness of cream
- Vegetable glycerine – Helps provide a smooth, creamy mouthfeel
You could experiment with different combinations and ratios of these ingredients to create a DIY dairy-free Baileys. However, the flavor and consistency would not be identical.
The unique taste of Irish cream made with real dairy products would be nearly impossible to perfectly duplicate without the cream. But a non-dairy version could get close.
Are There Any Dairy-Free Cream Liqueurs Like Baileys?
There are a handful of cream liqueurs on the market formulated to be dairy-free or vegan:
Coole Swan Irish Cream Liqueur
Coole Swan uses a base of coconut cream rather than dairy cream. It has a similar sweet flavor infused with cocoa and coffee notes. However, the texture is a bit thinner than Baileys.
Tempt Hemp Cream Liqueur
Tempt swaps the dairy for hemp seeds, giving it a nuttier flavor. It aims to replicate the thickness of Baileys with natural emulsifiers.
Califia Farms Nog Liqueur
This nog-inspired liqueur uses almond milk and coconut cream for the creamy component. It has vanilla, cinnamon, and almond flavors.
Godiva Vegan Liqueur
Godiva recently launched a vegan liqueur made from hazelnut milk, cocoa, Madagascar vanilla, and botanical flavors. It offers a similar indulgence to the chocolate brand’s other liqueurs.
So if you want a creamy vegan liqueur, those are some dairy-free options. However, none can perfectly imitate the unique taste and texture of Irish cream made with real dairy cream.
Can People with Lactose Intolerance Drink Baileys?
Lactose intolerant individuals need to be cautious about drinking Baileys. But some people who are lactose intolerant can consume small amounts without issues.
Lactose intolerance makes it difficult to digest lactose, the natural sugar found in dairy products. The amount of lactose a person can handle varies.
Baileys Irish Cream contains some lactose since it is made with dairy cream. There are about 0.08 grams of lactose per fluid ounce.
So in one standard 1.5 oz serving of Baileys, there would be around 0.12 grams of lactose. That’s considered low compared to milk, which has about 10-15 grams of lactose per 8 oz serving.
However, even a small amount of lactose can cause gas, bloating, and other digestive discomfort in those with lactose intolerance. The severity depends on individual sensitivity levels.
Some tips for lactose intolerant people who want to drink Baileys:
- Take lactase enzyme pills to help digest the lactose
- Slowly introduce small servings to assess tolerance level
- Drink it over ice to help dilute the lactose concentration
- Opt for lactose-free cream liqueurs like Coole Swan instead
Overall, Baileys is not considered lactose-free. But the relatively low levels may be tolerated by some with mild to moderate lactose intolerance.
Can People with Milk Allergies Safely Consume Baileys?
Baileys is not safe for people with milk allergies. While it only contains small amounts of milk proteins, there is still a risk of an allergic reaction.
Those with milk allergies need to completely avoid all milk proteins, including casein and whey. Even tiny traces can trigger potentially severe reactions.
The skim milk powder and whey powder in Baileys mean it definitely contains milk proteins. While minimal, the proteins could still lead to anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals.
Reactions may include:
- Hives, itching, or eczema
- Swelling of lips, face, tongue, and throat
- Wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Dizziness, fainting
- Runny nose, sneezing, coughing
Additionally, those with milk allergies need to watch for cross contamination when using equipment also used for dairy products. Even cleaned equipment could retain traces.
Milk allergy sufferers should always check with brands about manufacturing processes when consuming any food or beverage. In general, it’s recommended to avoid Baileys and other cream liqueurs.
Can Vegans Drink Baileys Irish Cream?
No, Baileys Irish Cream is not considered vegan, despite some rumors circulating online claiming that it is.
The ingredient list clearly shows that Baileys contains dairy products like cream. It also contains honey in some varieties. These animal-derived ingredients make it incompatible with a vegan diet.
While the amounts of dairy components are relatively low, they are still present. Ethical vegans aim to exclude all forms of animal exploitation. So Baileys would still be avoided.
Some vegetarians that consume dairy may drink Baileys or other cream liqueurs. But the standard is that vegans do not consider it vegan-friendly.
For a cream liqueur that fits a vegan diet, the dairy-free options mentioned above would be recommended instead. Companies like Coole Swan specifically market their drinks as “vegan Baileys”.
Is Baileys Gluten-Free?
Baileys Irish Cream is considered gluten-free according to the company. While it contains barley, one of the gluten grains, Diageo claims the gluten is removed during processing.
Independent gluten testing also shows gluten levels in Baileys Irish Cream are below the international standard for gluten-free certification.
So people on gluten-free diets due to celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can consume Baileys. The levels of gluten measured are considered very low risk.
Those with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance may still want to use caution and monitor for any reactions. Since barley malt and other gluten grain alcohols are used, there is a minor risk of cross-contamination.
But for most following a gluten-free diet, Baileys can be enjoyed in moderation as part of the diet. The distillation process removes almost all detectable gluten from the final Irish cream liqueur.
Does Baileys Have Dairy or Non-Dairy Creamer?
Baileys Irish Cream contains real dairy cream, not non-dairy creamer.
As outlined on the ingredients list, it is made with pasteurized cream that contains a minimum of 34% milk fat. This dairy cream gives it the signature texture.
The company has no reason to substitute cheaper non-dairy creamers like soy or coconut derivatives. Dairy cream is essential to Baileys’ brand.
Using real Irish cream distinguishes it from lower quality cream liqueurs that may use vegetable oil or other cream substitutes.
So you can be assured that the cream in your Baileys is the real dairy deal. It’s not made with artificial non-dairy creamers or whitening agents.
The only Baileys products that could potentially use non-dairy creamers would be:
- DIY Baileys recipes
- Dairy-free Baileys substitutes
Otherwise, real Irish dairy cream is the base of every bottle of genuine Baileys Irish Cream.
Does Baileys Go Bad or Expire?
Like any consumable product, Baileys does have an expiration date and can eventually go bad. However, its shelf life is very long compared to other cream liqueurs.
An unopened bottle of Baileys has a shelf life of 24 months from the day it was produced. Baileys expires two years after the bottling date printed on the bottle label.
Once opened, the shelf life is reduced due to oxygen exposure. An opened bottle of Baileys will stay good for at least 6 months when properly stored. Some even report it lasting up to 2 years after opening.
The high alcohol content of Baileys acts as a preservative to slow spoilage. Proper storage is also important:
- Store away from direct light and heat
- Keep bottle tightly sealed
- Refrigerate after opening
Over time, Baileys may start to smell stale, change texture, separate, or develop floaties. Discoloration and alcohol evaporation can also occur. These are signs it may have expired and be best to discard.
But with an unopened shelf life of 2 years, Baileys stays fresh longer than other cream liqueurs. As long as you store it properly, it has an excellent shelf life before expiration.
How to Tell if Baileys Has Gone Bad
Here are some common signs that your opened or unopened Baileys has spoiled and may not be safe to drink:
– Change in color – Becomes darker and more yellow/brown
– Layer separation – Liquid and solids separated
– Lumpy texture – Forms clumps instead of smooth
– Milk curdling – Bits form that resemble cottage cheese
– Mold growth – Fuzzy dots or film on surface
– Smells sour – Has rancid, buttery, or rotten odor
– Fizzing or bubbling – Carbonation when opened
– Evaporation – Bottle feels lighter and liquor level lower
Baileys that exhibits any of those characteristics should be disposed. Over time, the cream and alcohol can degrade, making it unpleasant tasting or potentially unsafe.
When stored properly, Baileys has an excellent shelf life. But it can still expire eventually. Keep an eye on your bottles for signs of spoilage before drinking.
Does Baileys Need to Be Refrigerated After Opening?
Refrigeration is recommended after opening Baileys to maximize its shelf life. However, it does not necessarily need to be refrigerated.
An unopened bottle of Baileys does not need to be refrigerated. It will stay fresh at room temperature until opening.
Once exposed to oxygen, refrigeration helps slow down oxidation reactions. This keeps it fresher for longer.
Most recommendations are to consume Baileys within 6 months of opening when stored at room temperature. In the fridge, it can last 9-12 months after opening.
Without refrigeration, the higher temperature can accelerate separation, curdling, and staling. But intermittent storage at room temperature, like briefly taking it to a party, is fine.
To summarize:
- Unopened Baileys – Shelf stable at room temp
- Opened Baileys – Store in the fridge for optimal shelf life
- Brief storage at room temp ok – Just refrigerate after
While not absolutely mandatory, refrigeration after opening will maintain Baileys’ quality and freshness for a longer period.
Does Baileys Freeze Well?
Baileys handles being frozen quite well. Freezing can extend the shelf life even longer than refrigeration.
To freeze Baileys:
- Make sure bottle is tightly sealed
- Leave expansion room in bottle to avoid bottle bursting
- Use freezer bags or wrap bottle to prevent leakage
- Freeze for up to one year
The high fat and sugar content prevents Baileys from freezing completely solid. It becomes a creamy, softened slush.
Before serving frozen Baileys, thaw in the refrigerator until it returns to a liquid state. Thawing at room temp can cause separation.
Freeze Baileys in usable servings, like in ice cube trays. Then you can thaw just what you need.
Properly stored in the freezer, Baileys can keep for up to a year before quality starts declining. The cold temperature prevents oxidation and preserves the flavor.
So freeze any Baileys you may not finish quickly for long-term storage.
How Long Does Baileys Last After Opening?
An opened bottle of Baileys will typically last:
- 6-12 months in the refrigerator
- 6 months in a cool, dry place
- 1 year in the freezer
The shelf life depends on storage conditions once the bottle is opened. Refrigeration is best to maximize shelf life.
Make sure to reseal the bottle tightly after each use when storing opened Baileys. This prevents extra oxygen exposure.
Keep an eye out for any changes in smell, appearance, or texture. As long as it looks and smells normal, Baileys stored in the fridge should last about one year after opening.
Quick tips for enjoying Baileys after opening:
- Keep bottle upright to prevent leakage
- Use clean utensils for pouring
- Don’t return unfinished Baileys from glasses back into bottle
- Write the opening date on the bottle
Follow those guidelines, and your Baileys will retain quality and fresh cream flavor during the long shelf life after opening.
Conclusion
In summary, Baileys Irish cream is not dairy-free or vegan, since it contains cream and other milk derivatives. The dairy ingredients, especially cream, are essential for Baileys’ signature flavor and texture.
Lactose intolerant individuals can potentially consume small amounts, but it is not lactose-free. Those with milk allergies need to avoid Baileys due to the risk of allergic reaction.
When stored properly, unopened Baileys stays fresh for up to 2 years at room temperature. Opened bottles should be refrigerated and can last around 1 year.
So while not dairy-free, Baileys Irish cream does have an excellent shelf life. The high alcohol content helps preserve it after opening. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life for up to one year after opening.
