Cookies are a beloved treat for many, but those with dairy allergies or who follow a vegan diet often have trouble finding store-bought options that meet their dietary needs. The good news is that there are quite a few major brands that offer dairy free cookie varieties.
Why Go Dairy Free?
There are a few key reasons one may want to seek out dairy free cookie options:
- Milk allergy – Some people are allergic to the proteins found in milk from cows, goats, and other mammals. Consuming even small amounts of milk can cause allergic reactions like hives, asthma flare-ups, vomiting, and anaphylaxis.
- Lactose intolerance – Lactose intolerant individuals lack sufficient lactase enzymes to properly digest lactose, the sugar found in milk. Eating milk and dairy causes gastrointestinal distress in these individuals.
- Vegan diet – Vegans refrain from eating any animal products, including dairy from cows or other mammals. Ethical vegans seek to avoid dairy over concerns about animal welfare and exploitation in the dairy industry.
- Preference – Some people simply prefer the taste of dairy free cookies or wish to avoid dairy for other personal reasons.
No matter the reason for avoiding dairy, it’s important for these consumers to check labels and seek out cookies that are guaranteed dairy free.
What Makes a Cookie Dairy Free?
For a cookie to be considered truly dairy free, it must not contain any of the following animal-based ingredients:
- Milk
- Cream
- Butter
- Buttermilk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Whey
- Casein
- Lactose
- Ghee
Pay close attention to the ingredient list, as some cookies may contain whey or other milk derivatives. Dairy free cookies should use plant-based milk substitutes like almond, coconut, oat, or soy milk in place of cow’s milk.
Major Dairy Free Cookie Brands
Here are some of the top national brands offering dairy free cookie options:
1. Newman’s Own
Newman’s Own is a popular brand known for their charitable donations of 100% of profits. Many of their cookies are dairy free, containing no milk, butter, or other dairy ingredients. Look for these dairy free varieties:
- Newman’s Own Organics Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Newman’s Own Organics Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Newman’s Own Organics Peanut Butter Cookies
- Newman’s Own Organics Ginger Cookies
Those with peanut allergies will want to avoid their peanut butter cookies. Newman’s Own cookies are made with non-GMO ingredients and do not contain any artificial flavors.
2. Enjoy Life Foods
Enjoy Life Foods is one of the most popular allergy-friendly food brands on the market. All of their products are made in dedicated nut-free and dairy-free facilities. Enjoy Life Foods has an extensive cookie lineup, including:
- Crunchy Vanilla Honey Cookies
- Double Chocolate Cookies
- Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies
- Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Sunseed Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Amazon Frosted Cookie Dough
In addition to being dairy free, these cookies are also free from the top 14 common food allergens including wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, soy, sesame, and others.
3. Pamela’s Products
Pamela’s specializes in allergy-friendly baked goods using high quality, non-GMO ingredients. All their cookies are certified gluten free and dairy free. Pamela’s dairy free cookie options include:
- Double Chocolate Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Chunk Cookies
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Molasses Cookies
- Almond Cookies
In place of dairy, Pamela’s uses rice milk, tapioca flour, and other vegan ingredients in their recipes. Their bakery is peanut and tree nut free as well.
4. Tate’s Bake Shop
Tate’s is known for their premium, gluten free baked goods. Many of Tate’s cookie varieties are dairy free, including:
- Tate’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Tate’s Double Chocolate Cookies
- Tate’s Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Carefully check the ingredients before purchasing, as Tate’s does produce some cookies with dairy as well. Their dairy free recipes use vegetable oil in place of butter and are certified gluten free.
5. Emmy’s Coconut Cookies
Emmy’s specializes in handmade vegan cookies and other treats made with organic coconut flour. All their products are certified gluten free, vegan, and dairy free. Some of their coconutty dairy free cookie options include:
- Emmy’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Emmy’s Cocoa Cookies
- Emmy’s Ginger Molasses Cookies
- Emmy’s Cinnamon Cookies
In addition to being dairy free, these cookies are also free of peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, soy, sesame, and other allergens.
6. Partake Foods
Partake Foods offers allergy-friendly cookies, crackers, baking mixes, and other items. Their soft-baked cookies are dairy free and come in flavors like:
- Double Chocolate Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Ginger Molasses Cookies
Partake Foods cookies are made in dedicated nut-free and dairy-free facilities. They are certified gluten free, vegan, non-GMO, and kosher.
7. Skeeter Snacks
Skeeter Snacks makes handcrafted cookies with organic and non-GMO ingredients. All their products are certified gluten free and dairy free. Flavors include:
- Peanut Butter Cookie Skins
- Double Chocolate Cookie Skins
- Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Skins
- Fudge Brownie Cookie Skins
In addition to being dairy free, Skeeter Snacks are also free of peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, and sesame.
8. Lucy’s Cookies
Lucy’s is devoted to creating allergy-friendly baked goods. Their cookies are certified gluten free, dairy free, peanut/tree nut free, and egg free. Flavors include:
- Lucy’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Lucy’s Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Lucy’s Double Chocolate Cookies
- Lucy’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Lucy’s Cookies contain no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. They use sunflower oil and other dairy free ingredients.
9. Divvies Bakery
Divvies Bakery in New York City specializes in allergy-friendly baked goods. All their cookies and other products are certified vegan, dairy free and nut free. Some dairy free cookie flavors include:
- Divvies Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Divvies Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Divvies Brownie Cookies
- Divvies Sugar Cookies
Divvies swaps dairy ingredients for rice milk, vegetable oil, and other vegan alternatives to keep their cookies dairy free.
10. No Whey! Foods
No Whey! Foods offers dairy free chocolate chip cookies in both regular and mini sizes. Their cookies contain no milk, lactose, casein, or whey. Other dairy free ingredients like sunflower oil and tapioca starch are used instead.
Store Brand Dairy Free Cookies
In addition to the major national brands above, many grocery store chains now offer their own store brand of dairy free cookies as well. Here are some store brands to look for:
- Trader Joe’s – Gluten Free Rice Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies and Gluten Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Whole Foods – 365 Everyday Value Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Publix – Publix Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Ralphs – Simple Truth Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Hy-Vee – Hy-Vee Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
As always, carefully check the labels before purchasing store brand dairy free cookies. Ingredients can vary between regions or change over time.
Other Dairy Free Cookie Options
Beyond pre-packaged cookies from the brands mentioned above, there are a few other avenues to explore for dairy free cookies:
Dairy Free Bakeries
Many cities have dedicated dairy free and vegan bakeries that offer fresh baked cookies. You may even find dairy free options at your local mainstream bakeries as well. Check the ingredients carefully when buying to confirm their dairy free status.
Online Ordering
Several companies allow you to order dairy free cookie varieties online if you can’t find them in local stores. Some options include Partake Foods, Enjoy Life, Lucy’s Cookies, Divvies Bakery, Skeeter Snacks and more.
Homemade Cookies
When homemade, most cookie recipes can be made dairy free by substituting the cow’s milk and butter. Non-dairy milk like almond, coconut or oat milk typically works well as a substitute. Margarine, vegetable oil or vegan butter can replace regular butter.
There are also many dairy free cookie recipes available online from vegan food bloggers and allergy-friendly recipe sites.
Tips for Avoiding Dairy When Buying Cookies
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when shopping for dairy free cookie options:
- Read the ingredient list – Scan for milk, whey, butter or any other dairy-derived ingredients.
- Check for a “dairy free” claim – Look for a specific “dairy free” label to ensure it’s guaranteed.
- Watch for “may contain” statements – Even if dairy isn’t in the ingredient list, the product could have been cross-contaminated.
- Contact the manufacturer – If uncertain, call or email the company to inquire if their cookie is dairy free.
- Shop specialty stores – Health food stores often have dedicated allergy-friendly sections.
- Buy certified brands – Look for official certifications like “non-GMO” and seals from allergen control programs.
The Best Dairy Free Cookie Brands
After reviewing the various dairy free cookie options on the market, these brands come out on top as the best options:
| Brand | Why They’re Recommended |
|---|---|
| Enjoy Life Foods | Extensive flavor selection, made in dedicated allergy-friendly facility |
| Lucy’s Cookies | Great classic cookie flavors, certified gluten free and dairy free |
| Partake Foods | Soft-baked textures, certified gluten free, dairy free, and vegan |
| Skeeter Snacks | Unique cookie skin design, organic non-GMO ingredients |
| Pamela’s Products | High quality non-GMO ingredients, peanut/tree nut free bakery |
These leading dairy free brands offer great taste and quality ingredients, while adhering to strict allergen control standards. Their wide range of cookie flavors and options makes it easy to find a delicious dairy free cookie you can enjoy.
Homemade Dairy Free Cookie Recipes to Try
Want to bake your own dairy free cookies at home? Here are 3 tasty recipes to try out:
1. Dairy Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
These easy chocolate chip cookies are crisp on the outside with a chewy center. Dairy free ingredients include:
- Coconut oil or vegan butter instead of butter
- Almond milk instead of cow’s milk
- Vegan chocolate chips or dairy free chocolate chunks
Get the full recipe here…
2. Dairy Free Peanut Butter Cookies
For those who love peanut butter cookies, this recipe offers the classic taste without the dairy. Substitutions include:
- Coconut oil instead of butter
- Almond milk instead of cow’s milk
- Vegan egg replacer like flax eggs
Get the recipe here…
3. Dairy Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Chewy oatmeal raisin cookies can easily be made dairy free with ingredients like:
- Vegan butter
- Soy milk or other dairy free milk
- Egg substitute such as aquafaba
The full recipe can be found here…
With the right substitutions, you can enjoy all your classic homemade cookie flavors dairy free!
The Takeaway on Dairy Free Cookies
Finding delicious dairy free cookies in today’s market is much easier thanks to all the great allergy-friendly and vegan brands available. Major brands like Enjoy Life Foods, Lucy’s Cookies, Partake Foods and Skeeter Snacks offer dairy free cookies in a wide variety of flavors and textures. Many grocery store chains now carry their own store brand of dairy free cookies as well.
When shopping, carefully check the labels for dairy ingredients and “dairy free” certifications. Buy brands made in dedicated allergy-friendly facilities when possible. And know that you can also make virtually any cookie recipe dairy free at home by substituting the cow’s milk and butter for vegan alternatives like almond milk and coconut oil.
With more great options than ever, those avoiding dairy can still enjoy all their favorite cookies today.