When it comes to chocolate, most people think of creamy, milky, dairy-filled treats like milk chocolate bars and truffles. However, for those with dairy allergies, intolerances, or dietary preferences like veganism, traditional chocolate is off the table. Thankfully, there are several tasty non-dairy chocolate options available.
Why choose non-dairy chocolate?
There are a few key reasons why someone may want or need to avoid dairy in their chocolate:
- Dairy allergy – For those with an allergy to milk proteins, non-dairy chocolate avoids potentially serious allergic reactions.
- Lactose intolerance – Lactose intolerant individuals lack the enzyme to properly digest milk sugar. Non-dairy chocolate has no lactose.
- Vegan diet – Vegans avoid all animal products, including dairy. Non-dairy chocolate aligns with a vegan lifestyle.
- Preference – Some people simply prefer the taste of non-dairy chocolate or want to limit their dairy intake.
Dark chocolate
One of the most widely available non-dairy chocolate options is dark chocolate. Dark chocolate contains cocoa solids and cocoa butter but no milk solids or milk fat like milk chocolate does. The higher the percentage of cocoa solids, the darker and less sweet the chocolate.
Here are some things to know about dark chocolate:
- Cocoa percentages usually range from 60-80%. The higher the cocoa percentage, the more bitter and less sweet the chocolate.
- Brands like Lindt, Ghirardelli, and Endangered Species all make dairy-free dark chocolate bars.
- Baking chips, chunks, and cocoa powder used for baking are also dairy-free.
- Dark chocolate has a bold, rich flavor with notes of coffee, earth, and smoke.
- It has a lower sugar content than milk chocolate.
- Dark chocolate contains iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, and other minerals.
- It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties from cocoa flavanols.
So for those avoiding dairy, a high-percentage dark chocolate bar can provide all the rich chocolate flavor without the milk ingredients.
Milk chocolate alternatives
For chocolate lovers who want something closer to milk chocolate in taste and texture without the dairy, there are several milk chocolate alternatives made with plant-based ingredients:
Coconut milk chocolate
Chocolate made with coconut milk has a creamy texture and rich taste similar to milk chocolate. Popular brands include:
- Alter Eco
- Hu
- Chocolove
- Trader Joe’s
Almond milk chocolate
Almond milk chocolate has a nutty undertone and smooth mouthfeel. Brands include:
- Mast
- Raaka
- Equal Exchange
Rice milk chocolate
Rice milk chocolate provides a sweet, velvety texture. Brands include:
- Hu
- Alter Eco
Soy milk chocolate
Soy milk chocolate has been around the longest in dairy-free chocolate. It has a crumbly texture and pronounced chocolate flavor. Brands include:
- Alter Eco
- Chocolate Inspirations
When evaluating milk chocolate alternatives, look for ones with simple, high-quality ingredients. Watch out for additives and vegetable oils.
Other non-dairy chocolate options
In addition to dark chocolate and milk chocolate alternatives, other non-dairy chocolate options include:
White chocolate
White chocolate is made with cocoa butter, sugar/sweetener, and milk solids. Non-dairy white chocolate simply uses alternatives like coconut, almond, or soy milk solids instead of dairy milk solids. Brands include:
- Alter Eco
- Enjoy Life
- Lucy’s
Chocolate chips and chunks
Many brands of chocolate chips, chunks, and baking morsels are dairy-free, including:
- Ghirardelli
- Enjoy Life
- Nestle
- Sunspire
Always check labels for milk ingredients.
Chocolate syrups
Dairy-free chocolate syrups can be used for chocolate milk, ice cream sundaes, pancake toppings, and more. Popular brands include:
- Hershey’s Special Dark syrup
- Santa Cruz Organic syrup
- AH!LASKA syrup
- Smucker’s Magic Shell chocolate topping
Cocoa powder and cacao powder
Unsweetened cocoa and cacao powders provide rich chocolate flavor without dairy in drinks, smoothies, baked goods, and desserts. Common brands like Hershey’s are dairy-free.
Finding non-dairy chocolate
Non-dairy chocolate can be found in most major grocery stores and online. Here are some tips for finding it:
- Read the label – Check the ingredients list for milk, milk ingredients, milk chocolate, etc. “Dairy-free” and “vegan” labels help for quick identification.
- Check the health food aisle – This section often has more dairy-free brands and options.
- Look for allergy-friendly brands – Companies like Enjoy Life, Alter Eco, and others specialize in allergies.
- Visit natural grocers – Stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Trader Joe’s have many dairy-free products.
- Buy online – Many dairy-free chocolate brands sell online through their own websites or Amazon.
- Search for vegan chocolate – Since vegan products contain no dairy, this is a good avenue to find non-dairy chocolate.
Homemade non-dairy chocolate
For ultimate control over ingredients, non-dairy chocolate can also be made at home using just a few simple ingredients:
Homemade dairy-free dark chocolate
Making dark chocolate only requires quality cocoa butter, cocoa powder, and sweetener. Here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cocoa butter
- 1/2 cup good quality cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup powdered sweetener like monk fruit or maple sugar
- Optional: vanilla, sea salt, spices like cinnamon
Instructions:
- Melt the cocoa butter slowly over low heat until just melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cocoa powder and sweetener until fully incorporated.
- Optional: Add any extra flavorings like vanilla at this stage.
- Pour the chocolate into molds or just on a sheet.
- Cool at room temperature or in the fridge until fully set.
- Break into pieces and enjoy or use for baking.
Homemade dairy-free milk chocolate
To make a rich, creamy milk chocolate flavor at home, try this simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cocoa butter
- 1/3 cup good quality cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup powdered sweetener
- 1 cup canned coconut milk or other milk of choice
- Optional: vanilla, sea salt
Instructions:
- Melt the cocoa butter over low heat until just melted.
- Whisk in the cocoa powder and sweetener until no lumps remain.
- Remove from heat and stir in the coconut milk until fully blended.
- Add any optional flavorings.
- Pour into molds or a lined pan and refrigerate until set.
- Break into pieces and enjoy once firm.
Types of chocolate without dairy
| Type | Primary Ingredients | Texture and Flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Dark chocolate | Cocoa beans, cocoa butter, sugar | Intense chocolate flavor, can be slightly bitter, rich and creamy, may have nutty or fruity undertones depending on cacao percentage and origin |
| Milk chocolate alternatives | Cocoa butter, coconut/almond/rice milk, sugar | Mild chocolate flavor, creamy, sweet, mimics traditional milk chocolate texture |
| White chocolate | Cocoa butter, coconut milk powder, sugar | Mild chocolate flavor, very sweet, smooth and creamy texture |
| Chocolate chips/chunks | Unsweetened chocolate, sugar | Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate flavor, crunchy texture, designed for baking |
| Cocoa/Cacao powder | Ground cocoa beans | Very intense chocolate flavor, used in baking or beverages |
Benefits of non-dairy chocolate
Choosing non-dairy chocolate has several health and dietary benefits including:
- Avoids dairy allergies or sensitivities – Prevents adverse reactions for those with dairy issues.
- Higher antioxidant content – Dark chocolate especially contains antioxidants from cocoa that can combat inflammation and oxidative stress.
- No dietary cholesterol – Since it contains no animal products, non-dairy chocolate has zero cholesterol.
- Lower in saturated fat – Dark chocolate contains mostly unsaturated cocoa butter rather than high saturated milk fats.
- Supports plant-based diets – Aligns with vegan and vegetarian diets by excluding animal-derived ingredients.
- More environmentally friendly – Ditching dairy reduces environmental impact of chocolate production.
Of course, balance and moderation is still key when enjoying chocolate. But non-dairy options let more people partake while avoiding negative health effects.
Potential downsides
While non-dairy chocolate provides a tasty alternative, there are a few potential downsides to be aware of:
- May have less creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture compared to milk chocolate.
- Can sometimes have an icier or grittier mouthfeel.
- Flavor may not appeal to those accustomed to sweeter milk chocolate.
- Higher price point than traditional chocolate in many cases.
- Containers with multiple servings can pose a temptation/overeating hazard.
- Often contains refined coconut oil or other vegan ingredients that nutritionists recommend only in moderation.
As with any food, moderating portion sizes and enjoying non-dairy chocolate as part of an overall healthy diet is advised.
Frequently asked questions
Does dark chocolate have milk in it?
No, pure dark chocolate does not contain any dairy milk or milk products. However, some brands may use milk powder or milk fat in their dark chocolate, so checking labels is always advised if avoiding dairy.
What ingredients make white chocolate non-dairy?
Traditional white chocolate is made using dairy milk. Non-dairy white chocolate substitutes this with non-dairy milk powders and milk fats, usually from coconut, almonds, rice, or soy. It also uses cocoa butter rather than milk fats.
Can you bake with non-dairy chocolate chips?
Yes, non-dairy chocolate chips from brands like Enjoy Life or Ghirardelli work very well for baking. They can be substituted in any recipe that calls for traditional chocolate chips with no adjustments needed.
Is there non-dairy chocolate for kids?
Yes, many brands like Sunspire and Enjoy Life make non-dairy chocolate specifically targeted towards kids and school lunches. They come in kid-friendly formats like chocolate chips, chocolate bars, or chocolate candies.
Does non-dairy chocolate taste the same?
It depends on the specific product. Dark chocolate tastes very similar to traditional varieties. Milk chocolate alternatives usually have a milder chocolate taste and slightly different texture compared to dairy-based. But many brands mimic the dairy chocolate experience very closely.
Key takeaways
For those avoiding dairy, chocolate does not have to be given up. There are many great-tasting non-dairy chocolate options:
- Dark chocolate provides rich chocolate flavor without milk ingredients.
- Milk chocolate alternatives mimic the creamy texture using plant milks like coconut and almond.
- White chocolate, chips, and cocoa powder are also made dairy-free.
- Read labels carefully or look for dairy-free/vegan labels when choosing products.
- Non-dairy chocolate can provide flavor and satisfaction without sacrificing dietary needs.
With all the choices available today, chocolate lovers can stay committed to a non-dairy diet while still indulging their sweet tooth.
