If you’re someone who is lactose intolerant or has a sensitivity to dairy, you’re probably well aware of the limitations when it comes to consuming certain foods and drinks. For coffee lovers or anyone who enjoys a creamy addition to their favorite dishes, the question of whether certain dairy products can be included in their diet is an important one.
One such product is half & half, which is a common ingredient used in many recipes such as mash potatoes and a popular coffee creamer. In this article, we’ll explore the question of whether half & half has dairy and provide some alternatives that you may wish to start using.
Is There Dairy in Half & Half?
In short, half & half does have dairy in it. In fact, it is typically made with all dairy ingredients made up of an equivalent combination of milk and cream. Therefore, if you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or have dairy sensitivity, it’s best to avoid half & half.
The table below shows examples of the ingredients in popular half & half products. As you can see, all of these products contain dairy in the form of milk and cream.
| Half & Half Product | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Horizon Organic | Grade A Organic Milk, Grade A Organic Cream. |
| C.F. Burger | Grade A Milk and Cream. |
| Organic Valley | Organic Grade A Milk, Organic Cream. |
| Guernsey Dairy | Milk & Cream. |
| Land O Lakes – Traditional | Milk & Cream. |
Half & Half Alternatives
While half & half contains dairy, that doesn’t mean there aren’t dairy-free alternatives. Here are a few options that can be used in place of half & half without the worry of consuming dairy:
- Plant-based creamers – With the rise of plant-based diets, there are several plant-based creamers available that are free of dairy. These creamers are made from a variety of ingredients, such as coconut milk and soy milk. Some popular brands include Silk, So Delicious, and Coffee Mate.
- Nut milk – If you prefer a lighter consistency, nut milk, such as almond or cashew milk, can be a great option. They won’t provide the same creamy texture as half & half, but they do add a nice nutty flavor. Blue Diamond and Nutpods are examples of brands that produces nut milk products including creamers.
- Coconut cream – This is a great alternative to heavy cream, and it’s perfect for recipes that require a thick and creamy texture. To make a non-dairy half & half out of it, blend together even portions of coconut cream and a dairy-free milk.
- Oat milk – This is a great option if you’re looking for a creamier texture than nut milk. Oat milk is becoming increasingly popular, and it can be used in various recipes. Planet Oat and Oatly are examples of oat milk brands.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, if you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, sensitive to dairy, or wish to avoid dairy for various other reasons, half & half is likely not suitable for your diet. But don’t worry, there are several alternatives available that can be used in place of half & half. Try experimenting with some of these options to find the one that works best for you and your taste buds.
