Can you buy dairy free caramel sauce? A Comprehensive Guide

November 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research from the Plant Based Foods Association, the U.S. plant-based market grew to over $8 billion in 2022, signaling a growing demand for dairy-free alternatives [1.1, 1.4]. This means that finding delicious substitutes, such as dairy free caramel sauce, has never been easier, whether you prefer to purchase a ready-made product or create a homemade version.

Quick Summary

This guide covers where to find store-bought dairy-free caramel sauces, highlighting popular brands and key ingredients. It also provides a simple recipe for making your own at home using plant-based alternatives like coconut milk and vegan butter. Useful tips for baking and coffee applications are included, along with a nutritional comparison.

Key Points

Availability: Dairy-free caramel sauce is widely available for purchase, with numerous brands found in stores and online.
Key Ingredients: Most commercial and homemade dairy-free caramels use coconut milk or cream as a base to achieve a creamy texture.
Homemade Option: It's easy to make your own dairy-free caramel sauce at home with a few simple ingredients like brown sugar, vegan butter, and full-fat coconut milk.
Versatile Uses: The sauce can be used for topping desserts, flavoring drinks, or as an ingredient in various baking recipes.
Nutritional Variation: Brands and homemade recipes differ nutritionally; options exist for low-sugar or keto-friendly versions.
Storage: Both homemade and store-bought dairy-free caramel sauces can be refrigerated for future use.

Exploring Store-Bought Dairy-Free Caramel Sauce

For those seeking convenience, the market offers a growing variety of store-bought dairy-free caramel sauces. These products cater to a range of dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free options. You can often find these in the natural foods aisle of major grocery stores, online marketplaces, and specialty health food shops.

Popular Brands and Their Ingredients

Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery: This brand offers an organic, dry-burned vegan caramel sauce made with coconut and hemp milk, known for its deep, complex flavor.
Bloom Caramel: Bloom provides handcrafted, small-batch vegan sauces, including unique flavors like Cardamom Coconut Caramel, using coconut cream and cane sugar.
Pyure: For a sugar-free alternative, Pyure offers a caramel dessert syrup made with plant-based, keto-friendly ingredients.
Upouria: This brand makes a sugar-free caramel flavored syrup that is 100% vegan and gluten-free, ideal for coffee and drinks.
Walden Farms: Another calorie-free and sugar-free option, Walden Farms offers a caramel-flavored dip and syrup.
Hey Boo: Specializing in coconut caramel sauce, Hey Boo's version is vegan and corn syrup-free.
365 by Whole Foods Market: A more readily available option, Whole Foods' house brand offers an organic salted caramel sauce.

Where to Find Them

Look for these brands in the baking, topping, or specialty dietary sections of grocery stores. Online retailers like Amazon.com and Walmart also have extensive selections, and many brands sell directly from their websites.

The Art of Homemade Dairy-Free Caramel Sauce

For those who prefer a more personalized touch or want to control ingredients, making your own dairy-free caramel sauce at home is a straightforward and rewarding process. The key is replacing traditional dairy products like heavy cream and butter with plant-based alternatives.

A Simple Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup light or dark brown sugar
½ cup full-fat canned coconut milk (the thick, creamy part)
4 tablespoons vegan butter
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Combine: In a saucepan over low heat, combine the brown sugar, the creamy part of the coconut milk, vegan butter, and salt. Whisk constantly until the ingredients are fully dissolved.
Simmer: Increase the heat slightly to a low simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Thicken: The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Store: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two weeks.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Dairy-Free Caramel Sauce


Feature	Store-Bought Dairy-Free Caramel	Homemade Dairy-Free Caramel
Convenience	Excellent. Simply purchase and use immediately.	Requires time for preparation and cooking.
Cost	Can be more expensive, especially for specialty brands.	Often more cost-effective for larger quantities.
Ingredients	Varies by brand. May contain additives or preservatives.	You have full control over the quality and type of ingredients used.
Flavor Control	Limited to the brand's specific flavor profile.	Customizable. Adjust sweetness, saltiness, and add flavorings like vanilla or spices.
Shelf Life	Longer shelf life due to preservatives.	Typically shorter, lasting up to a couple of weeks in the refrigerator.

Ways to Use Dairy-Free Caramel Sauce

Dairy-free caramel is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes.

Dessert Topping: Drizzle over non-dairy ice cream, apple pie, brownies, or cupcakes.
Drinks: Swirl into coffee, lattes, or hot chocolate for a rich, sweet flavor.
Baking: Incorporate it into recipes for cookies, bars, or use it as a filling.
Dipping Sauce: Serve alongside sliced apples, pretzels, or other fruits for a delicious snack.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the answer to "Can you buy dairy free caramel sauce?" is a resounding yes. With a wide range of products now available in stores and online, consumers have more choices than ever to satisfy their sweet cravings without dairy. Whether opting for the convenience of a ready-made sauce from a brand like Hot Cakes or Bloom, or taking the rewarding route of crafting your own with a simple coconut milk-based recipe, there are excellent options for everyone. The versatility of dairy-free caramel means you can enjoy it as a topping for desserts, a delicious drink additive, or a rich ingredient in your next baking project.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can find dairy-free caramel sauce in the specialty foods or natural foods aisle of many grocery stores. Look for it near other dessert toppings or in the section with vegan and plant-based products. Major retailers like Whole Foods, Target, and Walmart also carry various brands.

Dairy-free caramel is typically made with a base of full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream, combined with sugar (like brown sugar or coconut sugar), and often vegan butter and vanilla extract. Some recipes may use other plant-based milks, but coconut is preferred for its richness.

The quality and taste of store-bought sauce can vary by brand. Some premium brands offer excellent flavor and texture, while others may taste more artificial. Homemade sauce offers complete control over ingredients and flavor, but requires more time.

For best results when making caramel, it's recommended to use full-fat, canned coconut milk due to its high-fat content and thick consistency. Other non-dairy milks like almond or soy may not provide the same creamy, rich texture.

For both store-bought and homemade versions, dairy-free caramel should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Homemade sauce typically lasts for up to two weeks, while store-bought will have a longer shelf life.

Yes, you can find or make sugar-free dairy-free caramel. Some commercial brands, like Pyure and Walden Farms, offer sugar-free options. For homemade versions, recipes may use dates, maple syrup, or alternative sweeteners instead of refined sugar.

Dairy-free caramel is highly versatile. It can be used as a topping for desserts like ice cream, pies, and brownies. It also works well in beverages like coffee and hot chocolate, or as a dip for fruit and pretzels.