Do Biscuits Contain Dairy? What You Need to Know

November 8, 2025 •

3 min read

While many classic recipes use butter or milk, an increasing number of commercially produced and homemade biscuits are now dairy-free. Determining if a biscuit contains dairy requires careful label reading and knowledge of common ingredients.

Quick Summary

It is a common misconception that all biscuits are made with dairy, but this is not always the case. The presence of dairy depends on the specific recipe, brand, and processing methods used. Checking product labels for milk, butter, and other milk-derived ingredients is crucial, and many delicious alternatives exist for those avoiding dairy.

Key Points

Not all biscuits have dairy: The presence of dairy depends on the specific recipe and brand, with many modern options being dairy-free or accidentally vegan.
Check for hidden ingredients: Always read the label carefully for milk, whey, milk solids, lactose, and casein, as dairy isn't always explicitly obvious.
Common dairy culprits: Classic American-style buttermilk biscuits and rich shortbread often contain butter and milk, making them unsuitable for dairy-free diets.
Digestives can be dairy-free: Some major brands of digestive biscuits have removed dairy, but you must check the packaging for the most current information.
Many substitutes are available: For home baking, dairy can be replaced with vegan butter, vegetable shortening, coconut oil, and various plant-based milks.
Read allergen statements: The FDA requires manufacturers to clearly state if a product contains milk, which is a key indicator for dairy-allergic consumers.

Common Dairy Ingredients in Biscuits

Traditional biscuits, especially American-style 'buttermilk biscuits' and certain types of shortbread, almost always contain dairy. The dairy provides flavor, moisture, and a tender crumb texture. Buttermilk, for instance, is used for its acidic properties which react with baking soda to create a light and fluffy biscuit.

Dairy Ingredients to Watch For

Butter: One of the most common dairy fats used in baking for its rich flavor and tenderizing effect.
Milk (Fresh or Powdered): Added for moisture and to promote browning through the Maillard reaction. Powdered milk is frequently used in commercial biscuit manufacturing for its ease of storage and handling.
Buttermilk: Traditional for American-style biscuits, valued for its tang and chemical leavening properties.
Whey: A byproduct of cheese production, whey powder is sometimes used in baked goods to add flavor and texture.
Casein: A milk protein that can be used as a protein supplement in some dietetic or specialty biscuits.
Lactose: The sugar found in milk, which also helps with browning and is a major component of whey powder.

How to Check if Biscuits are Dairy-Free

For those with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, or following a vegan diet, checking the ingredient list is the most reliable method. The FDA requires manufacturers in the U.S. to clearly label products containing milk. However, dairy can sometimes be hidden under less obvious names. Always be vigilant about reading the full ingredient list, not just the allergen statement, as cross-contamination warnings might also be relevant.

Where to Look on the Label

Allergen Statement: Look for bolded text that reads "Contains: Milk" or similar, usually located near the ingredient list.
Full Ingredient List: Scan for words like butter, milk solids, whey, lactose, and casein.
Dietary Claims: If the packaging says "vegan" or "dairy-free," it should be safe, but a quick scan of the ingredients is still a good practice.

Comparison of Common Biscuit Types: Dairy vs. Dairy-Free


Biscuit Type	Common Dairy Content	Is it always dairy-free?	Common Dairy-Free Alternative
American Southern Biscuits	High (Butter, Buttermilk)	No	Made with vegan butter or shortening and plant-based milk substitutes
Shortbread	High (Butter)	No	Made with vegan butter or hard margarine
British Digestives	Variable	No, check label	Many major brands offer a vegan option
Graham Crackers	Often none, but check for honey/milk	Variable	Vegan brands are available, always check for hidden dairy
Oreos	None (accidentally vegan)	Yes, in most cases	Vegan

The Rise of Dairy-Free Biscuits

With the increasing demand for plant-based foods, more bakeries and food companies are producing delicious dairy-free options. In many cases, dairy can be replaced with alternatives without sacrificing flavor or texture. Common substitutes for dairy in biscuit recipes include:

For Milk: Soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
For Butter: Vegan butter, solid coconut oil, or vegetable shortening.
For Buttermilk: A "vegan buttermilk" can be created by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of non-dairy milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.

These alternatives allow for the creation of biscuits that are equally, if not more, delicious than their dairy counterparts. For instance, shortbread made with vegan butter can still achieve that characteristic crispness and rich flavor. Many supermarket own-brand biscuits, particularly plain varieties, are also formulated without dairy to appeal to a wider consumer base.

Conclusion

In summary, the presence of dairy in biscuits is not a universal fact but rather depends heavily on the specific type of biscuit and its recipe. While traditional recipes rely on butter and milk for their rich flavor and texture, the modern food market offers a wide variety of dairy-free and vegan alternatives. The key to navigating this is to always check the ingredient list, especially for milk solids, whey, and butter. With growing demand, finding a delicious dairy-free biscuit is easier than ever, thanks to ingredient innovations and clear labeling.

Authoritative Outbound Link

For more information on food allergen labeling regulations in the United States, visit the official FDA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all store-bought biscuits are dairy-free. Many commercial biscuits, including chocolate-covered and certain sweet varieties, contain dairy-based ingredients such as milk powder, whey, or butter. However, many brands are now offering specific vegan or dairy-free options.

It depends entirely on the biscuit. If the biscuit contains lactose (the sugar in milk), it will cause issues for someone with lactose intolerance. However, many biscuits, especially those made with dairy-free substitutes, are safe for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Most plain graham crackers are dairy-free, but it is important to check the ingredients list. Some brands may include milk, milk powder, or other animal products, and many contain honey, which is not considered vegan.

Traditional shortbread is made with a high butter content and is therefore not dairy-free. However, many bakeries and brands now offer dairy-free or vegan shortbread alternatives that use plant-based butter or margarine.

For baking, good substitutes for dairy include plant-based milks (like almond, soy, or oat milk) for moisture and vegan butter or vegetable shortening for fat. The best choice can depend on the desired flavor and texture.

To identify hidden dairy, carefully read the entire ingredient list on the product packaging. Look for words such as 'whey,' 'casein,' 'lactose,' 'milk solids,' and 'sodium caseinate,' which are all milk-derived.

McVitie's Original Digestives have changed their recipe and are now suitable for vegans. However, it is crucial to check the packaging, as old stock may still contain milk, and chocolate-coated varieties will almost certainly contain dairy.