The Story Behind the Recipe Change
Historically, Jammie Dodgers were often considered 'accidentally vegan' due to their simple ingredients. However, in 2016, Burton's Biscuits altered the recipe to include milk protein, which was met with disappointment from the vegan and dairy-free community. Responding to consumer demand, Burton's reverted to a plant-based recipe in July 2020, removing milk once again and updating the packaging to reflect the change. This shift is part of a broader trend of food companies adapting to dietary preferences.
Key Ingredients in Modern Jammy Dodgers
The current standard Jammy Dodger recipe is entirely plant-based and free from milk derivatives. The main components are wheat flour, vegetable oils, and a fruit-based jam filling. Key ingredients include:
- Wheat Flour: Forms the biscuit base.
- Raspberry Flavoured Apple Jam: The dairy-free filling.
- Vegetable Oils: A mix of sustainable palm and rapeseed oil for texture.
- Sugar: Sweetens both the biscuit and jam.
- Partially Inverted Sugar Syrup: Adds sweetness and aids texture.
- Raising Agents: Help the biscuits become light.
- Salt: Enhances flavour.
- Flavourings and Colours: Natural additions for taste and appearance.
Comparison of Jammy Dodger Varieties and Allergy Risk
It's important to understand the differences between Jammy Dodger varieties, particularly for those with severe dairy allergies.
| Feature | Standard Jammy Dodgers | Mini Jammy Dodgers | Jammie Dodger Ice Cream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milk in recipe? | No | No | Yes |
| Dairy-free? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Made on dedicated dairy-free line? | Yes | No | N/A |
| Allergy risk for dairy? | Very low (dedicated line) | Potential (shared line) | Contains milk |
| Jam type | Raspberry-flavoured apple jam | Raspberry-flavoured plum jam | N/A |
This comparison highlights why label reading is vital, especially concerning cross-contamination for allergy sufferers.
Are the Minis Dairy-Free? A Crucial Distinction
Mini Jammy Dodgers are made without milk ingredients and are suitable for vegans. However, a key difference from the standard size is that the minis are produced on equipment that also handles dairy products. While precautions are taken, this means there's a risk of cross-contamination with milk traces. For those with a severe milk allergy, the standard-size Jammy Dodgers, made on a dedicated dairy-free line, are the safer option.
How to Identify Vegan Jammy Dodgers
To ensure you are purchasing the current dairy-free version, look for specific cues on the packaging:
- Darker Packaging: Often indicates the newer recipe.
- Vegan Logo: A prominent logo is usually displayed.
- Slogan: Slogans like “No Nasty Stuff! We're Jammie Enough!” marked the change.
Checking the ingredient list is the most reliable method. Look for the absence of dairy ingredients and review the 'may contain' section for allergen information. For example, product pages from retailers often clearly list ingredients and highlight allergens, confirming the dairy-free status of the standard biscuits.
Conclusion
To answer "do Jammy Dodgers have milk in them?", the standard response since July 2020 is no. Both standard and Mini Jammy Dodgers are made with a vegan recipe. However, those with severe milk allergies should be cautious with the mini version due to potential cross-contamination on shared production lines. Always check the packaging for ingredients and allergen warnings. Burton's Biscuits' decision to make their popular biscuit dairy-free again reflects a positive move towards more inclusive food options.
