Do Vegetarians Eat Double Cream? Navigating Dairy and Plant-Based Diets

According to the National Institutes of Health, there are many different types of vegetarian diets, with some including dairy and others excluding all animal products. This means the question, 'Do vegetarians eat double cream?', doesn't have a single, straightforward answer, as it depends on the specific dietary choices of the individual.

Quick Summary

The consumption of double cream depends on the specific vegetarian diet followed, such as lacto-vegetarian, which includes dairy. Vegans, however, avoid all dairy and must use plant-based alternatives. Numerous dairy-free options are available for cooking and whipping.

Key Points

• Diet Type Matters: Whether a vegetarian eats double cream depends on their specific diet; lacto-vegetarians include dairy, while vegans do not.

• Traditional Cream is Dairy: Regular double cream is a dairy product, made from cow's milk, and is suitable for lacto-vegetarians.

• Vegans Need Alternatives: Vegans, who exclude all animal products, must use plant-based double cream substitutes.

• Many Plant-Based Options: Excellent vegan alternatives include coconut cream, cashew cream, and commercial brands like Elmlea and Flora.

• Consider the Use: For cooking, whipping, or pouring, there are suitable dairy and plant-based creams available to match any recipe's needs.

Understanding the Different Types of Vegetarianism

Before we can definitively answer whether double cream is suitable for a vegetarian diet, it is crucial to understand that not all vegetarians follow the same rules. The term "vegetarian" is an umbrella term for several subcategories, each with its own set of guidelines regarding animal-derived products.

• Lacto-ovo-vegetarians: This is one of the most common forms of vegetarianism. Followers of this diet abstain from meat, poultry, and fish but consume both dairy products and eggs. For this group, double cream is an acceptable part of their diet.
• Lacto-vegetarians: This group avoids meat, poultry, fish, and eggs but includes dairy products like milk, cheese, and cream. Therefore, for a lacto-vegetarian, regular double cream is a suitable ingredient.
• Ovo-vegetarians: These individuals exclude meat, poultry, fish, and dairy but do eat eggs. Double cream would not be suitable for this dietary type due to its dairy content.
• Vegans: The most restrictive of the plant-based diets, vegans avoid all animal-derived products, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, and often honey. Double cream, which is a dairy product, is not suitable for a vegan diet.

The Verdict on Traditional Dairy Double Cream

Traditional double cream is made from the butterfat of cow's milk and contains a high fat content, often around 48%. Since its primary and often only ingredient is milk, it is a dairy product. For this reason, it is considered suitable for individuals following a lacto-vegetarian or lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet. However, it is fundamentally incompatible with a vegan or ovo-vegetarian diet, as these exclude dairy. Some vegetarians also check for animal-based rennet in cheeses, but this is not typically a concern with cream.

Excellent Plant-Based Alternatives to Double Cream

For those who abstain from dairy, such as vegans and ovo-vegetarians, there is no need to miss out on the creamy richness that double cream provides. The market is filled with excellent plant-based alternatives, and many can also be made at home.

Common Plant-Based Alternatives:

• Coconut Cream: A top choice for many, full-fat canned coconut cream provides a thick, rich consistency that mimics dairy cream. It is particularly well-suited for desserts and dishes where a slight coconut flavor is a welcome addition.
• Cashew Cream: Made by soaking raw cashews and blending them with water, cashew cream offers a neutral, creamy flavor and can be made to different thicknesses. It is highly versatile and works well in both sweet and savory recipes.
• Commercial Vegan Creams: Brands like Elmlea and Flora offer ready-to-use plant-based double cream alternatives made from lentil protein or vegetable oils. These are convenient and specifically formulated to mimic the properties of dairy cream for whipping and cooking.
• Silken Tofu: Blended silken tofu can be used to create a smooth, creamy texture in soups, sauces, and dessert fillings. It is an excellent, low-fat option for adding richness.

Comparing Dairy Double Cream and Plant-Based Alternatives

To make an informed choice for your nutrition plan, consider the key differences between traditional dairy double cream and popular plant-based alternatives.

Feature	Traditional Dairy Double Cream	Plant-Based Double Cream (e.g., coconut, lentil)
Source	Animal milk fat	Plant-based ingredients (coconut, lentil, vegetable oils)
Dietary Suitability	Lacto-vegetarians, Lacto-ovo-vegetarians	Vegans, Lacto-vegetarians, Ovo-vegetarians
Taste Profile	Rich, milky, and classic dairy flavor	Varies by source; may have a slight coconut, nutty, or neutral taste
Nutritional Profile	Contains dairy protein, calcium, and B12	Nutritional content varies greatly, often fortified with vitamins
Whipping Capability	Whips up reliably to a thick, stiff texture	Many commercial versions are designed to whip well; homemade versions vary

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Diet

Ultimately, whether a vegetarian consumes double cream depends on their specific dietary sub-type. For lacto-vegetarians who include dairy, traditional double cream is perfectly acceptable. For vegans and those who avoid dairy, the answer is no, but a wide range of high-quality, plant-based alternatives are available that offer similar richness and function. By understanding the different categories of vegetarianism and the various options available, you can easily find a double cream solution that aligns with your nutritional preferences and ethical choices.

For more detailed plant-based cream recipes, you can explore resources like The Pesky Vegan for recipes like Vegan Cream (Single & Double Replacement).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is double cream the same as heavy cream?

No, while both are high-fat dairy products, double cream typically has a higher fat content (around 48%) compared to heavy cream (around 36-38%). Double cream is a common term in the UK, while heavy cream is more prevalent in the US.

Can you use plant-based cream for whipping?

Yes, many plant-based creams are formulated to be whipped, including some commercial brands like Elmlea Plant Double. For homemade options, some recipes specify how to make a whip-able cream, though results can vary.

What is cashew cream?

Cashew cream is a homemade dairy-free alternative to cream, made by blending soaked raw cashews with water until smooth. Its neutral flavor and adjustable thickness make it highly versatile for both sweet and savory dishes.

How can I tell if a product is vegetarian or vegan?

Always read the ingredients label to check for milk or other animal-derived products. Many products will also be labeled with vegetarian or vegan certification symbols for clarity.

What is a lacto-vegetarian diet?

A lacto-vegetarian diet excludes meat, poultry, fish, and eggs but includes dairy products, making double cream an acceptable food item.

Is double cream a vegan food?

No, traditional double cream is a dairy product derived from cow's milk, which is an animal product, so it is not vegan. Vegan alternatives, however, are available.

What is the best dairy-free alternative to double cream for cooking?

For many cooking applications, canned full-fat coconut cream is a popular and effective choice due to its richness. For savory dishes, cashew cream or commercial lentil-based creams also work well without overpowering flavors.