Does Bao Have Dairy In It? Your Ultimate Guide to Dairy-Free Bao Buns

January 2, 2026 •

3 min read

While traditional bao recipes often incorporate milk to achieve a softer, fluffier texture, the presence of dairy in bao buns is not universal. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding whether bao has dairy in it, from the dough to the fillings, to help you make informed dietary choices.

Quick Summary

The inclusion of milk in bao dough is common but not mandatory, meaning many varieties are naturally dairy-free or easily made vegan. A bun's dairy content heavily depends on the specific recipe, with custard fillings being a common source of dairy. Fillings can range from meat and vegetables to sweet pastes, so checking ingredients is key.

Key Points

Dough Isn't Always Dairy-Free: Traditional bao dough can be made with milk, though simple, dairy-free versions also exist.
Custard Bao Contains Dairy: Sweet custard buns (Nai Huang Bao) are a common source of dairy and should be avoided if you have an allergy.
Fillings Can Be Sneaky: While many savory fillings are dairy-free, check for hidden ingredients in sauces or creamy components.
Vegan Versions Are Readily Available: Many restaurants and grocery stores offer vegan bao options, which are guaranteed to be dairy-free.
DIY is the Safest Bet: Making your own bao at home is the best way to control all ingredients and ensure a 100% dairy-free result.
Soy Milk is a Great Substitute: When making bao at home, soy milk is an excellent, readily available substitute for cow's milk in the dough.

The Core Ingredients of Bao Dough

At its simplest, traditional bao dough is a yeast-leavened bread made with wheat flour, sugar, and water. However, many modern and traditional recipes often enrich the dough with milk to achieve a signature soft, pillowy texture and a slightly sweet flavor. For those with dairy allergies or who follow a vegan diet, this is the primary area of concern. The good news is that milk is easily substituted with water or a plant-based milk alternative, such as soy milk, which can produce equally excellent results.

Why is milk used in some bao recipes?

Enhanced Texture: The fats and proteins in milk contribute to a softer, more tender crumb and a moister dough.
Improved Flavor: Milk adds a subtle richness and sweetness that complements many traditional and modern bao fillings.
Golden Color: In baked bao varieties, milk can contribute to a richer, golden-brown crust.

The Role of Fillings in Dairy Content

Beyond the dough, the filling is another crucial factor in determining if bao contains dairy. While savory fillings are often dairy-free, sweet or creamy varieties are frequent offenders. Always be vigilant and ask about the ingredients, especially in restaurant settings.

Common Bao Fillings and Their Dairy Status

Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork): Traditionally, this savory filling is dairy-free, focusing on a sweet and savory sauce for the pork.
Nai Huang Bao (Custard Buns): This is a definite dairy-containing bao, featuring a creamy, rich custard made with milk and butter.
Doushabao (Red Bean Paste Buns): This sweet filling is typically dairy-free, using a sweetened paste made from adzuki beans.
Vegetable Bao: Fillings with ingredients like mushrooms, cabbage, and tofu are often dairy-free, but always confirm if a creamy sauce or cheese is used.

Comparison Table: Dairy-Based vs. Dairy-Free Bao


Feature	Dairy-Based Bao (e.g., Custard Bao)	Dairy-Free/Vegan Bao (e.g., Vegan Tofu Bao)
Dough Ingredients	Often uses cow's milk for softness	Uses water or plant-based milk (e.g., soy, oat)
Filling Ingredients	Uses milk, butter, and sometimes milk powder	Uses plant-based ingredients; savory or sweet
Texture	Very soft and rich, particularly with custard filling	Can be just as soft and fluffy with proper technique
Flavor Profile	Often sweeter and richer due to dairy fat and sugar	Clean, versatile flavor that highlights the filling
Primary Concern	High risk for those with dairy allergies	Often safe, but double-check savory sauces (e.g., hoisin)

Making Your Own Dairy-Free Bao at Home

For those who need to avoid dairy, making your own bao is the safest and most delicious option. The process is straightforward and allows for full control over ingredients. The simplest swap is to replace cow's milk with water, but for a richer taste, plant-based milks like soy milk are an excellent choice.

Vegan Bao Dough Recipe Adjustments:
- Replace milk with an equal amount of lukewarm water or plant-based milk.
- Some recipes suggest adding a small amount of neutral-flavored oil to the dough to compensate for the fat content lost from omitting dairy.
- Ensure your fillings, like sauces (e.g., hoisin), are certified dairy-free and vegan, as some brands can contain dairy.

Conclusion: Your Bao, Your Way

In conclusion, while some bao varieties do contain dairy, particularly in the dough or creamy fillings like custard, the presence of dairy is not a given. Many traditional recipes are naturally dairy-free, and vegan versions are increasingly common and easy to find or make. For those with dairy sensitivities, it is crucial to inquire about ingredients when dining out and consider making your own at home to ensure a completely dairy-free experience. The delightful world of bao is accessible to everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, with a little knowledge and care.

For a great resource on making plant-based bao, check out this vegan bao bun recipe from VegNews.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all bao dough is made with milk. While some recipes use milk for a softer texture, many traditional and vegan recipes use water instead. The specific ingredients vary depending on the recipe and regional style.

It is always best to ask the restaurant directly. Many establishments offer vegan options, and the bao dough itself is often naturally dairy-free. However, cross-contamination is a possibility in shared kitchens, so it's important to be clear about your needs.

Sweet and creamy fillings are the most common source of dairy. Custard bao (Nai Huang Bao), for instance, is made with a rich custard that contains milk, butter, and often milk powder.

Bao buns are not always vegan by default. While savory fillings like BBQ pork are common, the dough can sometimes contain milk, making it non-vegan. Always confirm the ingredients of both the dough and the filling.

For homemade bao, soy milk is an excellent dairy substitute that helps achieve a soft, rich texture similar to traditional milk-based dough. You can also use water, though the result will be slightly different.

The dairy content of frozen bao buns depends on the brand and recipe. Always read the ingredient list carefully, as some frozen bao doughs and fillings may contain milk or milk-based products.

Yes, it is very possible. Many recipes use water instead of milk for the dough, and a wide variety of savory and sweet dairy-free fillings exist. Vegan recipes are a reliable source for guaranteed dairy-free bao.

Excellent dairy-free filling options include BBQ pork (char siu), vegetable stir-fries, red bean paste, and tofu, as long as they are prepared without dairy-containing sauces or ingredients.