Does Cool Whip Have Dairy Free Ingredients? The Truth Revealed

November 25, 2025 •

2 min read

Despite being marketed as a “non-dairy” topping when it was launched in 1966, today's Cool Whip is not dairy free. This article answers the important question: does Cool Whip have dairy free ingredients, and explores many suitable alternatives.

Quick Summary

Cool Whip is not dairy free because its formula contains milk ingredients like skim milk and sodium caseinate. Many plant-based alternatives, including coconut and almond-based whipped toppings, are widely available.

Key Points

Not Dairy-Free: All Cool Whip varieties contain milk-derived ingredients, including skim milk and sodium caseinate.
Historical Deception: Cool Whip was originally dairy-free but was reformulated to include milk components decades ago.
Lactose vs. Dairy: While often labeled lactose-free, it is not dairy-free due to milk proteins and is unsafe for milk allergies.
Market Alternatives: Many brands like So Delicious, Truwhip Vegan, and Reddi-wip offer truly dairy-free whipped toppings.
Homemade Options: Dairy-free whipped toppings can be made at home using chilled coconut cream or aquafaba.

A Misconception: The Story Behind Cool Whip's Dairy Content

Many have historically assumed Cool Whip is dairy-free due to its “non-dairy whipped topping” marketing, particularly when it launched in the 1960s without cream or milk fat. However, the recipe was changed, and the product now contains dairy ingredients, which is important for those with allergies, lactose intolerance, or who follow a vegan diet.

The Ingredients That Make Cool Whip Not Dairy-Free

All varieties of Cool Whip contain milk-derived components. Key dairy ingredients include:

Skim Milk: A dairy ingredient present in the formula.
Sodium Caseinate: A milk protein derivative used as a thickener. It is a dairy product and unsafe for those with a milk allergy.

The Difference Between Dairy-Free and Lactose-Free

Some Cool Whip versions might be labeled as lactose-free due to low lactose levels, but this does not mean they are dairy-free. A truly dairy-free product contains no milk or milk derivatives, including proteins like casein, which is in Cool Whip.

Excellent Dairy-Free Alternatives to Cool Whip

The market offers many plant-based whipped topping alternatives.

Branded Dairy-Free Whipped Toppings

So Delicious CocoWhip: Made from organic coconut milk, this is a popular vegan and gluten-free option with a coconut flavor.
Truwhip Vegan: Found in the freezer section, ensure you choose the specific vegan variety.
Reddi-wip Non-Dairy: Offers almond milk and coconut milk varieties in spray cans.
Country Crock Plant Cream: A carton product that can be whipped at home.
Silk Dairy-Free Whipping Cream Alternative: A plant-based cream to whip and sweeten as desired.

Homemade Dairy-Free Whipped Toppings

Making your own allows for ingredient control. Two methods include:

1. Coconut Whipped Cream

Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight.
Scoop the hardened cream into a bowl, leaving the liquid.
Whip with sweetener and vanilla until fluffy.

2. Aquafaba Whipped Topping

Use the liquid from canned chickpeas (aquafaba).
Whip aquafaba with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold in powdered sugar and vanilla.

Comparison Table: Cool Whip vs. Dairy-Free Alternatives


Feature	Cool Whip Original	So Delicious CocoWhip	Truwhip Vegan (Teal)	Homemade Coconut Whip
Dairy Status	Not Dairy-Free	Dairy-Free	Dairy-Free	Dairy-Free
Ingredients	Skim milk, light cream, sodium caseinate	Organic coconut milk, cane sugar	Tapioca syrup, palm kernel oil, organic soy protein	Coconut cream, sweetener, vanilla
Flavor	Mild, artificial	Subtle coconut	Natural, can have marshmallow note	Rich, creamy, coconut
Availability	Widely available	Widely available	Many grocery/health food stores	Requires preparation

Conclusion: Navigating Your Whipped Topping Options

Cool Whip is not dairy-free due to its milk product content and is not suitable for those avoiding dairy. However, numerous dairy-free and vegan alternatives are available, from store-bought brands to homemade options using coconut cream or aquafaba. You can easily find a suitable dairy-free topping for your desserts.

To explore more about the history and formulation of Cool Whip, you can read more here: What's the Difference Between Cool Whip and Whipped Cream?.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Cool Whip is not suitable for vegans because it contains milk and milk derivatives.

Cool Whip contains skim milk, light cream, and sodium caseinate, all of which are milk-derived components.

The Cool Whip brand does not currently produce a dairy-free version, but many other brands offer vegan alternatives.

When it was first introduced, its formula didn't contain traditional dairy cream or milk. The recipe was later changed to include dairy ingredients.

The product is often labeled as lactose-free, but this does not mean it is dairy-free. It still contains milk proteins like casein and is not safe for those with milk allergies.

Popular and reliable dairy-free substitutes include CocoWhip (So Delicious), Truwhip Vegan, and Reddi-wip Non-Dairy.

Yes, you can make a delicious whipped topping at home using chilled, full-fat coconut milk or the liquid from canned chickpeas (aquafaba).

No, Cool Whip is not safe for people with milk allergies, as it contains milk proteins that can trigger an allergic reaction.