Is Country Crock Cinnamon Honey Butter Dairy Free?

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the official Country Crock website, the Cinnamon Honey spread does not contain dairy ingredients, but the product does not carry a certified dairy-free claim. This nuance is important for those with severe dairy allergies, as it means cross-contamination during manufacturing is possible, unlike their specifically certified 'Plant Butter' line.

Quick Summary

Country Crock's Cinnamon Honey spread contains no dairy ingredients in its formulation, but lacks formal dairy-free certification, posing a potential risk for those with severe milk allergies. For a guaranteed dairy-free product from the brand, consumers should opt for the specifically labeled Country Crock Plant Butter instead.

Key Points

Not Officially Dairy-Free: Country Crock's Cinnamon Honey spread is not certified dairy-free due to potential cross-contamination, despite not containing dairy ingredients in its recipe.
Contains Honey: The spread is not vegan because it includes real honey as an ingredient.
Different Product Lines: For a guaranteed dairy-free and vegan option from the same brand, choose Country Crock's dedicated 'Plant Butter' line.
Ingredient Awareness: The spread is a vegetable oil blend with honey and spices, not a traditional dairy butter.
Allergen Safety: Individuals with severe milk allergies should avoid the Cinnamon Honey spread and stick to certified dairy-free alternatives.
Certified Alternatives: Reliable dairy-free brands like Miyoko's Creamery, Melt Organic, and Violife offer certified and safe spreads.

Understanding the 'Dairy-Free' Distinction for Country Crock

When considering if a product is truly dairy-free, particularly for those with a milk allergy or severe lactose intolerance, it's crucial to look beyond the ingredient list. Country Crock's official website clearly states that while their Cinnamon Honey spread does not have any ingredients derived from dairy, it is not formally certified as 'dairy-free'. This is because it is made in a facility that also handles dairy products, creating a risk of cross-contamination.

What are the main ingredients?

To understand why it's not certified, it's helpful to review the ingredients that make up the Cinnamon Honey spread. This product is primarily a vegetable oil spread, not a traditional butter.

Blend of Oils: The base consists of plant-based oils like soybean, palm, and palm kernel oil.
Water: Purified water is used as a primary ingredient.
Sweeteners: It contains both sugar and real honey for its flavor profile. The presence of honey also means the product is not vegan.
Flavorings and Additives: Other components include salt, soy lecithin, natural flavors, and coloring like beta carotene.

The company does manufacture certified dairy-free and vegan products under its dedicated 'Plant Butter' line, which is processed with stricter protocols. The distinction is important, as a product free of dairy ingredients is not the same as a certified 'dairy-free' product suitable for those with severe allergies. This difference highlights the importance of label reading for individuals with food sensitivities.

Finding Certified Dairy-Free Alternatives

For those who need a truly dairy-free option, the market offers many reliable alternatives to Country Crock's Cinnamon Honey spread. These products are often clearly labeled and follow strict manufacturing guidelines to avoid cross-contamination.

Comparison Table: Certified Dairy-Free Spreads vs. Country Crock


Feature	Country Crock Cinnamon Honey	Certified Dairy-Free Spread (e.g., Country Crock Plant Butter)
Dairy-Free Claim	Does not bear a dairy-free claim.	Formally certified as dairy-free.
Vegan	No (contains honey).	Yes.
Primary Ingredients	Vegetable oils, water, sugar, honey.	Plant-based oils (avocado, olive, etc.), water, pea/faba bean protein.
Allergen Risk (Milk)	Possible cross-contamination.	Minimized risk due to certified production.
Flavor Profile	Sweet cinnamon and honey blend.	Varies by oil; often milder or more savory.

Reliable Dairy-Free and Vegan Spreads

Country Crock Plant Butter: This line, which comes in tubs and sticks, is explicitly certified dairy-free and vegan. It's a reliable choice for cooking, baking, and spreading.
Miyoko's Creamery: Offers a cultured vegan butter made from organic cashews and coconut oil. It is renowned for its rich flavor and creamy texture.
Melt Organic: Uses a blend of certified organic plant-based oils and offers a buttery flavor for various uses.
Violife Plant Butter: A palm oil-free option that provides a realistic butter taste and melts well.

Other Alternatives

Coconut Oil: Can be used in recipes that benefit from its texture and slight coconut flavor.
Nut Butters: Options like almond or cashew butter can work in certain applications.
Oils: Olive or avocado oil can be used for sautéing or drizzling.

Making Your Own Dairy-Free Cinnamon Honey Spread

For those who prefer to make their own, a homemade version offers complete control over ingredients and allergy safety. Here is a simple recipe to get started:

Start with a certified dairy-free butter alternative: Use a neutral-tasting vegan butter stick, such as Country Crock Plant Butter made with avocado oil, as a base.
Soften the butter: Bring the vegan butter to room temperature so it is easy to whip.
Add sweeteners and flavor: In a bowl, combine the softened vegan butter with a dairy-free honey alternative (or pure maple syrup for a vegan version), ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Whip until fluffy: Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the ingredients together until they are light, fluffy, and well combined.
Serve or store: Enjoy immediately on toast, muffins, or waffles. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Conclusion: Read Labels Carefully

While Country Crock Cinnamon Honey butter is formulated without dairy ingredients, it is not certified as dairy-free and is unsuitable for individuals with severe milk allergies due to cross-contamination risk. The best and safest course of action for those with dietary restrictions is to opt for products explicitly labeled and certified as dairy-free, such as the Country Crock Plant Butter line or other dedicated vegan brands. As always, checking product labels and understanding the difference between 'contains no dairy ingredients' and 'certified dairy-free' is key to making safe and informed dietary choices.

Visit Country Crock's website for more information on their plant-based products

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not. While the spread's recipe doesn't contain dairy ingredients, it lacks official dairy-free certification and is produced in a facility that handles dairy, posing a risk of cross-contamination for individuals with severe milk allergies.

The presence of real honey is the ingredient that makes Country Crock's Cinnamon Honey spread unsuitable for a vegan diet.

Yes, Country Crock manufactures a line of 'Plant Butter' products, which are explicitly certified as both dairy-free and vegan.

'Dairy-free ingredients' simply means milk and its derivatives are not intentionally added to the recipe. 'Certified dairy-free' indicates that the product has been tested and manufactured in controlled conditions to prevent cross-contamination from dairy, making it safe for those with severe allergies.

For certified dairy-free and vegan spreads, consider Country Crock Plant Butter, Miyoko's Creamery, Melt Organic, or Violife. For cooking, alternatives like olive oil or coconut oil can also be used.

Country Crock Cinnamon Honey is a vegetable oil spread with a lower fat content than traditional butter. While it can be used for baking, a 1:1 substitution may not work perfectly, and the brand recommends their Plant Butters for a more reliable 1:1 replacement.

The spread's base is a blend of plant-based oils, including soybean, palm, and palm kernel oil, combined with water, sugar, honey, and other flavorings.