Is there a non-dairy version of Cool Whip? Exploring Vegan Alternatives

November 9, 2025 •

2 min read

Despite its long-standing marketing as a "non-dairy whipped topping," original Cool Whip actually contains milk derivatives, making it unsuitable for a vegan diet. This has led many to question, is there a non-dairy version of Cool Whip? Thankfully, a growing number of delicious store-bought and simple homemade alternatives exist for those following a vegan or dairy-free lifestyle.

Quick Summary

Cool Whip is not dairy-free, but numerous plant-based alternatives are available. Options range from convenient tubs and spray cans made from coconut, oat, and soy milk to easily made-from-scratch recipes using chilled coconut cream or aquafaba.

Key Points

Original Cool Whip is not vegan: Despite being marketed as a whipped topping, it contains milk derivatives and is not suitable for those with dairy allergies or a vegan diet.
Store-bought options are plentiful: Brands like So Delicious (Cocowhip), Truwhip Vegan, and Reddi-wip offer convenient plant-based alternatives in tubs or spray cans.
Coconut is a common base: Many commercial and homemade non-dairy whips use coconut milk or coconut cream, which provides a rich, creamy texture but may impart a coconut flavor.
Homemade is an option for control: For a more natural and customizable option, you can create whipped topping from scratch using chilled coconut cream, aquafaba, or a soy milk and refined coconut oil blend.
Flavor and texture vary by ingredient: The specific plant-based base used, whether coconut, soy, or oat, will influence the final flavor and texture of your whipped topping, so experimentation is key to finding your preference.
Look for certified vegan products: When purchasing store-bought alternatives, check labels for specific ingredients or certifications like 'vegan' to ensure they align with your dietary needs.

Original Cool Whip is Not Dairy-Free

Cool Whip has been a popular dessert topping for many years. However, its ingredients, which include skim milk and sodium caseinate, make it unsuitable for dairy-free or vegan diets. The historical use of the 'non-dairy' label referred to the absence of actual cream, with the product instead containing hydrogenated vegetable oils. This has prompted individuals with dairy restrictions or those following a vegan lifestyle to seek alternatives.

What are the main ingredients in original Cool Whip?

In addition to the dairy components, Cool Whip contains water, hydrogenated vegetable oil, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and natural and artificial flavors. The presence of hydrogenated oils and other chemical additives has led some consumers to look for simpler, plant-based alternatives.

Excellent Store-Bought Non-Dairy Alternatives

Several brands offer dairy-free whipped toppings in grocery stores. Options include So Delicious CocoWhip, Truwhip Vegan, and Reddi-wip non-dairy varieties made with almond or coconut milk. Other choices are Country Crock Plant Cream and 365 by Whole Foods Market oat-based topping.

How to Make Your Own Non-Dairy Whipped Topping

Homemade non-dairy whipped topping provides control over ingredients. Coconut whipped cream is a popular method, involving chilling full-fat coconut milk and whipping the solidified cream. Aquafaba can also be whipped into a light topping. A soy-based option uses soy milk and refined coconut oil.

Comparison of Non-Dairy Whipped Toppings


Feature	So Delicious CocoWhip	Truwhip Vegan	Homemade Coconut Whipped Cream	Homemade Aquafaba Topping
Base Ingredient	Coconut milk	Soy protein, vegetable oil	Full-fat canned coconut milk	Chickpea liquid (aquafaba)
Flavor	Mild coconut	Neutral	Strong coconut	Neutral, meringue-like
Texture	Light and airy, holds shape well	Dense, creamy, holds shape very well	Creamy, can be slightly denser	Light, foamy, like meringue
Preparation	Frozen tub, ready to use	Frozen tub, ready to use	Requires chilling, scooping, and whipping	Requires chilling and whipping
Nutritional Profile	Low in calories, some saturated fat	Low in calories, contains soy protein	High in saturated fat from coconut cream	Fat-free, high in protein
Allergens	Coconut	Soy	Coconut	Legumes (chickpeas)

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Non-Dairy Whip

The availability of dairy-free whipped topping options makes finding an alternative to original Cool Whip easy. Plant-based products offer similar textures and flavors for various uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, original Cool Whip is not suitable for a vegan diet because it contains skim milk and sodium caseinate, which are milk-derived ingredients.

The 'best' alternative depends on your preference for flavor and convenience. Popular choices include store-bought brands like So Delicious CocoWhip for its similar texture, or homemade coconut cream whipped topping for a more natural option.

Many coconut-based non-dairy whipped toppings have a mild coconut flavor. However, alternatives made from soy (like Truwhip Vegan) or oats (like 365 Oat-Based Whipped Topping) are available for those who prefer a neutral flavor.

To make coconut whipped cream, chill a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight. Scoop out the thick, solidified cream from the top, leaving the liquid behind. Whip the cream with a mixer until fluffy, adding powdered sugar and vanilla to taste.

Aquafaba whipped topping is a vegan alternative made from the liquid drained from canned chickpeas. When whipped with a little cream of tartar and sugar, it creates a light, foamy texture similar to meringue.

Yes, if you have a soy sensitivity, you can choose coconut-based products like CocoWhip or Reddi-wip Coconut Milk, or oat-based options such as the 365 Oat-Based Whipped Topping.

No, making homemade alternatives like coconut whipped cream is relatively simple and requires just a few ingredients and a mixer. The key is chilling your ingredients and equipment beforehand for the best results.