Nutrition Diet: Do Churros Have Dairy in Them? Unpacking the Ingredients

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to one source, authentic Spanish churros are inherently dairy-free and vegan, consisting of a simple batter of flour, water, and salt. However, the question, "Do churros have dairy in them?" has a more complex answer, as modern recipes frequently deviate from this traditional standard.

Quick Summary

Whether a churro contains dairy depends on its recipe and preparation. Traditional Spanish versions are typically dairy-free, but many modern or Americanized recipes use milk and butter. The dipping sauces can also contain dairy.

Key Points

Traditional Churros are Dairy-Free: Authentic Spanish churros are made from a simple, dairy-free dough of flour, water, and salt.
Modern Recipes Often Contain Dairy: Many Americanized and modern churro recipes include dairy products like milk and butter, and sometimes eggs.
Sauces are a Major Dairy Source: Even if the churro batter is dairy-free, dipping sauces like chocolate or caramel often contain dairy.
Vegan Options are Available: Plenty of excellent vegan and dairy-free recipes exist, using plant-based milk and oil alternatives.
Inquire About the Ingredients: When buying churros, it is essential to ask about the ingredients used in both the batter and any sauces.
Cross-Contamination is a Risk: Be mindful of shared fryers and preparation surfaces if you have a severe dairy allergy.

The delightful, crunchy, and sugar-coated confection known as the churro has a history that stretches back centuries. For those with dairy sensitivities or on a vegan diet, understanding the ingredients is crucial. The simple answer to whether churros contain dairy is that it depends on where they are made and the specific recipe used.

The Dairy Divide: Why the Recipe Matters

The composition of a churro is not universal. Its preparation is influenced by geographical location and culinary tradition, which directly impacts its dairy content.

Traditional Spanish Churros: A Dairy-Free Delight

Authentic Spanish churros, often sold by street vendors, are a testament to simplicity and taste.

Ingredients: The classic Spanish churro is made from a basic, vegan-friendly choux pastry that includes only flour, water, and salt. Some recipes may also include a small amount of oil in the dough.
Preparation: The dough is piped into hot oil and fried until golden brown and crispy.
Serving: Traditionally, they are served hot and dusted with sugar, often alongside a thick, rich hot chocolate. It is important to note that this dipping chocolate may contain dairy.
Conclusion: Since no milk or butter is used in the dough, these traditional churros are naturally dairy-free.

Modern and Americanized Churro Recipes

As churros have been adopted and adapted worldwide, particularly in American and Latin American cuisine, recipes have evolved. These variations often incorporate dairy to achieve a softer texture or richer flavor.

Ingredients: Many modern recipes feature a richer choux pastry that includes milk and butter, and sometimes eggs.
Preparation: The dough is cooked on the stovetop before frying, a common step for choux pastry.
Serving: These are frequently served with dairy-based sauces, such as caramel or chocolate, or even stuffed with fillings that may contain dairy.
Conclusion: Any churro made with a recipe that includes milk or butter is not dairy-free, and cross-contamination in shared frying oil or prep spaces can also be a concern.

The Dairy in the Dip: A Hidden Risk

Even when the churro batter is dairy-free, the accompanying sauces can be a significant source of hidden dairy. For example, a creamy chocolate dip is often made with milk, cream, and butter. Caramel sauces can also contain butter and cream. It is crucial to verify the ingredients of any sauces or toppings offered with your churros.

How to Make Your Own Dairy-Free Churros

Making delicious dairy-free churros at home is simple and ensures you control all the ingredients. Here is a basic recipe.

Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for the dough)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup sugar mixed with 1 tbsp cinnamon for coating
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, 1 tbsp sugar, salt, and 2 tbsp of vegetable oil and bring to a boil.
2. Remove from the heat and stir in the flour all at once. Mix vigorously with a wooden spoon until a ball of dough forms.
3. Let the dough cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
4. Heat about two inches of frying oil in a large pot to 375°F (190°C).
5. Carefully pipe strips of dough into the hot oil, using scissors to cut them to your desired length. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
6. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Immediately roll the hot churros in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Comparing Churro Recipes: Traditional vs. Modern

To better illustrate the differences, this table compares the key aspects of traditional and modern churro recipes.


Feature	Traditional Spanish Churros	Modern / Americanized Churros
Core Ingredients	Flour, water, salt	Flour, milk, butter, eggs
Dairy Content	Dairy-free	Often contains dairy (milk, butter)
Texture	Crispy exterior, slightly hollow interior	Softer, more dough-like interior
Frying Oil	Often olive oil	Vegetable or canola oil
Common Pairings	Thick hot chocolate (often dairy-based)	Caramel, chocolate, or fruit fillings (often dairy-based)

Conclusion: Always Check the Ingredients

While the original, traditional churro is a safe bet for those avoiding dairy, it is not safe to assume all churros are dairy-free. The widespread adaptation of recipes means many versions now contain milk or butter, and the risk of dairy in accompanying sauces is very high. If purchasing from a restaurant, always ask a staff member about the specific ingredients used in both the churro batter and the dipping sauce to ensure your dietary needs are met. For the safest and most reliable option, a homemade, dairy-free churro recipe is the best way to enjoy this beloved treat without any concern.

Source for Vegan Churro Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all churros are vegan. While traditional Spanish recipes are naturally vegan and dairy-free, many modern versions include milk, butter, or eggs in the batter, making them unsuitable for a vegan diet.

The main ingredients in traditional Spanish churros are all-purpose flour, water, and salt. They are then fried in oil and coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Some churro recipes include dairy, typically milk and butter, to create a richer and softer dough, similar to a choux pastry. This results in a different texture from the traditional crispy version.

Yes, you can easily make dairy-free churros at home. Simply follow a traditional recipe that uses only flour, water, and salt. For sauces, use plant-based milk or chocolate chips.

To determine if a restaurant's churros have dairy, you must ask a staff member about their specific recipe. Inquire whether the batter contains milk or butter and what the ingredients are for any sauces offered.

Dairy-free alternatives for churro dips include chocolate sauce made with dark chocolate and a plant-based milk like coconut or almond milk. Other options include fruit jams or a simple cinnamon-sugar coating.

Packaged or pre-made churros may contain dairy. Always check the ingredients list on the packaging carefully, as some brands use milk or milk derivatives to enhance flavor and texture.

Dairy-free churros, made traditionally with water, tend to have a super crispy, shatteringly crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Churros made with dairy, like milk and butter, often have a softer, more cake-like texture.