Nutrition Diet: Is International Delight considered a dairy product?

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to International Delight's own FAQ, while their creamers are labeled 'non-dairy,' they contain sodium caseinate, a milk derivative. This technicality, a product of FDA classification, often confuses consumers: is International Delight considered a dairy product and what does that mean for your specific dietary needs?

Quick Summary

International Delight creamers, despite being labeled 'non-dairy,' contain a milk derivative called sodium caseinate, making them unsuitable for vegan diets and those with casein allergies, though generally safe for lactose intolerance.

Key Points

Not Truly Dairy-Free: While labeled 'non-dairy,' International Delight contains sodium caseinate, a milk derivative, making it unsuitable for true dairy-free diets.
Sodium Caseinate is a Milk Protein: Sodium caseinate is a milk protein used as an emulsifier and stabilizer, not a dairy product in the traditional sense, but derived from milk.
Lactose-Free, Not Allergy-Friendly: The creamer is lactose-free and safe for lactose intolerant individuals, but must be avoided by anyone with a casein (milk protein) allergy.
Not Vegan: Due to the milk-derived ingredient, International Delight creamers are not considered vegan.
Read the Ingredients: The non-dairy label is an FDA classification; always check the ingredient list for sodium caseinate to confirm suitability for your dietary needs.
Dairy vs. Milk Derivative: The distinction lies in processing. Dairy products contain all parts of milk, while milk derivatives, like sodium caseinate, isolate a specific component.

The Dairy vs. Non-Dairy Paradox

For many, the distinction between "non-dairy" and "dairy-free" is a crucial one, and no product highlights this better than International Delight coffee creamer. While the label clearly states "non-dairy," the ingredient list reveals a crucial component: sodium caseinate. This is the key to understanding the product's classification and its suitability for various diets. The FDA allows products to be labeled as 'non-dairy' if they contain only a milk derivative, as long as that derivative does not contain lactose. This contrasts sharply with the strict, no-milk-at-all requirements for a product to be considered truly 'dairy-free' or vegan.

What is Sodium Caseinate?

Sodium caseinate is a milk protein, or more precisely, a milk derivative. It is made by extracting the casein protein from milk, treating it with an alkali containing sodium, and drying it into a powder. This process separates the protein from the lactose (milk sugar), which is why International Delight can be considered lactose-free. The ingredient serves several purposes in processed foods, including:

Emulsifying agent: It helps to keep oil and water-based ingredients from separating, giving the creamer its smooth, consistent texture.
Stabilizer: It extends the shelf life and prevents the product from spoiling as quickly as fresh dairy.
Whitening agent: It provides the creamy, opaque appearance desired in coffee creamer.

International Delight and its Ingredients

Examining a typical International Delight ingredient list provides clarity. While variations exist between flavors and refrigerated versus shelf-stable options, common components include:

Water and sugar: The base of the liquid and the primary source of sweetness.
Palm oil: Contributes to the creamy mouthfeel and texture.
Sodium caseinate: The aforementioned milk derivative.
Other additives: Includes emulsifiers like mono and diglycerides, stabilizers like carrageenan, and various natural and artificial flavors.

The presence of sodium caseinate is why the product is not vegan, even if it is marketed as 'non-dairy'. For vegans, the diet prohibits all animal-derived products, and a milk protein falls squarely into that category.

Navigating Dietary Needs

Understanding the composition of International Delight is critical for those following specific diets. The distinction between a lactose-free and a dairy-free product has significant health implications.

For the Lactose Intolerant: Since sodium caseinate contains no lactose, most people with lactose intolerance can consume International Delight products without any issues. Symptoms like bloating and gas are caused by the inability to digest lactose, which is not present in these creamers.
For the Casein Allergic: Conversely, anyone with a milk allergy, which is an allergy to the milk protein casein, must strictly avoid International Delight. The very ingredient that makes it lactose-free is the allergen. For these individuals, a true dairy-free product is necessary.
For Vegans: A vegan diet excludes all animal products, including any derivatives. Because sodium caseinate is derived from milk, International Delight is not a vegan product and should be avoided.

Comparison of International Delight and True Dairy Creamer


Feature	International Delight Creamer (e.g., French Vanilla)	Standard Dairy Creamer (e.g., Half-and-Half)
Dairy Status	Technically a dairy product due to a milk derivative; labeled "non-dairy" by FDA standards.	A true dairy product, made from milk and cream.
Key Milk Component	Sodium caseinate (milk protein).	Lactose, whey, and casein protein in their natural state.
Lactose Content	Lactose-free.	Contains lactose.
Vegan	No, contains a milk derivative.	No, is a true dairy product.
Primary Fat Source	Palm oil.	Milk fat (from cream).

Reading Labels: Beyond the "Non-Dairy" Claim

The most important takeaway for consumers is that a product's front-label claims can sometimes be misleading. Always turn the package over and read the full ingredient list and allergen warnings. Look for specific ingredients that indicate a milk derivative, such as:

Sodium caseinate
Casein
Whey or whey powder
Lactalbumin
Lactose

For those adhering to a strict dairy-free or vegan lifestyle, it is essential to seek products explicitly labeled as "dairy-free" or "plant-based," which typically use ingredients like almonds, coconut, or oats for their creamy base.

Conclusion

To answer the question, Is International Delight considered a dairy product?, the answer is yes, on a technical level, due to the presence of a milk derivative. While it's formulated to be lactose-free and is legally classified as "non-dairy" by the FDA, it is not dairy-free in the broader sense. This distinction is vital for those with milk protein allergies and those on a vegan diet. For anyone else, it serves as a powerful reminder to read beyond the marketing claims and understand the ingredients in your food to make truly informed choices for your nutrition diet.

Learn more about sodium caseinate and its functions in food on Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, International Delight creamers are formulated to be lactose-free and are generally safe for individuals with lactose intolerance. The milk-derived ingredient, sodium caseinate, does not contain lactose.

The FDA classifies a product as 'non-dairy' if it contains only a small amount of a milk derivative, not a significant amount of dairy, like milk or cream. This is a technical distinction from a truly 'dairy-free' product, which contains no milk or milk derivatives.

Yes, International Delight creamers contain sodium caseinate, a milk protein. Individuals with a casein (milk protein) allergy must avoid this product.

No, International Delight creamers are not vegan because they contain sodium caseinate, which is a protein derived from animal milk.

Sodium caseinate primarily acts as an emulsifier and stabilizer. It prevents the ingredients from separating, ensuring the creamer has a smooth texture and a longer shelf life.

The search results indicate that some products may be marketed as non-dairy. However, consumers should always read the ingredient list to look for plant-based alternatives and confirm the absence of milk derivatives like sodium caseinate. For true dairy-free options, looking for explicitly labeled 'plant-based' creamers is best.

Always check the ingredient list for words like 'casein,' 'caseinate,' 'whey,' 'lactose,' or 'milk protein.' Some labels will also include an allergen statement specifying 'CONTAINS: Milk'.