Finding a reliable, delicious, and budget-friendly store-bought vegan icing can be a challenge, especially since many popular brands don't explicitly advertise their frostings as vegan. However, several major labels produce accidentally-vegan options by using vegetable shortening instead of dairy butter. This guide will help you navigate the baking aisle with confidence, detailing specific brands and what to look for on the ingredient list.
Popular Accidentally-Vegan Brands
Many household-name brands offer frostings that are free from animal products, though you must always double-check the specific flavor and type, as formulations can change over time. Many of these products utilize vegetable shortening, water, and sugar as their base, avoiding milk or eggs entirely.
Pillsbury
Pillsbury is a classic choice for many home bakers, and several of their frostings are accidentally vegan. Their line of Creamy Supreme frostings is a good place to start, with many of the vanilla and chocolate varieties being dairy-free. Interestingly, certain versions of their Cream Cheese frosting have been noted by the vegan community as also being accidentally vegan, although it is always crucial to check for a 'contains milk' warning on the packaging before purchasing.
Duncan Hines
Like Pillsbury, Duncan Hines offers several unintentionally vegan frostings. Many of their classic Creamy Homestyle flavors, including Vanilla and Chocolate, rely on a plant-based fat blend rather than dairy. For a fun option, some Funfetti-branded frostings are also suitable for vegans. As with any product, be mindful of new formulations that might add dairy, which would be explicitly listed as an allergen.
Betty Crocker
Betty Crocker was once widely regarded for its many accidentally-vegan frosting varieties. However, around 2018, many of their formulas were changed to include dairy. While some Reddit threads from the past point to many vegan options, this is no longer the case for most of their standard cream-based frostings. You must now read labels carefully, as most of their "Rich & Creamy" options now contain dairy. Specialized or gluten-free formulations may differ, so the best practice is always to scrutinize the ingredient list.
Reading Labels to Confirm Vegan Icing
For any brand, knowing what ingredients to look for and what to avoid is the most reliable way to ensure your icing is vegan. Here is a breakdown of common non-vegan ingredients and their plant-based counterparts.
Ingredients to Avoid
- Dairy: Watch for milk, whey, casein, lactose, or butterfat. These are common in many creamy frostings.
- Eggs: Egg whites are occasionally used in some icings, and can sometimes be found in powdered sugar preparations.
- Confectioner's Glaze: This shiny coating, often found on sprinkles, is made from shellac, which is an insect-derived product and is not vegan. Be mindful of frostings that come with sprinkles.
- Bone Char Sugar: While not an ingredient itself, some granulated and powdered sugar is filtered with bone char, a charcoal made from animal bones. This is a more nuanced ethical consideration; however, most major store-bought icing uses sugar that is not bone-char-filtered. Organic or explicitly labeled vegan sugars are guaranteed to be free of this process.
- L-Cysteine: This amino acid can be derived from animal sources like hair or feathers and is sometimes used as a dough conditioner in baking mixes, though less common in icings.
Ingredients to Look For
- Vegetable Shortening: A common vegan fat source that replaces butter and other dairy fats.
- Plant-Based Oils: Ingredients like palm, coconut, or soybean oil are used for texture and richness.
- Certified Vegan Label: The most straightforward way to confirm a product is vegan is to look for a certified vegan logo on the packaging.
- Organic Sugar: Most organic sugar is not processed with bone char, making it a reliable choice for vegans.
Comparison of Popular Icing Brands
| Feature | Pillsbury Creamy Supreme (Vanilla) | Miss Jones Baking Co. (Vanilla) | Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy (Vanilla) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegan Status | Accidentally-vegan | Certified Vegan | NOT Vegan (Contains Milk) |
| Availability | Wide (major grocery stores) | Moderate (specialty stores, online) | Wide (major grocery stores) |
| Primary Fat Source | Vegetable shortening | Organic palm fruit oil, organic coconut oil | Palm oil, soybean oil, palm kernel oil, contains milk |
| Certification | None (accidentally vegan) | Certified Organic and Vegan | None |
| Ingredient Scrutiny | Requires careful label reading for current formulation | Minimal (relies on certification) | Requires careful label reading; not suitable for vegans |
The Rise of Dedicated Vegan Brands
Beyond the accidentally-vegan finds, a new wave of brands has emerged that focuses solely on plant-based products, including frosting. These brands often use higher-quality, organic ingredients and provide a guarantee of vegan status, eliminating the need for vigilant label-checking.
Miss Jones Baking Co.
This brand is a top contender in the vegan baking space, offering certified organic and vegan frostings in flavors like Vanilla, Chocolate, and Confetti Pop. Their frostings are also free of major allergens like dairy, soy, and nuts, and are made in a peanut-free facility.
LillyBean by Pastrybase
Another option for dedicated vegan frosting is LillyBean, which offers a range of buttercream flavors like Vanilla and Brown Sugar Cinnamon. These products can typically be found online or in specialty grocery stores and are a reliable choice for committed vegans.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of store-bought icing doesn't have to be a guessing game for vegans. While some classic brands like Pillsbury and Duncan Hines offer accidentally-vegan options, it is essential to read the ingredient labels carefully, as formulations can change. Dedicated vegan brands such as Miss Jones Baking Co. provide a certified, stress-free alternative for those who prefer certainty. With a little bit of knowledge and a quick check of the label, you can easily find a delicious, plant-based icing for your next dessert creation.
The Power of the Label
Whether you're grabbing a mainstream brand or a specialty one, remember that a certified vegan logo is your strongest tool. If you can't find one, a quick scan for dairy, eggs, and confectioner's glaze will help you make the right choice every time. With options from budget-friendly classics to premium organic brands, a perfect vegan icing is well within your reach.
