Quick Answer
Most creamy chipotle sauces do contain dairy ingredients like milk, cream, or cheese. However, some brands offer dairy-free creamy chipotle sauces made with non-dairy milk or oils instead. To know for sure if a particular creamy chipotle sauce contains dairy, check the ingredients list for milk, cream, cheese, whey, casein or other dairy derivatives. Those with milk allergies or following a vegan diet should look for a dairy-free creamy chipotle sauce specifically labeled as such.
Ingredients That Indicate Dairy
Here are some common dairy-based ingredients to look out for in creamy chipotle sauce:
| Ingredient | Contains |
|---|---|
| Milk | Lactose, casein |
| Cream | Milk fat, lactose |
| Cheese | Milk proteins, lactose |
| Whey | Milk proteins |
| Casein | Milk protein |
| Butter | Milk fat |
| Ghee | Clarified butter |
| Lactose | Milk sugar |
If any of these dairy-derived ingredients are present, then the creamy chipotle sauce contains lactose and milk proteins that those with dairy allergies or sensitivities should avoid. Vegans would also want to avoid these animal-derived ingredients.
Non-Dairy Replacements
For those avoiding dairy, creamy chipotle sauces can be made using non-dairy substitutions such as:
| Non-Dairy | Replaces |
|---|---|
| Almond milk | Cow’s milk |
| Coconut milk | Heavy cream |
| Nutritional yeast | Cheese |
| Tofu | Sour cream |
| Vegan mayo | Real mayo |
| Vegetable oils | Butter |
| Cashew cream | Dairy cream |
Using these substitutions, brands can create creamy chipotle sauces without any animal products for those need or wanting dairy-free options.
Popular Brands Analysis
Here is an analysis of some popular creamy chipotle sauce brands and whether they contain dairy:
Kraft Creamy Chipotle Sauce
Kraft’s creamy chipotle sauce lists “whey protein concentrate” and “milk” in the ingredients, so it is not dairy-free. Those with milk allergies or following a vegan diet should avoid Kraft brand creamy chipotle sauce.
McCormick Creamy Chipotle Sauce
The McCormick brand creamy chipotle sauce contains “whey protein concentrate”, “milk” and “cheese culture”, so it contains multiple dairy ingredients. This is not safe for those with milk allergies or wanting to avoid dairy.
Tabasco Creamy Chipotle Sauce
Tabasco’s creamy chipotle pepper sauce lists both “butter” and “buttermilk” in its ingredients. Since it contains these two dairy products, it is unsuitable for vegans or the dairy-allergic.
Frontera Creamy Chipotle Sauce
Frontera’s gourmet creamy chipotle sauce contains “sour cream” and “Romano cheese” according to the ingredients label. As it has these dairy ingredients, it is not dairy-free or vegan.
Tessemae’s Creamy Chipotle Dressing
Tessemae’s makes a popular Whole30 approved creamy chipotle ranch dressing. According to the ingredients, it does not contain milk, cheese or any other dairy ingredients. It uses avocado oil instead of butter or cream. Therefore, Tessemae’s creamy chipotle dressing is dairy-free and vegan.
Homemade Dairy-Free Recipes
Those wishing to control the ingredients can also make their own homemade creamy chipotle sauce using non-dairy ingredients:
Vegan Cashew Cream Chipotle Sauce
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Raw cashews, soaked | 1 cup |
| Water | 1⁄4 cup |
| Nutritional yeast | 2 Tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 Tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Chipotle peppers in adobo | 2-3 peppers |
| Adobo sauce | 2 Tbsp |
| Sea salt | 1⁄2 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1⁄4 tsp |
Instructions:
- Soak the cashews for at least 2 hours up to overnight
- Drain the cashews then blend with water until very smooth and creamy
- Add remaining ingredients and blend again until fully incorporated
- Serve immediately or store refrigerated for up to 5 days
This dairy-free chipotle sauce uses cashew cream for a rich, creamy texture without any milk or butter. The chipotles in adobo and spices add smoky, savory flavor. Use it as a dip, sauce, dressing or spread.
Dairy-Free Chipotle Ranch Sauce
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Vegan mayo | 1⁄2 cup |
| Almond milk | 2 Tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 Tbsp |
| Dried dill | 1 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1⁄4 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1⁄4 tsp |
| Chipotle peppers in adobo | 1-2 peppers |
Instructions:
- Blend vegan mayo, almond milk, lemon juice and seasonings until smooth
- Add chipotle pepper and adobo sauce to taste
- Blend until fully incorporated
- Store refrigerated for up to 1 week
This dairy-free chipotle ranch combines vegan mayo for creaminess with almond milk, lemon, herbs, and spicy chipotles in adobo sauce. It can be used as a salad dressing, sauce, or vegetable dip.
Purchasing Dairy-Free Creamy Chipotle
When purchasing creamy chipotle sauce, read labels carefully and look for dairy-free labeling. Some brands making dairy-free options include:
- Tessemae’s Creamy Chipotle Ranch
- Fustini’s Dairy-Free Chipotle Ranch
- Brianna’s Dairy-Free Creamy Chipotle
- Earth Balance Creamy Chipotle Spread
- 365 Everyday Value Creamy Chipotle Dressing
Also look in the natural foods refrigerated section for varieties made with alternative milks like almond, coconut or cashew. Local restaurants may also offer dairy-free chipotle sauce options not found in stores. Those with dairy allergies should always ask about ingredients when dining out.
Making your own dairy-free creamy chipotle at home can also allow control over the ingredients. Substitute nut milks, oils, cashew cream or vegan mayo for the typical dairy ingredients.
Conclusion
Most mass-market creamy chipotle sauces contain dairy ingredients like milk, cream and cheese. To avoid dairy, look for products specifically labeled “dairy-free” or “vegan” or analyze the ingredients list for any milk-derived components. Fortunately, there are more dairy-free options available now, including some brands made with alternate milks or oils instead of butter or cream. Homemade creamy chipotle sauce can also be tailored to avoid dairy by using cashew cream, vegan mayo or other substitutes. So with the right brand or recipe, those avoiding dairy can still enjoy the smoky, spicy and creamy flavors of chipotle pepper sauce.