Before we get into this dairy free white chocolate guide, let us first clear the air about a few things so that there is no confusion: 1). Yes, we all realize that white chocolate is not actually chocolate; 2). Yes, we all realize that taking the dairy out of said white chocolate can be an oxymoron to some; and 3) Yes, we all can conclude that just because this is dairy free by no means is this a healthy food. Can we all agree to these terms and move on in a mature way? Great, I knew you would be okay with that. If you do have an issue with numbers 1-3 then this post really is not for you because you can probably ingest regular ol’ white chocolate without a problem and to that, we tip our hats to you and say “G’day!” Now for those of us who cannot do so, either due to allergy to dairy or have a moral issue with it, stay put. This is about to get good…
I truly enjoy using dairy free white chocolate in my recipes. It adds such a fun option and touch (especially when used like this) but one of the most common questions is just where on God’s green earth does one even find dairy free white chocolate chips? The answer, as it always is, is the internet but let’s dig a little deeper! I wanted to share with you the variety of nondairy white chocolate that is out there, what to be aware of, and which one, in my opinion is the best. So without further ado, let us chat about the three different forms that I have found and used:
White Baking Chocolate Coins
Brand(s): King David Easy Melt White Baking Chocolate Coins
Taste: This was my favorite flavor out of the three options. It was almost a tie between these and the Polar Dream chocolate bars but after extensive research I concluded this to be of superior taste. Creamy, smooth, almost exactly the same in flavor to real white chocolate, this is a great choice if you are looking a comparable taste.
Texture: Melts like a dream!
Downside: When you add all natural food coloring, it firms up. You will need to add 1 teaspoon of shortening or coconut oil per 1/4 cup melted white chocolate in order to smooth it out.
Where to Buy: I prefer Amazon because you get a good deal: 3 containers for $12.50 (worth every penny!)
Allergen Warning: Contains soy
Overall Score: 8. The only issue I have with this dairy free white chocolate is the fact that it gets a weird texture once you add food coloring to it but would be PERFECT for a recipe like this one and this one.
White Chocolate Chips
Brand(s): Lieber’s, King David Kosher, Oppenheimer Kosher
Taste: Definitely the least favorite, these chips, when eaten alone are of waxy texture and taste a little off, leaving a strange taste in the mouth.
Texture: When melted these chips are definitely not as smooth as the other options, making them very difficult to use as an option for coating. You will need to use a good teaspoon of shortening or coconut oil per 1/4 c. chocolate chips in order to create a smoother consistency.
Downside: Taste. Also you will need to add shortening to the melted mix as the melted version tends to be very thick.
Where to Buy: When I am in a bind, I can find Lieber’s at my local grocery store in the Kosher section or you can buy online here. For King David Kosher white chocolate chips, you can purchase here. For Oppenheimer, here.
Allergen Warning: Manufactured in a facility that processes wheat so there might be a chance for cross-contamination. Also contains soy.
Overall Score: 5
White Chocolate Bars
Brand(s): Milkless Polar Dream White Chocolate Bar
Taste: As said previous, this was one of my top picks, just coming in shy behind the White Baking Chocolate Coins. These are still a great option with a nicely smooth, cocoa buttery taste but can be a little on the sweeter side.
Texture: This bar tends to be much thinner when melted than any of the other options. This can be bothersome because if you are trying to coat something with it, you will either have a very weak layer or you will need to coat several times.
Downside: Melts very thin and when all natural food coloring is added, it doesn’t fully incorporate into the melted chocolate (looks grainy).
Where to Buy: You can purchase here or here.
Allergen Warning: Though gluten free and vegan, these still contain soy.
Overall Score: 7
The winner, in my opinion, is King David’s White Baking Chocolate Coins.
Unfortunately there is no dairy free white chocolate option that is soy free so if you do have a soy allergy, I’m sorry! Fear not however, you can always take a stab at this homemade raw white chocolate coating. It does contain cashews, however. Check out all of these recipes that are made with dairy free white chocolate
Pictured from top to bottom: Almond Baby Chicks, White Chocolate Mousse, Cranberry Bliss Bars, Bunny Pretzel Bites, White Chocolate Cranberry Bark, Circus Animal Cookies, DIY White Chocolate Sprinkles, Candy Cane Kisses, Banana Monster Pops, and Cactus Cupcakes.
When I look these up they not only say May contain soy but traces of treenut and peanut. Do they make any white chocolate by King David that is free of treenuts and peanuts? I am not concerned with Soy, but my son is allergic to Dairy and all nuts.
Thanks
The Milkless White Dream bars are what you need!
HI Cara! I see the Milkless White Dream Bars are sold out on every site that I have found. Any other recommendations for dairy and gluten free whit chocolate?
Really? Nooooo! It’s so good, too. Um, the King David’s but I’m not 100% sure it’s 100% gluten free…
Are the chocolate coins gluten free as well? Need a gluten free, dairy free white chocolate. Thanks so much
Try No Whey’s Milkless Polar Dream bars. They are fab!
Pasha makes an Organic, dairy free, gluten free, soy free, nut free, kosher white choclate baking chips..just found it on their site minutes ago. Made with rice milk…never had them so can’t vouch for taste….but they look really “clean”….Hope it helps…
I am looking for an elegant white chocolate gift for an anniversary to be sent to Wellesley, MA. Can you help me with that? The anniversary date is July 10.
Thanks so much,
Judy Grant
Not really sure what you are looking for Judy. Are you looking to make it or buy it? If buying, you would be best to check out Premium Chocolatiers online as they have great options but not sure if it as elegant as you want. Your best bet is to google it if not.
My small business is Thinking Elvish Fantasy Chocolate. We make dairy free, soy free, vegan chocolate from all organic ingredients. We make many “white chocolate” varieties that are beautiful and delicious! I encourage you to come check us out!
Thank you for sharing! We’ve been looking for a Dairyfree white chocolate option for recipes. Thank you for doing all of the research! Can’t wait to test out a few new recipes @carsonscuisine
Saw this, which says vegan *and* soy free. Warning, I haven’t *tried* it, but I figured I’d pass along the info in case anyone is interested
http://www.godairyfree.org/product-reviews/charm-school-chocolate-bars
This is great, Cara! I have never heard of any of these brands. The last time I needed a little white chocolate for a recipe, I used a brand called Geffens (I think). They were white candy melts, and they were not my favorite. 🙁
Thank you Cara! I have tried all these you listed and totally agree with your assessment.
I have been pretty happy with these two, but also not soy free.
http://choclat.com/product/white-chocolate-chips-dairy-free/
https://store.veganessentials.com/vegan-white-chocolate-chips-by-paskesz-p3578.aspx
Have been wandering about Charms School Chocolate! Thank you Shannon!
This was a super helpful post – I have yet to buy my own dairy free white chocolate – I haven’t seen it in any stores and would need to order it, but this helps determine what I need! White chocolate is something I really miss 🙂
Thank you!
Yay, so glad this helps! xo
I have yet to try vegan white chocolate. I have been trying to move away from any added sugar whatsoever though- I’ve been using Lily’s chocolate sweetened with stevia for desserts. Any white chocolate dupes?
love, style, healthy travel > http://alovelysideproject.com
xo, Lauren
Ooooo, I LOVE Lily’s chocolate–that is some tasty sugar free stuff! By white chocolate dupes, do you mean if I have a homemade recipe? If so, the link is in the post 🙂
Thanks for sharing, I am a huge white chocolate fan! I have had to change my diet a lot which includes avoiding dairy. Knowing that there are white chocolate options that are dairy-free is great.
Lennae xxx
http://www.lennaesworld.com
Dairy free white chocolate and sprinkles are a MUST 😉
There is currently an amazing soy-free white chocolate bar made by Charm School Chocolates. They sell the bars in retail packaging, but also in bulk bars. It’s the best I have ever tasted, and knocks all the other options out of the park!
http://www.charmschoolchocolate.com/products/vanilla-bean-bar
Shannon, I could kiss you for this information, THANK YOU!!!
I was so excited about this.. until I read this part: Handcrafted in a facility that also uses tree nuts, peanuts, soy & wheat. It’s always the mfg’d in part that dashes my dreams into a million pieces. Stupid allergies.
Ahhhh, a total BOOOOO! But you know what? I have Miyoko Schinner’s new book in my hand and she has a recipe for white chocolate. Maybe it’s time to get excited again?! What exactly are your allergies and I can verify if this recipe has them or not?
Would the coins work chopped in cookie dough? I make a killer macadamia nut with white chocolate chip cookie and would like to offer it to others that I know.
They could work, however the only issue I see is that they are very thin coins which wouldn’t give you a great bite into white chocolate in the cookies. Not that big of a deal though!
Yesssss. Thank you so much for this! I’m going to try out those baking coins ASAP. Great post!
Please share how they hold up!
Ahhhh, so glad you like this post Martine! Hope it helps and let me know how you like the white baking chocolate coins.
Apparently the trick to keeping the white chocolate from getting thick when you’ve added food coloring is adding a product called paramount crystals. Haven’t tried it yet, but on my list to try out. The white chocolate i just purchased doesnt taste good at all, will have to try the coins- thx!