Author: Alisa Fleming

Alisa is the founder of GoDairyFree.org, Food Editor for Allergic Living magazine, and author of the best-selling dairy-free book, Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance, and Casein-Free Living, and the new cookbook, Eat Dairy Free: Your Essential Cookbook for Everyday Meals, Snacks, and Sweets. Alisa is also a professional recipe creator and product ambassador for the natural food industry.

Updated February 2024! It might be formally known as the International House of Pancakes, but dairy-free guests will be happy to see many other dishes on the IHOP menu. Yes, their pancakes and waffles are all made with milk, but they still have a good selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options to choose from, with the help of our dairy-free menu guide. We’ve also included a separate, albeit smaller, vegan menu guide. IHOP Dairy-Free Menu Guide with Allergen Notes & Vegan Options Be aware of special order requirements in parentheses () next to the menu items, and see the…

Read More

You know a cookbook is amazing when new editions continue to be released. And Vegan Soups and Stews for All Seasons, by bestselling author Nava Atlas, is now in its 5th edition! This latest version has 20 brand new recipes and dozens of vibrant full-color photos. The recipes range from rich fall favorites, like New England Clam-Less Chowder, to springy Masala Vegetable Stew. But we chose to feature this dairy-free Macaroni & Cheese Soup recipe, which has timeless appeal. Dairy-Free Macaroni & Cheese Soup for Every Season Nava’s dairy-free Macaroni & Cheese Soup is from the Winter section of Vegan Soups and…

Read More

Updated February 2024! Papa John’s is one of the largest pizza chains in North America, and they’re actually a trendsetter for vegan options in the U.K. Their dairy-free and vegan menu items aren’t as prolific in the U.S. and Canada, but they still have a good selection of custom order cheese-less pizza options, sides, and sauces to nosh on. And unlike Pieology who added milk to their pizza dough, Papa John’s removed it from their thin crust! We’ve detailed them all below in our very complete, but quick menu guide. Papa John’s Dairy-Free Menu Guide with Allergen & Vegan Notes Be…

Read More

Updated February 2024! Cinnabon has become a staple in malls across America, but according to the company, they have very little to offer dairy-free customers. Nevertheless, we have a quick dairy-free guide for this chain detailed below. And we have some dairy-free Cinnabon alternatives to keep you happy until they wise up! We’re Rising Up with Dairy-Free Cinnabon Options This listing is a little different from our other restaurant guides. Since Cinnabon is short on options, we’ve worked on recipes that will satisfy those Cinnabon cravings at home. This guide starts with the menu options, and then offers up the…

Read More

Updated February 2024! Outback Steakhouse repeatedly makes the list for top allergy-friendly restaurant chains in the U.S., despite the fact that they don’t have an allergen menu. Why is that? According to dairy-free and food allergic readers, it’s the staff. Not everyone has a perfect or even good experience (locations and staff can differ!). But Outback Steakhouse receives more positive reviews on their handling of allergen requests than most other restaurant chains. People repeatedly report the good training, knowledge, and attentiveness of the servers and cooks. And we have tips from Outback Steakhouse plus a quick menu of items to…

Read More

Updated February 2024! Many years ago, a Go Dairy Free fan named Sharon let us know on Facebook that she enjoys dining at Cracker Barrel because they have a great allergen list. We posted about them, which led to mixed reviews from readers. Some have found their local restaurant safe and helpful, but others haven’t. Of course, we can’t guarantee what type of experience you will have. But we’ve used their menus, allergen information, and corporate guidance to create this useful “dairy-free menu” guide with precautions, allergen notes, gluten-free options, and even a separate vegan menu. Cracker Barrel Dairy-Free Menu Guide…

Read More

Updated February 2024! Despite their name, The Cheesecake Factory has quite a few options for dairy-free diners. I’ve actually tried several of them, without incident, and have found the staff to be quite helpful. Many of you have also written in to share positive experiences at The Cheesecake Factory locations in North Carolina, Minnesota, Nebraska, and beyond. Sure, the cheesecakes are off limits, but all of the menu items below were recently reported as dairy free. And we’ve added a separate vegan menu! The Cheesecake Factory Dairy-Free Menu Guide with Gluten-Free & Vegan Options The menus at The Cheesecake Factory are…

Read More

Updated February 2024! Jack In The Box is a U.S. fast-food chain known for burgers and Americanized International cuisine. They have over 2000 restaurants with a heavy concentration of locations on the West Coast. The ingredients that they use for their menu items are a bit convoluted, so it might be best to stick with the “already dairy free” items like the ones listed here rather than trying to special order. Nonetheless, we’ve included some breakdowns for their protein and bread options. Jack in the Box Dairy-Free Menu Guide with Allergen Notes & Vegan Options This menu guide includes dairy-free…

Read More

Updated February 2024! Don’t let the name fool you. California Pizza Kitchen does far more than make pies. This full-service restaurant has a whole menu of pastas, salads, small plates, other mains, and of course, pizzas. There are dairy-free options in every category, but we were particularly impressed with their main course salad selection. The information below includes both menu items and custom order options for dairy-free guests. California Pizza Kitchen Dairy-Free Menu Guide with Vegan Options California Pizza Kitchen goes above and beyond with allergen charts, vegan and vegetarian guides, and an interactive menu. BUT, some of their information…

Read More

Updated February 2024! Although they haven’t jumped on the dairy-free cheese trend, like Blaze Pizza or MOD Pizza, Little Caesars has a very reliable menu. This popular pizza chain always boasts the best prices, and keeps it simple with their options. We’ve detailed all of the current dairy-free items, including custom order guidance. In addition, we’ve added information for vegans and other top allergens. It’s all in one neat and tidy list, complete with precautionary notes. Little Caesars Dairy-Free Menu Guide with Allergen Notes & Vegan Options Be aware of special order requirements in parentheses () next to the menu…

Read More

Updated February 2024! Unlike many smoothie franchises, Smoothie King focuses on low sugars and pure ingredients with their “Clean Blends” promise. They use whole fruits, organic vegetables, and have a “no-no list” of ingredients they will never use. It contains over 70 items, including artificial preservatives, flavors, colors, and other additives. Smoothie King also shuns gluten, doesn’t use soy-based ingredients, and has an every-growing dairy-free and vegan menu. Smoothie King Dairy-Free & Vegan Menu Guide with Custom Order Options For many years, Smoothie King has offered Califia Farms Almond Milk as a dairy-free option. Now, they have Califia Farms Oat…

Read More

It’s official. Shake Shack is rolling out their Non Dairy Chocolate Shakes and Chocolate Frozen Custard nationwide. They were created in partnership with NotCo, and launched last year in a test market. But they will now be sold throughout their entire network of U.S. restaurants. Oddly, Shake Shack doesn’t have any dairy-free burgers or sandwiches on their menu, but we’ve put together this dairy-free custom order guide. It also includes allergen notes and a separate vegan menu. Shake Shack Dairy-Free Menu Guide with Allergen Notes & Vegan Options This menu guide includes dairy-free menu options first, followed by custom order…

Read More

Updated February 2024! Zaxby’s is a Southern-style chicken fast food chain in the United States. We are happy to report that their dairy-free options are plentiful, and even include some gluten-friendly selections. We’ve outlined the sandwiches, wings, sides, and even sauces that you can choose from, along with how to custom order. Plus, we have options noted for those who avoid eggs, gluten, and /or soy, and for vegan guests. Zaxby’s Dairy-Free Menu Guide with Allergen Notes & Vegan Options Be aware of special order requirements in parentheses () next to the menu items, and see the Heads Up notes…

Read More

Updated February 2024! Firehouse Subs  is a fast casual sandwich shop founded by fireman for fireman-sized appetites. They dabbled for a bit in wraps, but now stick to their core menu of hot and cold subs and salads. Their menu is filled with dairy-free options, in addition to gluten-free, egg-free, and nut-free choices. Our menu guide below cover the U.S., but most of the options in Canada are the same. Firehouse Subs Dairy-Free Menu Guide with Custom Order & Allergen Notes This menu guide includes dairy-free menu options first, followed by custom order components. Be aware of special order requirements in…

Read More

Updated February 2024! Years ago, we received recommendations for Chuy’s from two different readers, Jenny and Andrea. Both raved about the detailed dairy-free menu at this “fine” Tex Mex chain. Chuy’s doesn’t publish their allergen menus online, and some readers complained that their local restaurant didn’t have the dairy-free menu. So we inquired with Chuy’s, and they sent it to us. Years have passed, and they still update that dairy-free menu regularly. But now, we find out additional information to make it even more detailed and helpful for you! Dairy-Free Menu Guide to Chuy’s Tex Mex Restaurants They call it…

Read More

Naturally dairy-free romesco sauce is an underappreciated condiment in my opinion. It hails from Catalonia, Spain, and is a tomato-based sauce that’s anything but boring. It has a slightly sweet, smoky, and spicy flavor and a deep richness that is simply irresistible. And this chef-created recipe uses simple, healthy, easy to find ingredients that complement a range of different dishes and appetizers. Naturally Dairy-Free Romesco Sauce as an Accompaniment, Dip, or Spread This recipe was originally published in the January/February 2007 of California Country Magazine. That publication is no longer in print, but this dairy-free romesco sauce recipe lives on. It was created…

Read More

Updated February 2024! Whataburger is a fast food hamburger chain that can be found throughout the Southeastern and Southwestern United States. They have a traditional indulgent menu with several dairy-free burger, sandwich, and French fry options. Whataburger offers quite a few options for dairy-free diners, but please take note of their inconsistencies below. I’ve followed up with their staff on issues with labeling, but they don’t always get fixed. Whataburger Dairy-Free Menu Guide with Custom Order, Allergen, and Vegan Notes This menu guide includes dairy-free menu options first, followed by custom order components. Be aware of special order requirements in parentheses…

Read More

Updated February 2024! Hardee’s is the Southern and Midwestern United States  cousin of Carl’s Junior. They are owned by the same company, and sport a similar look and menu, but have some regional differences. In recent years, they’ve phased out their burrito side, but have incorporated wraps into their burger and sandwich-heavy menu. We’ve outlined the current dairy-free options at Hardee’s below. Hardee’s Dairy-Free Menu Guide with Vegan, Custom & Allergen Notes This menu guide includes dairy-free menu options first, followed by custom order components. Be aware of special order requirements in parentheses () next to the menu items, and see…

Read More

Updated February 2024! On road trips out west, that big yellow arrow is a welcome site around lunch time. In-n-Out Burger has become the spot for grabbing a bite while running errands or for pit stops on long highway stretches. And it isn’t because they have a wildly creative menu. In fact, they pretty much make one thing, hamburgers with fries. But they do it quite well. Dairy-Free Menu Guide for In-n-Out Burger with Allergen Notes This is the easiest dairy-free menu guide I’ve ever made, since the In-n-Out food menu has less than five items on it. Yes, their…

Read More

Updated February 2024! Culver’s is a privately owned fast food restaurant chain that’s most known for “Butterburgers” and frozen custard. But Culver’s does have a handful of dairy-free meals, and they can actually make your “Butterburger” sans butter! In fact, most of their savory menu items can be ordered without dairy. They also offer gluten-free buns, so you can customize several of the following dairy-free items to be gluten-free, too. Culver’s Dairy-Free Menu Guide with Allergen Notes & Custom Order Options This menu guide includes dairy-free menu options first, followed by custom order components, and finally, dessert. Be aware of…

Read More