Alabama: Dairy-Free in the Heart of Dixie

Last Update in March 2023! We’ve created this ever-growing guide to restaurants, bakeries, cafes, ice cream shops, and stores in Alabama that are friendly to dairy-free diners. It’s a collection based on research and reader recommendations (send yours!) that’s divided into restaurants & shops by city (first) and major chains found throughout the state (second). And we’ve started a section for specialty dairy-free foods produced in this state.

We Update Continuously! You can ignore the original date on this post going forward. We update the information below whenever we’re alerted to a new recommendation, change, or closure.

Photo: Big Spoon Creamery, Birmingham, Alabama

Dairy-Free Alabama: Recommended Restaurants & Shops

Classic Alabama cuisine includes a lot of golden-fried and butter-enhanced dishes, but they do have a few local favorites that are often dairy-free. Look for boiled peanuts, Southern iced tea, crawfish, and all types of barbecued meats.

We’ve listed these recommendations alphabetically by city and then by the restaurant or shop name. For large chains with locations throughout the state, see the Major Restaurant & Grocery Chains section below. We have dedicated posts with dairy-free details for many of the big guys.

⭐️ = Restaurant is either dairy-free, has a dairy-free menu, has dairy-free labels on their menu(s), or lists top allergens with menu items. (At the time of our last review.)

Alabaster

• Milo’s Hamburgers – This Alabama chain offers dairy-free burgers (bun and all), grilled chicken sandwiches, select sauces, and fries. Misty let us know the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, but be sure to check before ordering, if concerned, as this could vary between locations. Please note that all of the items mentioned here, including the fries, contain wheat.
• Yogurt Mountain – This froyo chain has rotating flavors that typically include at least one creamy non-dairy or fruity sorbet flavor.

Athens

• Papa Murphy’s ⭐️ – This take and bake chain now offers dairy-free menu options! See our Dairy-Free Papa Murphy’s Guide for details.
• Slim Chickens – They make dairy-free custom orders easy, and are trained to be friendly to allergen requests. Their grilled chicken tenders are made without dairy, and can be subbed on meals, wraps, or salads. They also have a good allergen menu, with a nice selection of dairy-free sauces and sides. Just use caution when ordering sandwiches. At last check, their brioche sandwich buns were dairy-free, but they are brushed with butter.

Auburn

• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.
• Clean Eatz – This healthy fast casual chain offers a straight-forward allergen guide and many options for building your own bowl, salad, or wrap.
• Fit Five Meals ⭐️ – They specialize in premade meals for order and pickup or delivery. They also have several grab ‘n go locations with meals you can buy on the spot. Their rotating menu always includes a section for dairy-free meals, which has several options. Many are also gluten-free.
• Frutta Bowls – This smoothie and smoothie bowl chain offers dairy-free acai, pitaya, greens, and oatmeal bases. Their granola, fruits, and many of their toppings are dairy-free, and they offer dairy-free options for their toasts and protein bites.
• Fuzzy’s Taco Shop ⭐️ – This casual Tex-Mex chain provides a dairy-free menu that even tells you how to custom order just about anything on the menu. They offer burritos, tacos, bowls, breakfasts, salads, and even nachos sans cheese.
• I Love Juice Bar ⭐️ – They blend dairy-free smoothies, acai bowls, and smoothie bowls, offer a range of juices and healthy shots, have overnight oats, and also serve vegan-friendly soups.
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• Mellow Mushroom – See our Mellow Mushroom Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.

Bessemer

• Milo’s Hamburgers – This Alabama chain offers dairy-free burgers (bun and all), grilled chicken sandwiches, select sauces, and fries. Misty let us know the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, but be sure to check before ordering, if concerned, as this could vary between locations. Please note that all of the items mentioned here, including the fries, contain wheat.

Birmingham

• Aww Shucks ⭐️ – Thanks to Kimberlee for this recommendation. “A vegan roasted corn food truck that offers several 100% dairy-free cob toppings! They also serve stuffed baked potatoes and you can order those with the same dairy-free flavors as their cobs!.” Their food truck serves many spots in and around Birmingham, but they have also opened a brick and mortar storefront in the Avondale neighborhood.
• Bay Leaf Indian Cuisine – We’re waiting to hear back from this restaurant on their dairy-free accommodations. (Recommended by Kelsey!)
• Big Spoon Creamery ⭐️ – This Avondale shop churns creamy dairy-free ice cream (made with coconut milk) and sorbets. They also whip up vegan milkshakes. (Recommended by Kelsey!)
• Blueroot ⭐️ – Their menu includes dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan labels, and top allergens are noted. They have a good selection of dairy-free soups, salads, and choose your own adventure bowls. They also make some superfood snacks and treats.
• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.
• Cinnaholic ⭐️ – This is an all-vegan bakery chain that focuses on cinnamon rolls, with choose your own icing and decadent toppings. They have other pastries, coffee, and soft serve, too.
• Cookie Dough Magic – Ask for sample! They serve a Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough  that’s kept off of the serving bar to help prevent cross contamination. (Recommended by Kelsey!)
• Dreamland BBQ – They’re transparent with ingredients and allergens, and have many dairy-free options. Ribs, wings, sausages, and other entrees are within reach, and according to their last update, sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad are all made without dairy.
• Eli’s Jerusalem Grill ⭐️ – Almost the entire menu at this Mediterranean restaurant is dairy-free (they do label and are helpful) and most items are gluten-free, too – even the schnitzel! Fried foods are cooked in sunflower oil, and are corn-free and soy-free.
• Frutta Bowls – This smoothie and smoothie bowl chain offers dairy-free acai, pitaya, greens, and oatmeal bases. Their granola, fruits, and many of their toppings are dairy-free, and they offer dairy-free options for their toasts and protein bites.
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream – See our Jeni’s Dairy-Free Guide for full details.
• Mellow Mushroom – See our Mellow Mushroom Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Melt – Thank you to Kimberlee for this grilled cheese restaurant recommendation. “They are not 100% vegan, but do carry a vegan cheese option that can be paired with any of their other sandwich fillers!”
• Milo’s Hamburgers – This Alabama chain offers dairy-free burgers (bun and all), grilled chicken sandwiches, select sauces, and fries. Misty let us know the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, but be sure to check before ordering, if concerned, as this could vary between locations. Please note that all of the items mentioned here, including the fries, contain wheat.
• MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes – This expanding franchise makes dairy-free burgers with a range of protein, bun, sauce, and topping options. They have a detailed allergen chart to help you order. They also offer vegan, paleo, and gluten-free options.
• Not Ya Average Leaf ⭐️ – Thank you to Kimberlee for recommending this vegan food truck. In addition to their comfort hot food, they offer meal prep for order and pick up.
• Pies & Pints – They offer Daiya cheese alternative for their pizzas and sandwiches. At last check, their pizza crust was vegan-friendly, and they also had dairy-free bread options available, so several items can be ordered without dairy.
• Seasons 52 ⭐️ – This is actually a nice restaurant chain, but they only have one location in Alabama. They cater extensively to special diet needs.
• Steel City Pops – Their all-natural fruit pops are vegan, made with simple ingredients, and sweetened with organic sugar. We’ve been told they take cross-contamination seriously with their dairy-free flavors.
• Sunrise Baking Company ⭐️ – This is a gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free bakery with a healthy array of cookies, muffins, cupcakes, granola, and more. They don’t have a storefront, but do have local pickup available.
• The Joyful Food Co ⭐️ – This is a gluten-free, soy-free, and mostly dairy-free store. They claim to be Whole30 compliant, but they do use ghee (clarified dairy butter) in some items. The ingredients for each item are labeled. Their selection includes all types of baked goodies and meals, which you can order or grab and go.
• Uncle G’s Pizza – This food truck offers Detroit-style pizza and has dairy-free cheese available as an option.

Bluff Park

• The Joyful Food Co ⭐️ – Everything at this local shop is gluten-free and paleo-friendly, and it’s mostly dairy-free. They use ghee in some items. They offer an array of baked goods, fresh meals, and local items, and offer online ordering and local delivery.

Calera

• Milo’s Hamburgers – This Alabama chain offers dairy-free burgers (bun and all), grilled chicken sandwiches, select sauces, and fries. Misty let us know the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, but be sure to check before ordering, if concerned, as this could vary between locations. Please note that all of the items mentioned here, including the fries, contain wheat.

Clanton

• Milo’s Hamburgers – This Alabama chain offers dairy-free burgers (bun and all), grilled chicken sandwiches, select sauces, and fries. Misty let us know the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, but be sure to check before ordering, if concerned, as this could vary between locations. Please note that all of the items mentioned here, including the fries, contain wheat.

Conway

• MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes – This expanding franchise makes dairy-free burgers with a range of protein, bun, sauce, and topping options. They have a detailed allergen chart to help you order. They also offer vegan, paleo, and gluten-free options.

Cullman

• Milo’s Hamburgers – This Alabama chain offers dairy-free burgers (bun and all), grilled chicken sandwiches, select sauces, and fries. Misty let us know the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, but be sure to check before ordering, if concerned, as this could vary between locations. Please note that all of the items mentioned here, including the fries, contain wheat.
• Papa Murphy’s ⭐️ – This take and bake chain now offers dairy-free menu options! See our Dairy-Free Papa Murphy’s Guide for details.
• Slim Chickens – They make dairy-free custom orders easy, and are trained to be friendly to allergen requests. Their grilled chicken tenders are made without dairy, and can be subbed on meals, wraps, or salads. They also have a good allergen menu, with a nice selection of dairy-free sauces and sides. Just use caution when ordering sandwiches. At last check, their brioche sandwich buns were dairy-free, but they are brushed with butter.

Daphne

• Mellow Mushroom – See our Mellow Mushroom Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Decatur

• Fit Five Meals ⭐️ – They specialize in premade meals for order and pickup or delivery. They also have several grab ‘n go locations with meals you can buy on the spot. Their rotating menu always includes a section for dairy-free meals, which has several options. Many are also gluten-free.
• Milo’s Hamburgers – This Alabama chain offers dairy-free burgers (bun and all), grilled chicken sandwiches, select sauces, and fries. Misty let us know the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, but be sure to check before ordering, if concerned, as this could vary between locations. Please note that all of the items mentioned here, including the fries, contain wheat.
• Mellow Mushroom – See our Mellow Mushroom Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Papa Murphy’s ⭐️ – This take and bake chain now offers dairy-free menu options! See our Dairy-Free Papa Murphy’s Guide for details.

Enterprise

• Mellow Mushroom – See our Mellow Mushroom Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.

Fairfield

• Milo’s Hamburgers – This Alabama chain offers dairy-free burgers (bun and all), grilled chicken sandwiches, select sauces, and fries. Misty let us know the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, but be sure to check before ordering, if concerned, as this could vary between locations. Please note that all of the items mentioned here, including the fries, contain wheat.

Fairhope

• Pelican’s SnoBalls – This sweet chain makes New Orleans style shaved ice. And according to the company, their flavor syrups are all made without top allergens. Just skip the cream snowcap or ask if they have dairy-free coconut cream available.
• The Sunflower Cafe – Located next door to Fairhope Health Foods, this casual healthy restaurant caters to people with various diet restrictions. They label vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free (not dairy-free) right on the menu, and most menu items can be made dairy-free on request. Their menu covers an eclectic mix of cravings and they do serve Sunday brunch.
• The Yard Milkshake Bar – This growing chain serves ridiculously indulgent milkshakes, and they have vegan options on their menu. We spotted this crazy chocolate concoction made with oat milk ice cream, chocolate soymilk, dairy-free whip, and vegan cookies. You can also build your own shake. They usually have a couple creamy dairy-free ice cream flavors available.

Florence

• Slim Chickens – They make dairy-free custom orders easy, and are trained to be friendly to allergen requests. Their grilled chicken tenders are made without dairy, and can be subbed on meals, wraps, or salads. They also have a good allergen menu, with a nice selection of dairy-free sauces and sides. Just use caution when ordering sandwiches. At last check, their brioche sandwich buns were dairy-free, but they are brushed with butter.

Foley

• Mellow Mushroom – See our Mellow Mushroom Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Papa Murphy’s ⭐️ – This take and bake chain now offers dairy-free menu options! See our Dairy-Free Papa Murphy’s Guide for details.
• Peachwave – If you’re craving something cool and creamy, pop into this froyo chain for some dairy-free Dole Whip or sorbet soft serve! They usually have a few flavors each day.
• Pelican’s SnoBalls – This sweet chain makes New Orleans style shaved ice. And according to the company, their flavor syrups are all made without top allergens. Just skip the cream snowcap or ask if they have dairy-free coconut cream available.
• Yogurt Mountain – This froyo chain has rotating flavors that typically include at least one creamy non-dairy or fruity sorbet flavor.

Forestdale

• Milo’s Hamburgers – This Alabama chain offers dairy-free burgers (bun and all), grilled chicken sandwiches, select sauces, and fries. Misty let us know the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, but be sure to check before ordering, if concerned, as this could vary between locations. Please note that all of the items mentioned here, including the fries, contain wheat.

Gardendale

• Milo’s Hamburgers – This Alabama chain offers dairy-free burgers (bun and all), grilled chicken sandwiches, select sauces, and fries. Misty let us know the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, but be sure to check before ordering, if concerned, as this could vary between locations. Please note that all of the items mentioned here, including the fries, contain wheat.
• Papa Murphy’s ⭐️ – This take and bake chain now offers dairy-free menu options! See our Dairy-Free Papa Murphy’s Guide for details.
• Yogurt Mountain – This froyo chain has rotating flavors that typically include at least one creamy non-dairy or fruity sorbet flavor.

Gulf Shores

• Lucy Buffet’s Lulu’s ⭐️ – Yes, this is Warren Buffet’s sister! Which explains why you will only find locations in a few touristy coastal towns. They have full allergen and special diet menus for Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Shellfish Free, Soy Free, Seafood Free, and Vegan guests. The dairy-free menu is filled with seafood, big ole’ salads, tropical sides, hamburgers, sandwiches, and more.
• The Yard Milkshake Bar – This growing chain serves ridiculously indulgent milkshakes, and they have vegan options on their menu. We spotted this crazy chocolate concoction made with oat milk ice cream, chocolate soymilk, dairy-free whip, and vegan cookies. You can also build your own shake. They usually have a couple creamy dairy-free ice cream flavors available.

Hartselle

• Papa Murphy’s ⭐️ – This take and bake chain now offers dairy-free menu options! See our Dairy-Free Papa Murphy’s Guide for details.

Hazel Green

• Papa Murphy’s ⭐️ – This take and bake chain now offers dairy-free menu options! See our Dairy-Free Papa Murphy’s Guide for details.

Helena

• Papa Murphy’s ⭐️ – This take and bake chain now offers dairy-free menu options! See our Dairy-Free Papa Murphy’s Guide for details.

Homewood

• Farm Bowl + Juice Co. ⭐️ – This vibrant Alabama spot has an entirely dairy-free and gluten-free menu. They serve acai bowls, oatmeal bowls,  smoothies, cold-pressed juices, wellness shots and coffee. They even use vegan protein, offer almond milk and coconut milk, and have a pint-sized kids menu.
• Milo’s Hamburgers – This Alabama chain offers dairy-free burgers (bun and all), grilled chicken sandwiches, select sauces, and fries. Misty let us know the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, but be sure to check before ordering, if concerned, as this could vary between locations. Please note that all of the items mentioned here, including the fries, contain wheat.

Hoover

• Brixx Wood Fired Pizza – This is a popular regional chain that offers dairy-free cheese alternative at no extra charge! In fact, their classic pizza crust and sauce are vegan, and they can make any veggie pizza vegan. Their gluten-free pizza dough is also dairy-free, but it contains egg. They also have a fantastic allergen list. It tells you the specific items with dairy AND the items that contain dairy even when you hold the cheese.
• Clean Eatz – This healthy fast casual chain offers a straight-forward allergen guide and many options for building your own bowl, salad, or wrap.
• Clean Juice – They make their own cold-pressed cashew milks and offer dairy-free acai bowls, smoothie bowls, smoothies, toasts, and some other eats. Please note that their flatbread wraps (the bread itself) contain dairy, but all other menu items can be ordered dairy-free by omitting the cheese or substituting vegan protein for the whey protein (in the proteins smoothies).
• Fit Five Meals ⭐️ – They specialize in premade meals for order and pickup or delivery. They also have several grab ‘n go locations with meals you can buy on the spot. Their rotating menu always includes a section for dairy-free meals, which has several options. Many are also gluten-free.
• Milo’s Hamburgers – This Alabama chain offers dairy-free burgers (bun and all), grilled chicken sandwiches, select sauces, and fries. Misty let us know the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, but be sure to check before ordering, if concerned, as this could vary between locations. Please note that all of the items mentioned here, including the fries, contain wheat.
• MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes – This expanding franchise makes dairy-free burgers with a range of protein, bun, sauce, and topping options. They have a detailed allergen chart to help you order. They also offer vegan, paleo, and gluten-free options.
• Papa Murphy’s ⭐️ – This take and bake chain now offers dairy-free menu options! See our Dairy-Free Papa Murphy’s Guide for details.
• The Joyful Food Co ⭐️ – This is a gluten-free, soy-free, and mostly dairy-free store. They claim to be Whole30 compliant, but they do use ghee (clarified dairy butter) in some items. The ingredients for each item are labeled. Their selection includes all types of baked goodies and meals, which you can order or grab and go.
• Yogurt Mountain – This froyo chain has rotating flavors that typically include at least one creamy non-dairy or fruity sorbet flavor.

Huntsville

• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.
• Chop N Fresh – Thank you to Kimberlee for recommending this restaurant. “They are a create-your-own-salad/bowl style restaurant with many different options! When I visited this location last weekend, the manager personally came out and went through a VERY detailed description of which items were dairy-free and even went back two different times to check the master recipe book for marinade ingredients, etc! Super helpful and my salad was absolutely delicious!!” Most of their menu is also gluten-free friendly.
• Dreamland BBQ – They’re transparent with ingredients and allergens, and have many dairy-free options. Ribs, wings, sausages, and other entrees are within reach, and according to their last update, sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad are all made without dairy.
• Farm Burger – They offer a plant-filled vegan burger right on the menu, but also have many dairy-free options with the build-your-own burger menu and grass-fed meats. Sides include fries, vegan collards, and more, and they offer a popular superfood salad.
• Fit Five Meals ⭐️ – They specialize in premade meals for order and pickup or delivery. They also have several grab ‘n go locations with meals you can buy on the spot. Their rotating menu always includes a section for dairy-free meals, which has several options. Many are also gluten-free.
• Honest Coffee – Their menus include dairy-free acai bowls (with gluten-free granola on request) and several vegan-friendly mains, like a breakfast burrito and “lox” bagel. They offer dairy-free cream cheese, vegan bread, and vegan salad dressing, so most of their lunch and dinner items can be made dairy-free. And for your coffee, they have house-made dairy-free coconut almond milk and mocha syrup.
• Leafly Boba Bar – They use housemade syrups made from cane sugar and organic honey, focus on fresh fruit purees, and offer oat milk and almond milk to make most of their drinks dairy free.
• Le Macaron French Pastries – They offer a couple of dairy-free specific macaron flavors (as labeled), and all of their macarons are gluten-free. They also offer almond milk for coffee and tea drinks.
• Mason Dixon Bakery & Cafe ⭐️ – This is a gluten-free bakery and bistro that was started by a doctor with celiac disease. They have dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, vegan, and paleo labels on their expansive menu. You can visit in store or order online.
• Mellow Mushroom – See our Mellow Mushroom Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Melt – Thank you to Kimberlee for this grilled cheese restaurant recommendation. “They are not 100% vegan, but do carry a vegan cheese option that can be paired with any of their other sandwich fillers!”
• Papa Murphy’s ⭐️ – This take and bake chain now offers dairy-free menu options! See our Dairy-Free Papa Murphy’s Guide for details.
• PaPPo’s Pizzeria & Pub – They offer “The Vegan” pizza on their main menu, but you can customize a dairy-free pizza – they have a plethora of crust, sauce, and topping options. We’ve been told one of their gluten-free crusts is also dairy-free, but check! Custom pizza bowls and salads are also available.
• Parlor Doughnuts – They offer a vegan / gluten-free doughnut with different custom glazes. All of their shakes can also be made dairy free. Plus, they have a full coffee bar and some other breakfast goods.
• Slim Chickens – They make dairy-free custom orders easy, and are trained to be friendly to allergen requests. Their grilled chicken tenders are made without dairy, and can be subbed on meals, wraps, or salads. They also have a good allergen menu, with a nice selection of dairy-free sauces and sides. Just use caution when ordering sandwiches. At last check, their brioche sandwich buns were dairy-free, but they are brushed with butter.
• The Veggie ⭐️ – This all vegan spot has wraps, sandwiches, and salads with southern flair. Their menu includes po’ boys, crabless cakes, and a refreshing menu of lemonades. It’s a full service cafe, but they also have a grab and go cooler.
• Yogurt Mountain – This froyo chain has rotating flavors that typically include at least one creamy non-dairy or fruity sorbet flavor.

Jasper

• Milo’s Hamburgers – This Alabama chain offers dairy-free burgers (bun and all), grilled chicken sandwiches, select sauces, and fries. Misty let us know the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, but be sure to check before ordering, if concerned, as this could vary between locations. Please note that all of the items mentioned here, including the fries, contain wheat.

Lillian

• D’s Sweets Bakery – This is a little bakery, but they try to offer dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and paleo options daily. They also take orders for dairy-free cakes and cupcakes.

Madison

• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.
• Fit Five Meals ⭐️ – They specialize in premade meals for order and pickup or delivery. They also have several grab ‘n go locations with meals you can buy on the spot. Their rotating menu always includes a section for dairy-free meals, which has several options. Many are also gluten-free.
• Papa Murphy’s ⭐️ – This take and bake chain now offers dairy-free menu options! See our Dairy-Free Papa Murphy’s Guide for details.
• Slim Chickens – They make dairy-free custom orders easy, and are trained to be friendly to allergen requests. Their grilled chicken tenders are made without dairy, and can be subbed on meals, wraps, or salads. They also have a good allergen menu, with a nice selection of dairy-free sauces and sides. Just use caution when ordering sandwiches. At last check, their brioche sandwich buns were dairy-free, but they are brushed with butter.
• Sweet Charlie’s – This rolled ice cream chain offers a dairy-free and vegan base that you can customize with various flavor and add-in options or even enjoy as a “milkshake.”
• The Yard Milkshake Bar – This growing chain serves ridiculously indulgent milkshakes, and they have vegan options on their menu. We spotted this crazy chocolate concoction made with oat milk ice cream, chocolate soymilk, dairy-free whip, and vegan cookies. You can also build your own shake. They usually have a couple creamy dairy-free ice cream flavors available.

Meridianville

• Peachwave – If you’re craving something cool and creamy, pop into this froyo chain for some dairy-free Dole Whip or sorbet soft serve! They usually have a few flavors each day.

Mobile

• Clean Eatz – This healthy fast casual chain offers a straight-forward allergen guide and many options for building your own bowl, salad, or wrap.
• Dreamland BBQ – They’re transparent with ingredients and allergens, and have many dairy-free options. Ribs, wings, sausages, and other entrees are within reach, and according to their last update, sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad are all made without dairy.
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• Mellow Mushroom – See our Mellow Mushroom Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Papa Murphy’s ⭐️ – This take and bake chain now offers dairy-free menu options! See our Dairy-Free Papa Murphy’s Guide for details.
• The Salad Station – If you’re a build-your-own salad fan, then this is a must-visit chain. About half of their dressings are dairy-free, and they have a plethora of toppings to choose from.

Montgomery

• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.
• Dreamland BBQ – They’re transparent with ingredients and allergens, and have many dairy-free options. Ribs, wings, sausages, and other entrees are within reach, and according to their last update, sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad are all made without dairy.
• Frutta Bowls – This smoothie and smoothie bowl chain offers dairy-free acai, pitaya, greens, and oatmeal bases. Their granola, fruits, and many of their toppings are dairy-free, and they offer dairy-free options for their toasts and protein bites.
• Healthwise Foods – If you like to shop local or need some specialty dairy-free, gluten-free, or vegan items, this store is worth checking out.
• Milo’s Hamburgers – This Alabama chain offers dairy-free burgers (bun and all), grilled chicken sandwiches, select sauces, and fries. Misty let us know the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, but be sure to check before ordering, if concerned, as this could vary between locations. Please note that all of the items mentioned here, including the fries, contain wheat.
• Pies & Pints – They offer Daiya cheese alternative for their pizzas and sandwiches. At last check, their pizza crust was vegan-friendly, and they also had dairy-free bread options available, so several items can be ordered without dairy.
• Plant Bae ⭐️ – Their all-vegan menu includes American favorites, like Philly “cheesesteaks,” burgers, wings, and more. They also blend smoothies.
• Wild Yeast Kitchen – This artisan bread bakery uses wild leaven methods. They are very clear with ingredients and allergens, and offer several dairy-free loaves, bagels, and focaccia.

Moody

• Milo’s Hamburgers – This Alabama chain offers dairy-free burgers (bun and all), grilled chicken sandwiches, select sauces, and fries. Misty let us know the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, but be sure to check before ordering, if concerned, as this could vary between locations. Please note that all of the items mentioned here, including the fries, contain wheat.

Mountain Brook

• Chop N Fresh – Thank you to Kimberlee for recommending this restaurant. “They are a create-your-own-salad/bowl style restaurant with many different options! When I visited this location last weekend, the manager personally came out and went through a VERY detailed description of which items were dairy-free and even went back two different times to check the master recipe book for marinade ingredients, etc! Super helpful and my salad was absolutely delicious!!” Most of their menu is also gluten-free friendly.
• Melt – Thank you to Kimberlee for this grilled cheese restaurant recommendation. “They are not 100% vegan, but do carry a vegan cheese option that can be paired with any of their other sandwich fillers!”
• Teenie’s Take Home Market – This is a Blueroot outpost, but they offer their own selection of grab and go meals, snacks, and treats. They are friendly toward special diets, and usually have a few dairy-free options.

Muscle Shoals

• Papa Murphy’s ⭐️ – This take and bake chain now offers dairy-free menu options! See our Dairy-Free Papa Murphy’s Guide for details.
• Slim Chickens – They make dairy-free custom orders easy, and are trained to be friendly to allergen requests. Their grilled chicken tenders are made without dairy, and can be subbed on meals, wraps, or salads. They also have a good allergen menu, with a nice selection of dairy-free sauces and sides. Just use caution when ordering sandwiches. At last check, their brioche sandwich buns were dairy-free, but they are brushed with butter.
• Yogurt Mountain – This froyo chain has rotating flavors that typically include at least one creamy non-dairy or fruity sorbet flavor.

Northport

• Dreamland BBQ – They’re transparent with ingredients and allergens, and have many dairy-free options. Ribs, wings, sausages, and other entrees are within reach, and according to their last update, sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad are all made without dairy.
• Papa Murphy’s ⭐️ – This take and bake chain now offers dairy-free menu options! See our Dairy-Free Papa Murphy’s Guide for details.

Opelika

• Plant Bae Express ⭐️ – Their all-vegan menu includes American favorites, like Philly “cheesesteaks,” burgers, wings, and more. They also blend smoothies.

Orange Beach

• Angry Crab Shack – Southern-style seafood is at your dairy-free fingertips at this fledgling franchise. They offer an allergen chart with quite a few dairy-free options. Their seafood boils are all on limits with water-based sauces (instead of butter), and they also have some dairy-free po’boys, salads, fish & chips, gator nuggets, and chicken nuggets, for less adventurous eaters.

Oxford

• Mellow Mushroom – See our Mellow Mushroom Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Pelican’s SnoBalls – This sweet chain makes New Orleans style shaved ice. And according to the company, their flavor syrups are all made without top allergens. Just skip the cream snowcap or ask if they have dairy-free coconut cream available.

Pelham

• Milo’s Hamburgers – This Alabama chain offers dairy-free burgers (bun and all), grilled chicken sandwiches, select sauces, and fries. Misty let us know the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, but be sure to check before ordering, if concerned, as this could vary between locations. Please note that all of the items mentioned here, including the fries, contain wheat.

Pell City

• Milo’s Hamburgers – This Alabama chain offers dairy-free burgers (bun and all), grilled chicken sandwiches, select sauces, and fries. Misty let us know the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, but be sure to check before ordering, if concerned, as this could vary between locations. Please note that all of the items mentioned here, including the fries, contain wheat.
• Papa Murphy’s ⭐️ – This take and bake chain now offers dairy-free menu options! See our Dairy-Free Papa Murphy’s Guide for details.

Prattville

• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.
• Fit Five Meals ⭐️ – They specialize in premade meals for order and pickup or delivery. They also have several grab ‘n go locations with meals you can buy on the spot. Their rotating menu always includes a section for dairy-free meals, which has several options. Many are also gluten-free.
• Milo’s Hamburgers – This Alabama chain offers dairy-free burgers (bun and all), grilled chicken sandwiches, select sauces, and fries. Misty let us know the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, but be sure to check before ordering, if concerned, as this could vary between locations. Please note that all of the items mentioned here, including the fries, contain wheat.
• Sweet Charlie’s – This rolled ice cream chain offers a dairy-free and vegan base that you can customize with various flavor and add-in options or even enjoy as a “milkshake.”

Rainbow City

• Papa Murphy’s ⭐️ – This take and bake chain now offers dairy-free menu options! See our Dairy-Free Papa Murphy’s Guide for details.
• Yogurt Mountain – This froyo chain has rotating flavors that typically include at least one creamy non-dairy or fruity sorbet flavor.

Spanish Fort

• California Dreaming – Thank you to Sarah for sharing this response she received from this restaurant. “We have several dairy free options – you could get our veggie burger with no cheese, oven roasted salmon, peel and eat shrimp, marinated chicken, barbeque chicken, baby back ribs, chicken strips, chicken wings, and then any salad you can get with whatever toppings you want, so you could get the salad without cheese- you would just want to get the oil and vinegar dressing because that is our only dairy free dressing.”

Sylacauga

• Milo’s Hamburgers – This Alabama chain offers dairy-free burgers (bun and all), grilled chicken sandwiches, select sauces, and fries. Misty let us know the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, but be sure to check before ordering, if concerned, as this could vary between locations. Please note that all of the items mentioned here, including the fries, contain wheat.
• Pelican’s SnoBalls – This sweet chain makes New Orleans style shaved ice. And according to the company, their flavor syrups are all made without top allergens. Just skip the cream snowcap or ask if they have dairy-free coconut cream available.

Trussville

• Cookie Dough Magic – Ask for sample! They serve a Vegan Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough  that’s kept off of the serving bar to help prevent cross contamination. (Recommended by Kelsey!)
• Fit Five Meals ⭐️ – They specialize in premade meals for order and pickup or delivery. They also have several grab ‘n go locations with meals you can buy on the spot. Their rotating menu always includes a section for dairy-free meals, which has several options. Many are also gluten-free.
• Milo’s Hamburgers – This Alabama chain offers dairy-free burgers (bun and all), grilled chicken sandwiches, select sauces, and fries. Misty let us know the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, but be sure to check before ordering, if concerned, as this could vary between locations. Please note that all of the items mentioned here, including the fries, contain wheat.
• Yogurt Mountain – This froyo chain has rotating flavors that typically include at least one creamy non-dairy or fruity sorbet flavor.

Tuscaloosa

• Clean Eatz – This healthy fast casual chain offers a straight-forward allergen guide and many options for building your own bowl, salad, or wrap.
• Dreamland BBQ – They’re transparent with ingredients and allergens, and have many dairy-free options. Ribs, wings, sausages, and other entrees are within reach, and according to their last update, sides like coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad are all made without dairy.
• I Love Juice Bar ⭐️ – They blend dairy-free smoothies, acai bowls, and smoothie bowls, offer a range of juices and healthy shots, have overnight oats, and also serve vegan-friendly soups.
• Insomnia Cookies – This sweet chain offers a few flavors of vegan cookies year round, like Birthday Cake and Double Chocolate Chunk. But they also bake up seasonal vegan flavors throughout the year.
• Mellow Mushroom – See our Mellow Mushroom Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Milo’s Hamburgers – This Alabama chain offers dairy-free burgers (bun and all), grilled chicken sandwiches, select sauces, and fries. Misty let us know the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, but be sure to check before ordering, if concerned, as this could vary between locations. Please note that all of the items mentioned here, including the fries, contain wheat.
• Slim Chickens – They make dairy-free custom orders easy, and are trained to be friendly to allergen requests. Their grilled chicken tenders are made without dairy, and can be subbed on meals, wraps, or salads. They also have a good allergen menu, with a nice selection of dairy-free sauces and sides. Just use caution when ordering sandwiches. At last check, their brioche sandwich buns were dairy-free, but they are brushed with butter.
• The Baked Bear – This is an ice cream sandwich shop where you choose the cookies and the ice cream. They offer a daily vegan ice cream flavor (like chocolate chip) and have a couple vegan and gluten-free cookie options.
• Yogurt Mountain – This froyo chain has rotating flavors that typically include at least one creamy non-dairy or fruity sorbet flavor.

Vestavia Hills

• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.
• Fit Five Meals ⭐️ – They specialize in premade meals for order and pickup or delivery. They also have several grab ‘n go locations with meals you can buy on the spot. Their rotating menu always includes a section for dairy-free meals, which has several options. Many are also gluten-free.
• Milo’s Hamburgers – This Alabama chain offers dairy-free burgers (bun and all), grilled chicken sandwiches, select sauces, and fries. Misty let us know the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, but be sure to check before ordering, if concerned, as this could vary between locations. Please note that all of the items mentioned here, including the fries, contain wheat.
• Papa Murphy’s ⭐️ – This take and bake chain now offers dairy-free menu options! See our Dairy-Free Papa Murphy’s Guide for details.

Photo: Mason Dixon Bakery & Cafe, Huntsville, Alabama

Restaurant & Grocery Chains found throughout Alabama

Some recommended restaurant and store chains are getting too big for our city listing britches. They have many locations, or are rapidly growing, and you might stumble across them in a number of towns in this state. Click on them for more dairy-free details.

• Blaze Pizza – See our Blaze Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Chicken Salad Chick – Their menu boasts a range of chicken salads, many of which are dairy-free. They also have various dairy-free bread options for sandwiches. They have a full allergen guide to make ordering easy.
• Chipotle – See our Chipotle Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Frutta Bowls – Their nutrition guide includes very detailed allergen info to help you order off the menu or build your own bowl. They specialize in smoothie bowls but also offer toasts, and have ample dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options.
• Mellow Mushroom – See our Mellow Mushroom Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Panera Bread – See our Panera Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• P.F. Chang’s – See our P.F. Chang’s Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Pieology – See our Pieology Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Whataburger – See our Whataburger Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Your Pie – See our Your Pie Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Zaxby’s – See our Zaxby’s Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Zoe’s Kitchen – They offer Mediterranean cuisine, and have an allergen chart to make ordering easy. Their dairy-free options include classics, like kebabs and hummus, and also have some dairy-free sandwich options.

Local Dairy-Free Food & Drink Producers in Alabama

These dairy-free friendly companies don’t have their own retail location, but are in Alabama. So you have a good chance of finding their products at grocery stores, restaurants, and/or other shops in this state. Keep an eye out!

We haven’t learned of any yet, but will add them as we find them!

Photo: Alchemy at the Camp, Huntsville, Alabama

This Guide is Continuously Updated with Recommendations

We welcome you to recommend other dairy-free friendly restaurants. Leave a comment or contact us and tell us why you like a certain restaurant. Restaurant owners and employees are also invited to reach out and let us know how you welcome dairy-free customers.

Please kindly let us know in the comments if any of these restaurants close. We want to keep this list current for you, but aren’t always notified when a restaurant closes. Let us know and we will quickly update!

This Guide is for Informational Purposes Only

Menus, ingredients, kitchen procedures, management, and restaurants are subject to change at any time. Always read the menu and discuss your dietary needs with the staff before ordering. Make sure that they can accommodate your situation.

There is always a risk for potential cross-contamination of allergens in any commercial kitchen. If cross-contamination is an issue for you, always speak with the manager to ensure that your meal can be safely prepared. Listings here do not guarantee that a restaurant is safe enough for your individual needs. Only you can make that decision.

For More Dairy-Free Guidance, Get Go Dairy Free!