The Complete Guide to Dairy-Free & Vegan Whipped Cream

Updated December 2022! Whipped topping is a must for the holidays. It’s essential for topping pies, garnishing cakes, layering in trifles, and sometimes you might want a straight-up spoonful to celebrate! And these days, you can have your dairy-free whipped topping and eat it too. Below is our big guide to all of the vegan whipped cream products available and our favorite recipes – should you prefer homemade. The brands include tub whips for dolloping, spray whips, and whip-it-yourself options. We’ve updated to include all of the latest options! The recipes include options for various tastes and dietary needs.

Vegan Whipped Cream Brands & Products

Be aware that some “non-dairy” whipped toppings actually contain milk-based ingredients. (See this post for details: Non Dairy vs Dairy Free: Why One May Contain Milk.) However, we only share products and recipes that are free of dairy ingredients.

Allergen Notes: At the time of our review, all items listed below were dairy-free by ingredients. But ingredients are subject to change at any time, and all products are at some degree of risk for allergen cross contamination, whether they have a “may contain” statement or not. Always read the label before consuming any food, and make sure you are familiar with this may contain information. If you are concerned about potential cross contamination of an allergen, always contact the company to discuss their ingredient sourcing and allergen protocols before purchasing. Only you can decide what is safe for your needs.

Dairy-Free Cool Whip-Style (Tubs)

Most brands of whipped cream tubs do contain dairy, even a few of the “non-dairy” ones. But some truly dairy-free and vegan options have emerged over the years. Tub whips are typically sold frozen, and must be defrosted in your refrigerator (it takes a few hours). They’ll usually last about a week in the refrigerator once defrosted.

So Delicious CocoWhip

A few brands have come and gone from the market in years past, but I think CocoWhip is here to stay. It’s available in Original and Lite, and it has the same marvelous texture as Cool Whip. We’ve enjoyed it as a topping, particularly on dairy-free peppermint white chocolate mochas, and in recipes, like dairy-free trifles. CocoWhip is sold frozen and is available in the U.S. and Canada.

Truwhip Vegan

Not to be confused with the other Truwhip products (they used to have a “non-dairy” label, but contain a small amount of milk protein), Truwhip Vegan is made without any dairy ingredients and comes in a teal-colored tub. It’s a great option if you aren’t a fan of coconut, but this brand does contain soy protein, which might be a problem for some people. Truwhip Vegan is sold frozen and is available in the U.S. and Canada.

365 Plant-Based Non-Dairy Whipped Topping

We’re pretty sure this is Truwhip Vegan in a Whole Foods package. Don’t let the “non-dairy” label fool you. This product is made without any dairy ingredients, and is kosher pareve and vegan-friendly. It has the same ingredients as Truwhip Vegan, so it is coconut-free, but not soy-free. This tub-style dairy-free whip is sold frozen in Whole Foods stores in the U.S.

Dairy-Free Spray Whips (Canisters)

This is the fastest growing segment of the dairy-free whipped topping market. And several of the vegan spray whip brands listed below are available in various countries. Spray whip canisters are typically sold refrigerated. They must be kept refrigerated, but some dairy-free varieties have special instructions for use. Be sure to read the label!

Reddi-Wip Almond Milk and Coconut Milk

They weren’t the first company to come out with dairy-free whipped topping, or even spray whip for that matter, but Reddi-wip made it mainstream. You can find at least one of their two non-dairy spray whipped toppings in most major grocery stores and supermarkets. And unlike the non-dairy Reddi-Wip of years past, these versions are made without any dairy ingredients. Just be sure you follow the instructions carefully with each use, or you might be frustrated with the canister! Reddi-Wip Non-Dairy is sold refrigerated in the U.S. and Canada.

Gay Lea Real Coconut Whipped Cream

The first coconut spray whip to be released in North America was actually Gay Lea. They are a straight-up dairy Canadian company, making all types of creamy products. But they have this one, certified vegan whipped cream that’s been gaining distribution. It’s sold refrigerated in the U.S. and Canada.

Trader Joe’s Sweet Rose Coconut Whipped Topping

This dairy-free whip comes and goes from Trader Joe’s. It’s latest reincarnation was as “Sweet Rose” brand of coconut whipped topping. It look almost exactly like the Gay Lea canister pictured above, and has the same ingredients as Gay Lea. I wonder who produces it? This product is exclusive to Trader Joe’s stores in the U.S. (photo from kitchn)

365 Oat-Based Whipped Topping

This is Whole Foods “generic” whipped topping in a spray canister. They used to make a coconut whip canister, but it’s been replaced by this oat-based one. This version is actually coconut-free, soy-free, and even pea protein-free. That’s a tricky trifecta in the non-dairy world these days! The 365 brand is sold exclusively via Whole Foods / Amazon. And this particular product might only be available in the U.S.

Friendly Farms Coconut Milk and Almond Milk Whipped Toppings

These are exclusive to ALDI stores in the U.S. At first glance they look like private label versions of Reddi-Wip, and they might be. But the ingredients are ever-so-slightly different. (photo from BigBoxVegan)

Natural by Nature Oat Whipped Topping

Yes, there is another oatmilk spray whip on the market! This one is sold at Natural Grocers and other independent natural food stores in the U.S.

Soyatoo Soy Whip & Rice Whip Toppings

Tofutown (A German company) makes Soyatoo brand of Soy Whip and soy-free Rice Whip toppings, which emerged long before any of the brands above. They’re of course available in Germany, but the company exports. You might randomly find one of these at your local grocery or natural food store in the U.S., U.K., or other countries. In the U.S., Vegan Essentials usually stocks this brand for online orders.

Schlagcreme Vegan Spray Cream

This is another German brand, but at this time, they appear to distribute exclusively in Europe (including the U.K.).

Kineret Whipped Topping

This spray whip is made by the kosher company Kayco, and is not only dairy-free, but also certified kosher parve. Thank you to Jeaneth G. for providing the photos below, complete with the ingredient statement. It is sold in the refrigerated section in U.S. grocers, but is a product of Italy.

Food Heaven Heavenly Whipped

This U.K. company makes all types of creamy, plant-based sweets, including spray canisters of vegan whipped cream. These are sold in the U.K., and possibly elsewhere in Europe.

Dairy-Free Whipping Creams (Cartons and Cans)

These are “whip your own” varieties. They are usually sold as shelf-stable, but some might be found in the refrigerated section. Like the spray whips, there are many brands available worldwide. Some of the following are pre-sweetened, but some are unsweetened. You can add your favorite sweetener to taste as you whip it.

Nature’s Charm Coconut Whipping Cream

Not to be mistaken with ordinary coconut cream, this canned version is sweetened and ready to be whipped. It reportedly works well with whipped cream chargers. The version in the U.S. is made without vanilla – it’s almost purely coconut. But in other countries, you might note a hint of vanilla added.

Country Crock Plant Cream

This heavy whipping cream alternative is made with lentil protein! It’s an emulsified style (with oils) that whips up easily and gets thicker as it chills. It’s unsweetened, so you can add extracts and sweetener, to taste.

Califia Farms Heavy Whip

Their first foray into heavy whipping cream is a blend of coconut oil, sunflower oil, and fava bean protein. It’s sold refrigerated, in cartons, and is ready to pour, whip, and chill.

Silk Dairy Free Heavy Whipping Cream

This isn’t a sweetened whipped cream, but it is intended for whipping and sweetening as you wish. Unlike several other brands, it’s sold refrigerated, and available primarily in the U.S.

Rich Whip Non-Dairy Topping

Rich’s is an old-school kosher brand that’s been making non-dairy whip for decade. Their tub whips do contain dairy (see the image below), but their ready-to-whip cartons are dairy-free, vegan, and kosher parve. Rich also makes a vegan On Top Coconut Whip for food service. Most of their On Top products contain dairy, but the vegan Coconut one does not.

Soyatoo Soy and Rice Topping Creams

Tofutown also makes ready-to-whip cartons. You can get Soyatoo in Rice Whip, Soy Whip and Cocoa Whip. These shelf-stable cartons can be found in natural food stores, or via specialty online stores in the U.S. and Europe.

Food Heaven Heavenly Whipping Cream

This U.K. company also has a recently released, whip-it-yourself product line that comes in sweetened and unsweetened. We like that they are larger than most other brands, and are free of gluten, nuts, and soy.

Schlagcreme

In addition to their spray cream listed above, Schlagfix makes ready-to-whip cartons in sweetened and unsweetened, in small and large sizes. They’re primarily sold in Europe, including the U.K.

More Kosher Non-Dairy Whipped Toppings

In kosher markets and in some mainstream grocers, there are some more vegan kosher brands that can be found. They’re usually sold as “non-dairy whipped topping” in cartons, but don’t contain any dairy ingredients, are certified kosher pareve/parve, and are often kosher for passover. A few that we’ve found include Kineret, Haddar, B’gan, and Unger’s (also in the U.K.).

Homemade Vegan Whipped Cream Recipes

Keep in mind that these are not Cool Whip copycats, but they are delicious, rich, creamy, healthier, and perfect for topping those dairy-free pies and other desserts.

Whipped Coconut Cream

I love whipped coconut cream so much that I even have flavored whip recipes in Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook. The recipes are impossibly rich, creamy, and simple. Like dairy cream, coconut cream is high in saturated fat. Saturated fat, unlike the unsaturated fats in most oils, solidifies as it cools to help create a thick cream. In other words, coconut cream acts very much like dairy cream, but it has a coconut vibe. Most people either don’t mind or love the coconut flavor,  which can be mellowed with vanilla extract or even chocolate! But the completely coconut averse may want to consider some of the other vegan whipped cream recipes that I will discuss.

To understand coconut cream and how to get it, see my Guide to Coconut Milk. It is an everyday ingredient that you can extract from canned coconut milk. And here are some vegan whipped cream recipes to use it:

• Foolproof Dairy-Free Whipped Cream – This is my go-to easy recipe with tons of tips to ensure perfect results every time.
• Creamy Berry Whipped Topping – This is a variation on one of the Whipped Coconut Cream recipes in Go Dairy Free.
• Chocolate Whipped Cream – You can eat this delicious cocoa whip with a spoon!

Whipped Nut Crème

Nut creams or crèmes don’t typically have that light and fluffy texture, but they can be very rich and delicious. Here are some vegan whipped cream recipes using nuts:

• Cashew Whipped Cream – This amazing-looking cream is from Chef Tal Ronnen. Yes, the vegan chef that Oprah made famous!
• Walnut Whipped Cream – It’s rustic and nutty, but positively delicious!
• Almond Cream – A Go Dairy Free reader took ordinary nut cream a step further by adding a thickener and stabilizer. He uses almonds rather than cashews. Almonds are a firmer nut, so this recipe may benefit from soaking the nuts overnight first.

Whipped Soy Crème

Before vegan home cooks and chefs began experimenting with nuts and coconuts, there was tofu. Many still adore tofu and other soy-based products for their ability to offer a creamy texture, a relatively neutral flavor, and in some cases, a low fat option that is higher in protein. Of course, some of the soy-based whipped cream recipes aren’t low in fat, or even healthy, but they are definitely decadent. You can see examples of both types in the recipes below. Here are some vegan whipped cream recipes using soy-based ingredients:

• Soy Whipped Cream – This instant whip is nothing short of a miracle! Please note that soymilk is essential to this recipe. Some other alternatives might work, but popular alternatives like almond milk will not!
• Mom’s Mock Whip Cream – This recipe was shared by a milk allergy mom. Her family loves this frosting-like whip. It’s definitely an indulgence, but isn’t that what the holidays are for?
• Light Tofu Whipped Cream – Even today, after all of the many dairy alternative inventions, we can’t talk about subs without mentioning tofu. This low fat topping is still an old standby for many.

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