I spotted Ripple Half & Half on a recent grocery shopping trip in the non-dairy case. And I couldn’t resist buying a bottle of each variety to review.
Tasting Notes for Ripple Half & Half
Ripple Half & Half is a creamy, top allergen-free, plant-based alternative for Half & Half. We tested this refrigerated dairy-free substitute as a creamer and in recipes.
Vanilla
I sampled some sips straight up, and found that it had very pleasant flavor. It was sweet, but not sugary, with a notable little dose of vanilla. It’s definitely richer and thicker than typical milk beverage and even than most dairy-free creamers. It has just a slight powdery finish, but this didn’t seem to be pervasive and was only detectable when sipping it straight.
I used the Vanilla Ripple Half & Half to make homemade bread, and it produced a wonderfully fluffy crumb. It also blends very well in coffee and tea with virtually no separation. It adds a light but full-bodied mouth-feel, and it isn’t the least bit watery, like so many dairy-free creamers. The flavor is mild and pleasant when used a a creamer. A tiny bit of sediment did remain at the bottom of my mug, but it was no loss just leaving it behind.
Original (Unsweetened)
The Original has the same wonderful richness and creamy mouth feel as the Vanilla, but it’s sugar-free and unflavored. Truthfully, I was expecting this to taste rather dreadful on its own. But I took a sip and my taste buds were intrigued! The consistency is so decadent and the flavor was surprisingly mild with an oddly addictive taste. It’s definitely savory, but something kept making me want to take more sips.
I loved the Original in tea, even though I don’t use creamers regularly. It also seems to shine in recipes. Thus far, I’ve used it to make a white sauce, and the results were delicious. It bubbled up and thickened beautifully without any separation. I think this Ripple Half & Half also begs to be used in soup.
The Facts on Ripple Half & Half
Certifications: Ripple Half & Half is labeled as gluten-free and vegan, but I did not note certifications for these. Ripple is a Certified B Corporation and according to their website, all ripple products are Certified Non-GMO.
Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Ripple Half & Half is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, plant-based, and vegetarian. Nonetheless, always read the ingredient statement and check with the company on their manufacturing processes for all varieties if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you. Processes and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company or product.
For More Product Information: Visit the Ripple website at www.ripplefoods.com.
Where to Buy Ripple Half & Half
Availability in Stores: Currently, Ripple Half & Half is only available in the U.S., but they are working on Canadian distribution. Their milk beverages are already in Canada. I purchased the Half & Half at Target and also saw it at Whole Foods. You can find a store locator on www.ripplefoods.com, which lets you search for stores by product in the U.S. and Canada. In store, look for it in the refrigerated case next to the dairy-free creamers or milk beverages.
53 Comments
I was at my local Target and saw this, so I gave it a try. A nice consistency that nearly rivals the real thing! I was a little freaked out when I saw the residue at the bottom of my cup of tea. I guess that’s normal for plant-based creamers? Either way, liked it better than most vegan creamers. Gotta try the vanilla next!
Yes, I find that a little residue / settling happens with a lot of the dairy-free creamers. Glad you liked it!
I drink Irish Breakfast tea in the mornings so I definitely do not want a flavor like vanilla (or hazelnut or some of the other coffee creamer flavors). I love half and half and sugar in my tea and I have to say after trying many dairy substitutes, the Original flavor of Ripple is the best half and half alternative I’ve tried yet. I can be one step closer to vegan with good alternatives like this!
Awesome! So glad it worked out well for you Erin.
Ripple has a disgusting after taste in coffee. I was hopeful and have been trying to get used to it for the last month. After trying most of the creamer replacements with no luck, it may be time to learn to enjoy my coffee straight up with no creamer! Oh, well, maybe it works for baking.
That’s a bummer that it didn’t work out well for you Scout. Thanks for your feedback! It does work very well in baking and in sauces. It cooks very well – I’ve made several recipes and had no separation.
100% agree – Ripple is disgusting. I just tried it today after reading glowing reviews. Try Nutpods! It’s a very tasty non-dairy creamer available from Amazon. I was only looking for another product because the Nutpods packaging is so small and I’m trying to reduce my waste footprint. But it’s definitely the best non-dairy creamer out there. I recommend the Original flavor.
Yes, that is a fantastic product! We’ve got a review of it here -> https://www.godairyfree.org/product-reviews/nutpods-dairy-free-creamer
I’ve got their pumpkin spice (seasonal) in my fridge to try out soon. Ripple seems to be polarizing – I know lots of people who absolutely love it. Appreciate your cross-perspective.
Pingback: Guide to the Best Dairy Free Coffee Creamer Options
I do not like the Ripple vanilla creamer. We switched at home the coffee we had been using and I tried Ripple at the same time. I thought that maybe it was the coffee that I did not like so, I took the creamer to work. Our cafeteria brews really tasty coffee and I was excited to try the creamer in it. Nope. Same awful taste.
What I get from Ripple vanilla is an odor that is definitely vanilla. When I put it in coffee, the taste I get is smokey and woody. Not at all like the delicious vanilla odor.
Thanks for sharing your feedback Stuart! Hopefully your holy grail of creamers is out there! We’ll do our best to find it 🙂
I am always game to try a new creamer. But I keep circling back to almond-based creamers. That is where I’m headed now until another new one comes along. 🙂
It isn’t out until June, but a little insider info – I decided to do a massive creamer test and found that homemade creamers (without any additives) tend to work better. I tested dozens of homemade milks/creamers and wrote notes about each and included my favorite creamer recipes in the 2nd edition of Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook (again, out in June). It surprised me that the homemade worked so well – including almond!
Found it in Sprouts. They have a good selection of dairy-free half and half or milk alternatives. It’s not bad, best of several things I’ve tried and doesn’t give me stomach pains like nut milks, but there is a bit of an aftertaste. I think it’s a matter of getting used to it. You know, just like going vegan in the first place was (and worth every minute!).
Thanks for sharing your take Carolyn!
I wanted to try the Ripple half and half, but my local stores only had the big bottles of Ripple milk. I got a bottle of unsweetened original to try. Unfortunately, I can really taste the algal oil. It’s a fishy/seaweedy taste that lingers. Pretty gross in my beverage. 🙁 Maybe in the sweetened versions it’s not noticeable. Now I have to figure out what to do with the rest of the bottle. I’ll try adding sugar and cocoa and vanilla and use it to make chia seed pudding.
Hi April, that’s interesting, I haven’t heard that complaint. You can use it in baked goods or to make things like pancakes.
Yes. I agree. There is a weird unpleasant after taste.
Can you use it for cauliflower mashed potatoes?
Probably! I think it would work well in mashed potatoes in general. It’s richer than milk beverage – like a light cream.
Pingback: Dairy-Free Bechamel Recipe: Basic Vegan & Allergy-Friendly White Sauce
I REALLY need to find this! and other Ripple products – I haven’t tried any but want to…
Yes, you really do! Check Whole Foods, Seasons, and Target – I think all three should have them.
Shop Rite had the Ripple Half and Half. I didn’t look for the milk.
Good to know – Thanks Suzanne!
I just saw this in our grocery store. I will have to give it a try.
I highly recommend it 🙂
I really enjoy Ripple creamer & so glad to see more varieties of dairy-free coming to traditional grocery stores. I’ve used it in my coffee but sometimes I use it in recipes in place of a cream or if I’m looking for a richer texture. Great stuff.
Thanks for your additional feedback Nicole!
Ok I have to giggle because I did the same thing and my husband walked in the kitchen! I’m loving it for baking and I’ve been using to make scones for our Scone Sundays! I instantly started thinking about all the holiday recipes that call for half and half that I can’t wait to try with it and it not changing the flavor or consistency.
Too funny! I know, my mind is going crazy with ideas!
I must try this!! I have my eye on a few of their other products too!
You must! Definitely worth it.
If I used creamer I would definitely add this. I love that it’s plant based!
It’s amazing as light cream / half & half (original intention!) in recipes Rachel. Definitely not just for coffee drinkers 🙂
What a helpful review! I’ve seen this more and more on IG feeds and it’s good to know the DL on it!
Happy to help with more details and honest tasting notes 🙂
Interesting! Such a detailed, review, thanks so much. I never used half and half in my coffee but almond milk is pretty watery so I’d love to try this! I’ve seen their milk in my local grocery store but not this product yet..will watch for it!
I think you will love it Deryn!
I’m always looking for a good dairy-free substitute for my coffee. I’ve never tried Ripple but it looks awesome!
It is, it really is!
oh man this is exactly what I needed for a recipe the other day! I need to see who carries it here so I can try again!
Definitely check out Target and Whole Foods Amanda.
I love thicker creamers. Many df creamers aren’t as thick as I’d like — but I trust your reviews and will give the vanilla a try!
Yep, this is a “true” half & half in consistency!