Sticking to a dairy free diet can throw a wrench into pretty much any meal, even snack time. You can’t reach into the deli drawer for a handful of fridge cheese for obvious reasons, but there are also tons of everyday snacks that you wouldn’t expect to find dairy in that do, in fact, contain dairy. Alas, the best dairy free snacks are here to rescue you from hunger and accidental lactose consumption. From vegan cheeses to dairy free chips and dips, here are some of the best dairy free snacks from the Sporked crew’s many taste tests. (If you’re craving a sweet little treat, check out our list of the best dairy free frozen treats, too.)
- Boursin Dairy-Free Garlic & Herbs
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Honestly, I’m surprised that Boursin contains dairy to begin with. Those little pucks are packed full of so much garlicky and herby flavor that it’s hard to imagine there’s any room for anything else. The good news is, they were able to make a dairy free version of their iconic spreadable cheese that’s bursting with the most important elements: herbs and garlic. In fact, the Sporked crew thought this tasted pretty much exactly like dairy full Boursin. This is one of the best dairy free snacks because it’s a true dupe of a classic, and we love that.
Read the full ranking of the best vegan cheese
- Babybel Plant-Based
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If you’re in need of a dairy free snack that you can pop into your mouth and move on with your day, Babybel Plant-Based tiny cheese wheels are the solution. Flavor-wise, they’re a pretty close dairy free replica of the original. This “cheese” has a slightly smoky flavor that adds to the (faux) cheesy experience but doesn’t hinder its scarfability. Seriously, unwrap one of these, eat it in two bites, and try to tell me you don’t feel satiated. These are also gluten free, so if you’re on the hunt for the best gluten and dairy free snacks around, pick up a pack of these puppies.
Read the full ranking of the best vegan cheese
- Roasted Green Chile & Pepita Bitchin’ Sauce
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There are few very best-of lists that Bitchin’ Sauce couldn’t find its way onto. It’s vegan. It’s gluten free. And it tastes good as hell. Naturally, it made our list of the best of the best dairy free snacks. There are more than 15 flavors of Bitchin’ Sauce—so you can let your taste buds be your guide—but you kind of can’t go wrong with their Roasted Green Chile & Pepita variety. The flavor of the roasted chilies and the pumpkin seeds goes great with Bitchin’ Sauce’s creamy nut base. This is a binge-able sauce—be forewarned!
Read the full ranking of the best Bitchin Sauce
- Hope Foods Cashew & Almond French Onion Dip
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Another dip in the roundup of the best dairy free snacks? Why not? There are no rules here! And I really had to include Hope Foods Cashew & Almond French Onion Dip out of real respect. I love gluten and dairy free snacks that do their own thing, not trying to replicate the original. This dip isn’t super creamy or rich like a true French onion dip but rather it leans into the rich caramelized onion flavor you’d expect to find. That flavor’s delivered through a chunky dip, similar to a pesto, that Sporked senior writer Jordan Myrick found to be very pleasing. If you want the best dairy free snacks that do their own thing, this should be at the top of your list!
Read the full ranking of the best French onion dip
- The Good Crisp Company Classic Original Potato Crisps
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With all the dips on our list of the best dairy free snacks, we’re in desperate need of a good, sturdy, dairy free and gluten free chip to scoop them up! Luckily for us, the Good Crisp Company’s Classic Original Potato Crisps are the right tool for the job. These Pringles-esque potato crisps somehow taste pretty natural and fresh, unlike the Pringles. The best gluten and dairy free snacks need a great counterpart to do the heavy lifting and these crisps are perfect for the job.
Read the full ranking of the best plain potato chips
Thoughts? Questions? Complete disagreement? Leave a comment!