Do you love ranch but are curious about whether or not it contains milk? I have good and bad news.
Ranch dressing usually contains buttermilk, which is made from milk, so it indirectly contains milk. It is not considered suitable for vegans or those with lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy, so treat it with caution if any of those things apply to you.
In this article, we’ll look at what ranch dressing contains and whether you can make a milk-free version of this popular dressing.
Does Ranch Have Milk In It?
If you check the ingredients list of a bottle of ranch, you should see “buttermilk” as one of the top ingredients, which means that ranch does contain milk.
CountryLiving explains that buttermilk is made by adding a culture to some milk, heating it, and allowing 12 hours for the culture to do its work.
The finished product is a little thicker than milk and usually has a sour flavor similar to natural yogurt.
Buttermilk is what gives ranch its unique, tangy flavor, and it is one of the most important components of this dressing.
Ranch wouldn’t taste the same without buttermilk. However, some people substitute it for full-fat yogurt when they don’t have buttermilk.
Does Ranch Have Dairy In It?
Ranch might contain buttermilk, but according to RachaelRoehmHoldt, it could also have other dairy components.
For example, it might be made using sour cream, mayonnaise, or yogurt. All of these ingredients are dairy-based and derive from milk.
They enhance the flavor and texture of ranch, but you should be aware of their presence and avoid them if you are allergic to milk.
If in doubt, check the ranch’s ingredients to see what’s included alongside the buttermilk.
Related: Is There Milk in Mayonnaise?
Can You Make Vegan Ranch?
If you love ranch but want to avoid the dairy component, you’ll probably need to make your own using dairy-free milk.
Any plant-based milk should work, so try a few different flavors until you find one that suits your preferences.
Many people enjoy almond milk because it has a light flavor and does not noticeably affect the taste of the ranch. You may be able to detect the almonds faintly, but this won’t interfere with the dressing.
Many recipes call for blended cashews, but you may be able to simplify this by trying ready-made cashew milk.
It is slightly buttery and creamy, with a faintly sweet edge even if you buy an unsweetened version.
This makes it perfect for creating delicious ranch, although it may be harder to find than almond milk.
You can use this simple recipe from FullyRawKristina to make vegan ranch dressing!
Alternatively, you can buy vegan ranch from the grocery store. Some good options include:
For more options, here’s a video from Make It Dairy Free that compares several vegan ranch brands.
Conclusion
Traditional ranch dressing contains buttermilk and may have other milk-based products, like yogurt and mayonnaise.
However, thanks to the wide range of plant-based milk, it’s easier than ever to make vegan ranch.
You can also buy ready-made vegan ranch at most grocery stores. Either way, you don’t have to give up ranch to avoid milk!
