Ingredients of Coffee-Mate non-dairy creamer
Long-time vegans know that the term "non-dairy" on a package doesn't mean much. At least not to vegans. Because the food inside could still contain dairy.
Confused? Part of the problem is that the terms "non-dairy" and "nondairy" are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so they could mean just about anything. But a closer look at the ingredients list and allergen warnings, which are regulated by the FDA, will reveal whether the item truly is dairy-free.
Food producers must know about the confusion. The term "non-dairy" does not appear anywhere on the package of Coffee-Mate creamer, although the FAQ page of the Coffee-Mate website says, "Does COFFEE-MATE contain lactose? COFFEE-MATE Liquid and Powder are non-dairy, lactose-free." But the label lists sodium caseinate and says in parentheses "a milk derivative."
To make matters more confusing, states are free to regulate non-dairy foods, although state regulations tend to focus on the inclusion of non-dairy milks in school and government meal programs.
There are also federal regulations that govern when a child can get non-dairy milk through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, and the nutritional content of that milk.
So what does the term "non-dairy" mean? It means you better take a closer look at that label because it might contain dairy. Learn more about the regulation of non-dairy milks and the term "non-dairy" here. And learn more about veganism here.
Image ©Doris Lin 2011, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Suggested Links:
- What Does "Non-Dairy" Mean?
- Dairy-Free Cooking
- If You've Got Milk, You've Got Veal
- Milk and Human Health
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