Is Cool Whip Vegan and Cruelty Free? The Milky Truth

May 2, 2023

Trying to work out if Cool Whip is a vegan whipped cream topping can be difficult.

Makers of whipped cream products often mask their ingredients behind vague terms such as “natural flavors,” and even if they do provide a list of ingredients, deciphering whether they’re vegan can be tricky for non-experts.

To make sure that you’re only consuming food that aligns with your vegan diet and ethics, I’ve investigated the ingredients and production processes of Cool Whip.

Here’s what I found out about this whipped cream product.

Is Cool Whip Vegan?

No. Cool Whip is not a vegan whipped cream.

Cool Whip, a product of Kraft Heinz, is a whipped topping that is used in many kinds of dessert. Unfortunately, one of its key ingredients is cow’s milk.

Milk automatically disqualifies a product from being vegan because it is derived from animals. In addition to milk, Cool Whip also contains milk derivatives, such as sodium caseinates and light cream.

Sodium caseinates are a type of protein that are commonly found in milk and used as an emulsifier in processed foods. Light cream is a milk product that is made by skimming milk to remove the butterfat.

So, if you’re vegan and are looking for a whipped cream to use in your desserts, you’ll have to find an alternative to Cool Whip. Fortunately, there are many easy-to-find vegan whipped cream products on the market.

Is Cool Whip Cruelty Free?

Yes! Cool Whip is cruelty free.

Cool Whip is not tested on animals at any point during the production process. In addition, it does not include ingredients that are tested on animals, such as artificial colors.

Animal testing is an outdated and inhumane practice that only makes animals suffer. Thankfully, many companies, like Kraft Heinz, are moving away from this cruel method and are finding new ways to test their products without harming animals.

Despite the fact that Cool Whip does not undergo animal testing, many animal-rights activists argue that no dairy product, especially a non-organic one, can be truly cruelty free. The raising of dairy cows for milk often involves inhumane treatment of cows and suffering of the animals.

What Is Cool Whip Made Of?

Here are the ingredients of Original Cool Whip:

  • Water
  • Corn syrup
  • High fructose corn syrup
  • Hydrogenated vegetable oil (kernel and palm kernel oils)
  • Skim milk
  • Light cream
  • Sodium caseinate (from milk)
  • Natural and artificial flavor
  • Xanthan and guar gums
  • Modified food starch
  • Polysorbate 60
  • Sorbitan monostearate
  • Sodium polyphosphate
  • Beta carotene (color)

Let’s break down each ingredient of Cool Whip:

Water

Water is well . . . water. It helps in the mixing process of all the ingredients and keeps everything moving smoothly. Water is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Corn syrup

Corn syrup is a liquid sweetener made from cornstarch that has been processed to break down into simple sugars. It’s often used in food as a thickening agent or sweetener. Corn syrup is vegan.

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS)

HFCS is a liquid sweetener made from cornstarch that has been processed to break down into simple sugars. It’s often used in food as a thickening agent or sweetener. HFCS is vegan.

Hydrogenated vegetable oil

Hydrogenated vegetable oil is a vegetable oil that has been treated with hydrogen gas to make it more solid at room temperature. It’s often used in food as a replacement for butter or other animal fats. Hydrogenated vegetable oil is a vegan ingredient.

Skim milk

Skim milk is a type of milk that has had the cream removed. It’s often used in food as a replacement for whole milk or other kinds of animal milk. Skim milk is not vegan.

Light cream

Light cream is a type of cream that has had the fat content reduced. It’s often used in food as a replacement for heavy cream or other animal-based creams. Light cream is not vegan.

Sodium caseinate

Sodium caseinate is a milk protein that is often used as a food additive. It’s often used in food as a thickening agent or emulsifier. Sodium caseinate is not vegan.

Natural and artificial flavor

Natural flavors are derived from plants or animals. Artificial flavors are created synthetically. Natural and artificial flavors can be vegan or non-vegan depending on their source.

Xanthan and guar gums

Xanthan and guar gums are food additives that are often used as thickening agents and emulsifiers. They can be made from plant or synthetic sources. Xanthan and guar gums are vegan friendly.

Modified food starch

Modified food starch is a food additive that is often used as a thickening agent. It’s usually vegan, but there are some non-vegan modified food starches on the market.

Polysorbate 60

Polysorbate 60 is a food additive that is often used as an emulsifier. It’s usually made from plant sources, but there are some non-vegan polysorbate 60s that come from animal sources.

Sorbitan monostearate

Sorbitan monostearate is a food additive that is often used as an emulsifier. It’s usually made from plant sources, but there is some non-vegan sorbitan monostearate that comes from animal sources.

Sodium polyphosphate

Sodium polyphosphate is a food additive that is often used as a preservative. It is a vegan ingredient.

Beta carotene

Beta carotene is a food coloring that is often used to add color to foods. It is a vegan ingredient.

Why Isn’t Cool Whip Vegan?

Cool Whip is not vegan because it contains milk and milk derivatives. This whipped cream product contains skim milk, light cream, and sodium caseinate. 

These are dairy products that vegans actively avoid. While there are some non-vegan ingredients in Cool Whip, the dairy makes it clear that this whipped cream is not vegan friendly.

Is Cool Whip Extra Creamy Whipped Topping Vegan?

No. Cool Whip Extra Creamy Whipped Topping is not vegan. It contains milk products such as skim milk, light cream, and sodium caseinate.

This Cool Whip whipped cream product is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Cool Whip Sugar-Free Whipped Topping Vegan?

No. Cool Whip Sugar-Free Whipped Topping is not vegan. This whipped cream contains sodium caseinate, a milk derivative.

This Cool Whip whipped cream product is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Cool Whip Lite Whipped Topping Vegan?

No. Cool Whip Lite Whipped Topping is not vegan. This whipped cream contains a dairy product, sodium caseinate.

This Cool Whip whipped cream topping is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Cool Whip Fat-Free Whipped Topping Vegan?

No. Cool Whip Fat-Free Whipped Topping is not vegan. It contains sodium caseinate, a milk derivative.

This Cool Whip whipped cream topping is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Cool Whip Low-Fat Frozen Whipped Topping Vegan?

No. Cool Whip Low Fat Frozen Whipped Topping is not vegan. It contains a dairy product, sodium caseinate.

This Cool Whip whipped cream topping is not safe for vegan consumption.

Vegan Alternatives to Cool Whip

Craving whipped cream but don’t want to risk it because you’re vegan? No problem! There are many delicious vegan whipped cream alternatives not made with milk, heavy whipping cream, or any other dairy ingredients, so you can enjoy them without any guilt. You can find them at some grocery stores or order online. Here are some of my favorites:

You can also create your own at home! Here are some vegan whipped cream recipes you can follow:

These vegan whipped cream brands and recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while you stick to your vegan principles. With a few simple ingredients like organic powdered sugar, coconut cream, coconut milk, and vanilla extract, you can enjoy a vegan whipped cream on a delicious, dairy-free dessert without contributing to animal cruelty. Just be sure to store leftover whipped cream in the refrigerator. Even vegan whipped cream can spoil if left out at room temperature.

Final Words

So there you have it! There is no vegan Cool Whip. It’s simply not a vegan whipped topping. The next time you’re at a store and see a container of Cool Whip, remember that it contains dairy products and other milk derivatives. 

The good news is that there are many delicious brands and recipes out there that can give you the same creamy texture and taste without any animal products. 

Cheers!