A Reader Writes, “Can you recommend a non-dairy chocolate (flavored) chip or white chocolate for baking? I know it’s sacreligious to mention non-dairy and chocolate in the same breath, but it’s a reality that I am allergic to dairy.” Non-dairy and chocolate in the same breath is not a no-no, but I don’t ever recommend ..."

... what are called “compound coating” “chocolate” which isn’t actually chocolate because cocoa butter is not on the ingredients list. Instead, compound coatings use fats that are hydrogenated and are solid at room temperature so you don’t have to temper them to set properly. White chocolate by definition has milk powder in it so there is no such thing as non-dairy white chocolate. You can find white colored compound coatings, but I’ve never seen it in chip or morsel form for baking.

If you are truly interested in a non-dairy chocolate chip for baking, just look for chocolate that is certified kosher pareve. The pareve part is your guarantee that there are no traces of dairy ingredients in the chocolate.

Previous Questions and Answers:

1. Hi, I am looking for that ultimate after dinner mint recipe. The specifications are: 1. 11-12 month shelf life 2. Production will be by rolling the mixture, cutting with a wheel cutter into squares and then dipping - The consistency has therefore got to be correct. 3. We want to use ingredients such as glucose syrup, invert sugar, egg wqhite powder etc to stop crystallization. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated Yours Sincerely Neil P.S. A recipe with invertase as for above will also be appreciated.*** :: Neil, I recommend that you try asking this question in the Pastry and Baking forum at eGullet.com (forums.egullet.com). You should also purchase a copy of the book "Fine Chocolates, Great Experiences" by Jean-Pierrre Wybauw. You'll find out more about the chemistry in these places which is really what you need. :: Clay
   Posted by  on  11/23  at  02:04 AM
2. Is there caffiene in white chocolate? Cheystar, There is almost no caffeine in regular chocolate (milk or dark) -- less than what you'll find in decaf coffee. There should be no caffeine in white chocolate as there is no cocoa powder. However, if you are hypersensitive to the class of alkaloids that contains caffeine (the methylxanthines, including theobromine), you still should be careful. :: Clay
   Posted by  on  09/26  at  03:40 PM
3. how can u stop chochlate cravings? Cheri, Recent research suggests that what you crave about chocolate is the taste and texture (the mouthfeel experience of its melting) and that there are no substances in chocolate that are addictive. Also, research has shown that diets that deprive people of eating what they like are more likely to fail than diets that include favorite food items. Further research suggests that cocoa can be really quite good for you. The trick is to eat high quality chocolate (dark or milk) in moderate amounts (less than 40 grams or about 1.5 ounces daily). Just stay away from candy bars that have lots of added sugar and other ingredients. However, a solid milk or dark chocolate bar with dried fruits and/or nuts is perfectly acceptable. Just watch portion size. :: Clay
   Posted by  on  10/16  at  09:13 PM
4. I am starting a chocolate business and am looking for kosher pareve melting chocolate. Any leads? Thanks, Elana :: Elana A good online source that's in your area is ChocolateSource.com (http://www.chocolatesource.com/products/detail.asp?selection=72§ion=10). If you are going into business, however, find the name of a local wholesale distributor by contacting Callebaut directly. :: Clay
   Posted by  on  01/23  at  10:03 PM
5. I use Vanilla A'peels to make a product in my bakery. I'm looking for a "white chocolate" coating white has a higher melting temperature that the Vanilla A'Peels. Any suggestions ? Thanks Stewart, I am not familiar with Vanilal A'Peels. Have you tried the compound coatings from companies like Guittard or Merckens? This might be what you are looking for. :: Clay
   Posted by  on  02/08  at  02:03 PM
6. Hi, My son allergic (not intolerant) to milk. I would love to find a store that sells chocolate that is dairy free. Not just baking chips but other chocolate candies for the holidays (X-mas, easter, valentine's day.... I feel bad when I tell my other son that the Easter bunny didn't put chocolate in either basket because someone younger than him has allergies.... Do you know of a store that sells dairy free chocolate products in Massachusetts? :: Sue, You'll need to buy chocolate products that are certified kosher parve (or pareve). A local synagogue will be able to help even though the have different holiday traditions. You can also search the Internet for kosher parve chocolate. :: Clay
   Posted by  on  03/07  at  01:41 PM
7. I bought some chocolate for a vegan friend. Was told that "butter oil" in it is NOT a dairy product, but am suspicious. What is "butter oil?"
   Posted by  on  12/21  at  12:54 PM