Cow's milk free shopping at HEMA: this is how you choose for sure

HEMA is the place for that quick errand or a cake for tomorrow. Choosing cow's milk free sometimes feels like searching with a magnifying glass. With a few regular checks, things do go smoothly: you know what cow's milk free means, where to find it on the label and when "may contain traces" is relevant. After that, choosing becomes routine.

What do we mean by cow's milk free

Cow's milk free is about milk proteins such as casein and whey. This is different from lactose-free. With cow's milk free, you avoid ingredients that come from milk. Lactose-free is all about milk sugar and the role of lactase. Convenient floor: lactose vs milk protein and what does lactase. For fast label assurance: ingredient list on milk ingredients. Is a product vegan? Then it is both cow's milk and lactose free.

Here's how to read the label at HEMA

Look at the allergen box first. If it says "contains milk," then it is not a cow's milk-free choice. Then scan the ingredient list for milk, cream, butter, whey powder, whey protein, milk protein or casein. If you see "may contain traces of milk," that indicates possible cross-contamination. If you have a cow's milk protein allergy, leave it out. If you buy cow's milk free without an allergy, then it's your own consideration.

HEMA products we checked out

Vegan apple crumble pie 6 people

What I think
Delicious if you are looking for something easy to offer at a birthday and festive occasion. Crunchy crumbs, fresh filling and not too heavy.

What does HEMA say
The product page explicitly states that this vegan apple crumble cake contains no animal ingredients. The allergen box states "contains gluten, wheat" and "may contain milk" because of possible cross-contamination in the bakery. There is also an additional warning that with fresh pastries, 100 percent absence of allergens can never be guaranteed.

Vegan cocoa bar 90 g

What I think
I myself am more of a milk chocolate with then rice milk instead of regular milk. But this one is fine as a small piece with a handful of nuts or with coffee. Advantage, small piece is enough.

What does HEMA say
Ingredient list without milk ingredients. Allergens show "contains soy" and "may contain milk" and various other traces. Recipe therefore without milk and lactose, with risk of cross-contamination.

Sandwich cookie mix vegan

What I think
Delicious baking together. Definitely recommended. Mix some powdered sugar with water for frosting and make it an instant party.

What does HEMA say
Vegan baking mix. On the product page, you will see nutritional values and the vegan designation; allergens typically list gluten and "may contain milk." Check the label of your package for the current status.

Vegan pastries overview

What I think
Personally, I highly recommend the vegan HEMA cakes. Tasty cakes, flavors that are universally loved and easy to order.

What does HEMA say
On the collection page you will find current vegan pastries. Vegan means without animal ingredients, including no dairy in the recipe. Be sure to check the allergen box for each item, as production in a bakery environment often includes a trace warning.

Hot dog and DIY packages

What I think
My favorite. I love the HEMA hot dog. The buns, the sauce and the Notdog are cow's milk free. The regular hot dog does have a disclaimer on it; fortunately, I've never been bothered by it myself.

What does HEMA say
On the inspiration page, DIY packages include 4 buns, 4 hot dogs and 4 bags of vegan mustard sauce. There you won't find a complete allergen list for each component. So for cow's milk free, you need the label of the package or individual components. Ask in the store for current label information and when in doubt, opt for the Notdog.

Reality check: tompouce

What does HEMA say According to the allergen framework, the tompouce contains milk, so it is not a cow's milk-free choice.

Practical choice in store and online

In stores, the sticker on the package is the most current, especially for fresh. Online product texts and inspiration pages may be slightly behind or more generally worded. When in doubt, ask a staff member to look with you or choose an alternative with clear labels.

At home, it helps to save new packaging for a while or take a picture of ingredients and the allergen box. With that mini-archive, you can quickly build your own HEMA favorites list.

FAQ

How can I be sure if a HEMA product is cow's milk free?

The packaging is leading. Check the allergen box for "Contains milk" and scan the ingredient list. If it says "May contain traces of milk," that indicates possible cross-contamination. In case of cow's milk protein allergy, it is better to choose an alternative.

Are vegan HEMA products automatically cow's milk free?

Vegan means without animal ingredients and therefore without milk in the recipe. Still, "May contain traces of milk" may appear on the package. Always check the current allergen box on the product page and in the store.

What if online it says something different than on the sticker?

The in-store sticker is most current. Online information may be updated later, especially for fresh produce. When in doubt, choose an alternative or ask at the store for the allergen list.

Continue reading at NooMooo

You can find more guidance in reading labels for milk ingredients and in the short difference between lactose and milk protein. This makes choosing at HEMA and beyond easier every week.

NooMooo disclaimer

This blog is informational and not medical advice. If you have a cow's milk protein allergy or are concerned about symptoms, please consult with your doctor or dietitian. Assortments and recipes change. Always check the current label and allergen box on the package, especially for fresh and seasonal foods.