No, Captain Morgan does not have dairy.
Based on the provided reference, Captain Morgan is confirmed to be dairy-free. The reference explicitly states:
- Is it Dairy Free? Yes!
This confirmation indicates that standard Captain Morgan products do not contain milk, lactose, or other dairy-derived ingredients.
Understanding Captain Morgan's Composition
Rum, including most Captain Morgan varieties, is traditionally produced through the fermentation and distillation of sugarcane byproducts like molasses or sugarcane juice.
The typical rum-making process involves several stages:
- Molasses Preparation: Molasses (a thick syrup left after sugar crystallization) or sugarcane juice is diluted with water.
- Fermentation: Yeast is added to the liquid, converting sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
- Distillation: The fermented liquid is heated in stills to separate the alcohol vapor, which is then condensed back into a liquid spirit (rum).
- Aging: Many rums are aged in oak barrels, which contributes to their color and flavor.
- Blending & Flavoring: Rums are often blended, and spiced rums like Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum are infused with various spices and flavors after distillation and aging.
This traditional process does not typically involve dairy products at any stage. The "spices and natural flavors" added to spiced varieties are generally not dairy-based.
What "Dairy-Free" Signifies
For individuals with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, or those following a vegan diet, knowing that a beverage is dairy-free is crucial. A "dairy-free" label means the product does not contain milk or any ingredients derived from milk, such as:
- Lactose
- Casein
- Whey
Therefore, Captain Morgan can generally be consumed by people avoiding dairy, according to the available information.
Important Note: While standard spiced rum is dairy-free, it's always wise to check the ingredient list of specific Captain Morgan flavored products or pre-mixed drinks, as these could potentially contain different components. However, the core rum product itself is confirmed dairy-free.