What Is Dulce de Leche and Why UK Food Manufacturers Are Choosing It

 

In recent years, Dulce de Leche has become more than just a nostalgic treat from Argentina. It’s turning into a go-to ingredient for food manufacturers, chocolatiers, bakers, and ice cream makers across the UK. With its rich flavour, natural appeal, and growing demand among British consumers, Dulce de Leche is no longer niche, it’s a smart business move.

If you're in charge of sourcing ingredients or developing new products, this guide will give you everything you need to know about Dulce de Leche, including its uses, benefits, certifications, and how it compares to other sweet spreads like Nutella.

 

What Is Dulce de Leche?

Dulce de Leche literally means "sweet milk" in Spanish. It’s made by slowly simmering milk and sugar until it caramelises and thickens into a smooth, glossy, golden-brown paste. The slow cooking process creates a uniquely deep, nutty, and creamy flavour that sets it apart from regular caramel.

Unlike caramel, which is made from sugar alone, Dulce de Leche offers richness from its milk content. It’s more stable, has better mouthfeel, and holds its structure well in baking, freezing, and heating.

 

How UK Manufacturers Are Using Dulce de Leche

Dulce de Leche is extremely versatile, making it ideal for a wide range of applications across the food industry:

1. Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts

Swirled through vanilla bases

Used as a core filling in filled ice cream bars

Mixed with biscuit inclusions or chocolate chips

2. Chocolatiers & Confectionery

Filled into bonbons, truffles and chocolate bars

Mixed with nuts or wafers for layered pralines

Coated with tempered chocolate for premium gifting lines

3. Bakeries & Patisserie

Layered into cakes and muffins

Piped into churros, doughnuts and cupcakes

Swirled into brownies or cheesecakes

Topped on biscuits or cookies

4. Food Manufacturers

Used in ready-made dessert pots and sauces

Added to gourmet spreads and fillings

Integrated into flavoured yoghurts and dairy desserts

Why it works so well:

Bake-stable and freeze-stable

Excellent shelf life

No separation under high heat

Consistent texture across batches

 

Dulce de Leche vs Caramel

 

Feature	Dulce de Leche	Caramel
Main Ingredients	Milk + Sugar	Sugar only
Texture	Creamy and thick	Sticky and thin
Flavour	Deep, nutty, rich	Sweet, slightly bitter
Bake stability	Excellent	Poor (burns easily)
Versatility	High	Limited

Dulce de Leche vs Nutella:

A Healthier, More Versatile Alternative

Nutella is often the go-to sweet spread in commercial manufacturing. But there are key reasons why Dulce de Leche is gaining ground:

1. Cleaner Ingredients

Dulce de Leche: Milk, sugar, optional vanilla or baking soda

Nutella: Sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts (13%), cocoa, skimmed milk powder, emulsifiers, flavourings

Dulce de Leche has a much shorter, cleaner ingredient list, with no palm oil, emulsifiers or additives.

2. Versatility in Production

Nutella cannot be baked due to its high sugar and oil content; it separates or burns

Dulce de Leche can be baked, frozen, and reheated without losing texture or flavour

3. Dietary Preferences

Available in vegetarian, gluten-free, and Halal-certified formats

Nutella has limited allergen-free options and is rarely used in industrial formats

4. Cost-Efficiency in Manufacturing

Dulce de Leche offers high flavour intensity with less volume

Shelf-stable formats available in buckets or pouches reduce production waste

 

 

Certifications & Supply Formats

For food production in the UK, compliance and traceability are key. Dulce de Leche is now available in industrial formats that meet the strictest standards:

Vegetarian and gluten-free certified

Halal and Kosher options

Made in BRC- or ISO-accredited facilities

Available in 2kg, 5kg, 10kg buckets, industrial pouches or catering tins

Shelf life: up to 12 months unopened; 4 weeks once opened and refrigerated

You can request full technical specifications, certificates of analysis, and allergen sheets from reputable suppliers like Casa Argentina.

 

Brands to Know: Che, Mardel, Havanna and Raffolé

Che

Smooth, clean-label

Perfect for desserts, sauces and fillings

Loved by chefs for its balance and texture

Mardel

Popular among artisan bakers

Thicker format ideal for piping and layering

Multiple pack sizes available

Raffolé

Produced in France with Full Fat Fresh Cow's Milk

High-end, premium quality

Richer flavour profile and darker caramelisation

Ideal for gourmet confectionery and ice cream production

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: Can I use Dulce de Leche in high-temperature baking?
Yes. Dulce de Leche is bake-stable and won’t separate or crystalise like other spreads.

 

Q: What’s the typical MOQ in the UK?
Minimum orders vary by supplier, but typically start from 2 x 7kg bucket.

 

Q: How is it delivered?
Orders are shipped from within the UK for next-day or 2-day delivery service.

 

Q: Can I request a sample or spec sheet?
Yes, reputable suppliers like Casa Argentina will send samples, specs, certifications and allergen info.

 

Q: Is Dulce de Leche suitable for freezing?
Yes, it maintains texture and flavour when frozen and thawed correctly.

 

Q: Can I use Dulce de Leche in dairy-free recipes?
Traditional Dulce de Leche is not dairy-free, however, we are working with our partners to produce an alternative dairy-free product.

 

Q: Does Dulce de Leche contain gluten?
Authentic versions are naturally gluten-free; always check certification.

 

Q: Is it suitable for vegetarian or Halal diets?
Yes, both vegetarian and Halal-certified options are available.

 

Q: How long does it last once opened?
Typically up to 4 weeks refrigerated in a sealed container.

 

Q: What is the Brix level of Dulce de Leche?
Varies by brand, but typically ranges between 68–72° Brix.

 

Q: Does it pair well with savoury products?
Yes, especially in fusion dishes with cheese, cured meats, or nuts.

 

Q: Can I private-label Dulce de Leche for my brand?
Yes, Casa Argentina can assist with private labelling and custom formats.

 

Q: What’s the lead time for large orders?
In-stock items ship within 24–48 hours; custom orders depend on volume and spec. For orders of full pallets, the lead time varies from 2 to 4 weeks.

 

Q: Can it be used as a chocolate spread substitute?
Absolutely. It’s more bake-stable and natural than Nutella or similar spreads.

 

Q: Do I need to refrigerate unopened buckets?
No. Store in a cool, dry place until opened.

 

Why Choose Casa Argentina?

The Main Importer Of Dulce De Leche In UK

With a legacy of more than 25 years.

At Casa Argentina, we bring Dulce de Leche from authentic Argentine producers directly to your UK production site. We understand the technical, logistical and flavour needs of British food manufacturers.

In-stock and ready to ship from our London warehouse.

Full documentation available.

Small or large order flexibility.

One-on-one support to help you choose the right brand and format.

Own Label available upon request and MOQ.

 

Book a Call with Max Pistone

Whether you're developing a new product line or upgrading your existing recipes, we can help you find the best Dulce de Leche for your business.

Book a call with Max today and let's explore how Dulce de Leche can elevate your production.

 

 

The rise of Dulce de Leche is no longer a trend, it’s a shift in flavour culture.

Make sure your brand is part of it.