5 Best Dairy-Free Milk Alternatives
If you are dairy-free or vegan, you know it can be hard to find alternatives to dairy milk that taste good and are organic. Lucky for you, we have compiled a list of 5 Best Dairy-Free Milk Alternatives that you will love! These dairy-free milk options are perfect for coffee, cereal, baking, and more. So ditch the dairy and try one of these delicious options today.
What is Dairy-Free Milk?
Dairy-free milk, also known as vegan milk, is a plant-based alternative to dairy milk. It can come from a variety of sources including almonds, oats, coconut, hemp, flax, and rice.
Dairy-free milk options are usually made by grinding the chosen plant and mixing it with water before straining it to create a creamy, milk-like consistency that can replace the dairy in your life.
Why Dairy-Free Milk?
People follow a dairy-free diet for different reasons, but many people choose a dairy-free diet because they’re searching for relief from digestive issues, bloating, and skin problems that come from eating dairy products.
How does drinking dairy milk impact bloating and digestion?
Bloating is a common complaint among people with dairy sensitivities who have not cut dairy out of their diet, and is generally linked to digestive issues. It’s estimated that 75% of the world’s population is lactose intolerant to some degree, so reducing the amount of dairy in your diet is recommended if you are experiencing bloating and problems with digestion. Millions of people suffer from lactose intolerance, don’t let it ruin your foods and drinks!
How does drinking dairy milk impact skin problems?
There is significant data supporting the role of your diet in acne. In 2010, Clinics in Dermatology published a study indicating that dairy milk contains ingredients like anabolic steroids as well as growth hormones that add to the potency of milk as a stimulant of acne. Going dairy-free by drinking plant-based milk can help you treat acne naturally, without harsh over-the-counter medications and face washes.
Keep reading: Anti-Inflammatory Diet: List of Foods to Eat and Avoid
never miss a recipe again!
Are Dairy-Free Milks Healthier For You
It depends on the dairy-free milk option you choose. Some dairy-free milks have added sugars and preservatives, while others may have added vitamins and minerals. It is important to always read the nutrition labels and ingredients before purchasing dairy-free milk alternatives.
If you’re concerned about the health impact of trading dairy milk for a vegan milk option, you may want to speak with your primary healthcare provider for personalized advice.
5 Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives
Whatever your reason for trying dairy-free milk, rest assured that plenty of tasty options are available.
- Almond Milk: Almond milk is one of the most popular dairy-free milk alternatives. Made from ground almonds and water, the milk has a creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor. It is also high in Vitamin E and low in calories. Thus, making it a great choice for those watching their weight or cholesterol levels.
Almond milk is best used for things like cereal, smoothies, and baking. - Coconut Milk: This dairy-free milk alternative is made from the meat of mature coconuts. Thus, giving it a rich and creamy texture. Coconut milk is also high in healthy fats and can add a tropical touch to smoothies or baked goods.
Coconut milk is best used for drinking on its own, in Thai dishes, or added to coffee or smoothies. - Oat Milk: Made from oats that have been blended with water, oat milk has a mild and slightly sweet taste. It is also high in fiber and low in calories, making it a nutritious choice for dairy-free drinkers.
Oat milk is best used for cereal, baking, or added to coffee. - Rice Milk: This dairy-free milk alternative is made from milled white or brown rice and water. It has a mild taste and is often used as an alternative for those with nut and dairy allergies. However, it can also be higher in sugar than other dairy-free milks.
Rice milk is best used for cooking and baking, as well as in cereal or added to coffee. - Cashew Milk: This dairy-free milk is made from blended cashews and water, giving it a rich and creamy texture. It is also high in healthy fats and can add a subtle nutty flavor to smoothies or baked goods.
Cashew milk is best used for drinking on its own, in savory dishes, or added to coffee or smoothies.
There are many other vegan/plant milk options out there, including hemp milk, pea milk, and many nut milks, such as pistachio milk, hazelnut milk, and more!
Dairy-Free Milk in Baking
When baking, dairy-free milk can easily be swapped in for dairy milk at a 1:1 ratio. Just make sure you choose the dairy-free milk alternative that best fits the flavor profile of your dish – almond milk may not work as well in a chocolate cake as oat or coconut milk would, for example.
Also consider the fat content of dairy-free milks, as some have less fat than dairy milk (such as rice and almond milks) and may not produce as rich a bake. In this case, you may want to add in a bit of coconut oil to give your baked goods the desired texture and taste.
Dairy-Free Milk in Beverages
Trading dairy milk for dairy-free milk in coffee or other hot beverages can add a tasty twist to your morning routine.
When using dairy-free milk in coffee, it’s a great idea to steam or froth the milk before adding it to the drink – this helps create that creamy, smooth texture you’re used to with dairy milk. Alternatively, dairy-free creamer options are also available for those who want all the flavor without having to steam their own dairy-free milk.
Dairy-free milks can also be used in cold drinks such as iced lattes, matcha tea, and smoothies. Experiment with different dairy-free milk options to find your favorite for each beverage!
Dealing with Nut Allergies
Whatever dairy-free milk option you choose, always check for any potential allergens before serving them to others. Many dairy-free milks (such as almond, coconut, and hazelnut) contain nuts, so they may not be safe for those with nut allergies. In this case, dairy-free milks made from oats, soy, rice, or peas are good options. As always, it’s important to read labels carefully and communicate any potential allergy concerns with those you’re serving dairy-free milk to.
Whether you have a dairy intolerance or are looking to switch up your routine with some dairy-free options, there are plenty of delicious and nutritious dairy-free milk alternatives out there for you to try.
// So go ahead and try one of these non-dairy milk choices today! Your taste buds (and your digestion) will thank you.
Talk soon, friend!
