Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives
I’ve had a few of you ask for a review of all the milk options, and I figured it was about time to share my thoughts. I’ve tried basically all the non-dairy milk alternatives that are out there. I’ll highlight my three favorites, and why I like them. Since dairy and I aren’t always the best of friends and it sometimes upsets my stomach, I’ve been using these types of milk for years. So here we go.
First of all…
Disclaimer: I don’t drink any of these straight up. I’ve never liked milk (in a glass) and I don’t drink any of these on their own. However, I frequently use these milks in cereal, smoothies, and recipes. Just keep that in mind. None of these will *taste* just like dairy milk.
First up, Almond milk
My overall favorite! The unsweetened varieties have a great mild taste, (meaning they work well in recipes and smoothies) and they are super low in fat and calories. I love using almond milk in soups, smoothies, and baking. As long as you’re not allergic to almonds, I’d definitely give this one a try. Almond Breeze is a great brand, but Trader Joe’s version is great as well. I’ve even made my own (you can read about that here) but it’s a little easier to just grab it off the shelf.
Basic nutritional stats: Calories 30 Fat 1g Sugar 0g Protein 1g*
*Note: There are tons of varieties for almond/coconut/soymilk but I’ve included the stats for the flavors pictured.
Secondly, Coconut milk
There are lots of types of coconut milk. There are very, very, sweet varieties, which are generally more for recipes, not for actual drinking. However, So Delicious makes a great brand of coconut milk that I love. The taste is a little coconut-y, so it’s less versatile for recipes and smoothies, unless that’s the flavor you’re going for. It can be great for tropical smoothies or ice cream recipes! Do check the labels though, because the calories, sugar and fat can range from very low to very high!
Basic nutritional stats: Calories 50 Fat 5g Sugar 1g Protein 1g
And third… Soymilk
I like the taste of soymilk, and I used to use it a lot of smoothies. It has more protein than the others, and the unsweetened kind doesn’t have a lot of sugar. However, because I also eat tofu and other soy products, I’ve switched to almond milk. I’ve heard a few things about too much soy consumption, and I’d rather stay on the safe side. If you don’t eat a lot of soy otherwise, this could be a great way to get in some extra protein. I love Silk and 8th Continent brands. Again, check the labels, since the sweetened varieties can pack in a lot of sugar and calories.
Basic nutritional stats: Calories 70 Fat .51g Sugar 5g Protein 6g
Rice milk/Hemp milk/Cashew milk/Etc.
There are tons of other types of milk. I’ve tried almost all of them, and I don’t mind them, but many of them have a bit of a funky after taste. Some of them are a little gritty. If you have specific diet restrictions, you could try these, but overall, I can’t say I personally recommend them.
If you’re watching calories, make sure you look for unsweetened varieties! Some milk alternatives are loaded with sugar! Beware!
I never liked cows milk growing up, so I just cut that part out of my diet. Now Iove drinking Blue Diamond almond milk, I can’t drink it straight up but I like it in my cereals, smoothies, etc
I like the Blue Diamond Sweetened Vanilla Almond Milk. It’s like having dessert with supper.
I’m not 100% sure but I think my dairy consumption (I used to drink 3-4 glasses of skim milk a day) was a part of my acne problem. So I nixed it. Now I am a Silk Unsweetened Almond Milk girl now! Love it. Like you said, I rarely drink it on its own, but in a smoothie or in oatmeal, it’s perfect!
Like you my tummy does not agree with milk. Although some dairy in moderation I’m okay with. My go to dairy alternative is canned light coconut milk or homemade almond milk. I used to buy the boxed unsweetened vanilla almond milk by the case at Costco but have been reading more about the added chemicals like Carrageenan, and vitamin A palmitate which is basically a chemical form of Vitamin A. Although I do enjoy it from time to time but making it is really easy too 🙂
My fav is vanilla sweetened almond breeze. The best is in gallon size from Kroger. Ill drink it straight up. Also Kroger makes this brand natural chocolate almond milk. To die for!
I like organic skim or 1% dairy or original, unsweetened almond milk. I like dairy for drinking and for my coffee, but I like almond milk for cereal and baking. The hubby ONLY likes dairy, so if I buy my almond milk, I know I can always take a swig of his stuff when needed. 🙂
I’m totally with you on that…no milk for me unless it’s in something (coffee, etc.) I usually just stick with dairy because that’s what Travis uses and I don’t use enough to go through a bottle of nondairy before it goes bad!
My favorite is unsweetened almond breeze! I’ve never liked milk straight up, either, but I actually LOVE drinking this stuff straight up. I’m weird 🙂
speaking of too much soy consumption, I’ve ended up becoming allergic to it! Seriously! Two years ago I ate like 2 to 3 servings of soy a day between the soy milk I was drinking and the tofu I was eating then the protein powder I had…
Now I can’t even go to a restaurant without getting sick because they always use vegetable oil or soy margarine… It’s a nightmare!!
I love good ol’ organic cows’ milk but because I’m trying to cut back on dairy, I’ve switched to homemade almond milk which does the trick. However with coffee, I love adding soy milk to my coffee because of the creamy flavor!
I agree! Soymilk tends to be a little creamier and it is great in coffee!