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!
Good info, Liz. I never see coconut milk around here so I haven’t tried it. I need to get some so I can make smoothies again.
I’ve never liked milk myself and have toyed with the idea a little bit of switching to a non-dairy milk. Might give one a try soon!
I love almond milk, they’ve only really just brought it properly out in australia in the last year. I’ve never tried coconut milk apart from the canned kind used for cooking.
Great post! So many people want to know what they are getting into before they buy new items!
I’m an unsweetened almond milk girl all the way!
My favorite non-dairy milk is unsweetened vanilla almond milk (I am not picky on the kind). Recently, however, I tried the Blue Diamond coconut flavored almond milk and it is amazing!!!
I am definitely a fan of almond milk. In fact, we now use it exclusively. I bought coconut milk once, but was not a fan of it, and believe it or not, I’ve never had soy milk.
I use soy from time to time. I have tried almond milk and wasn’t too big of a fan. I love coconut milk, it’s great in soups. My favorite milk replacement though is oat milk, It’s super delicious and really easy to make- just seep oats in cold water for a few hours and strain.
I use Blue Diamond Vanilla Almond Milk too 🙂 It is a great compliment to my morning oats!
That is the exact almond milk I use. It’s all I use!! I will drink soy or coconut, but only buy the almond!! YUM!