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 used to swear by Almond Breeze almond milk, but after hearing some bad stuff about carrageean, I switched to Silk’s almond milk. I actually think I like it better…and I may be weird, but I LOVE it straight up! I ONLY buy the unsweetened varieties…I still don’t see how people drink the sweetened ones. The man-friend usually buys Almond Breeze or TJ’s sweetened almond milk and I’ve tried it a few times, but it’s always too much for my tastes….guess I’m a bit of a diva when it comes to sugar! ๐
Ugh, I tried rice milk once….puke!
It is really crazy how much sugar can be in non-dairy milks. I personally buy the silk soymilk (with a coupon when I can) since I can’t afford much meat and want a little protein with it. My other favorite is almond milk — unsweetened vanilla please! ๐
I don’t like milk either and have been drinking soy for a long time. I switchd to almond milk a while ago and now switched to coconut milk. I love the good fats that you get in coconut milk!
I try not to use soymilk for the same reasons you say: I eat a lot of tofu or TVP, etc., so I try to limit soy elsewhere. I LOVE almond milk, and do actually drink it on its own. The Trader Joe’s Unsweetened Vanilla is my absolute favorite. [It is also delicious warmed up with cinnamon for a bedtime soother….]
I’ve never really been able to get behind coconut milk. It has always been too watery for me. I like the canned stuff for cooking, and would almost prefer THAT on my cereal or something. ๐ As for grain milks, I don’t have too much experience with them. Rice milk is super creamy, and TJ’s made a mixed grain milk I was drinking until they stopped carrying it, but that was years ago.
First, let me say that I am a huge fan….and I eat meat ๐ You just may convert me yet. That said, I have a granola cruncher side to me too and I too agree with your evaluation. Almond milk, Coconut and then Soy. I do actually like rice milk but pretty sweet. Lately I’ve used sweetened vanilla soy milk (I buy Kirkland’s from Costco by the case) in my coffee. Nespresso coffee with the frother is just to DIE for in the am. It’s like I have a barista in my kitchen and she ALWAYS gets my name right. Recommend! I just love your blog and I added you to my browser. You’re like a sista to me- Keep the thoughts rolling. Love l.ove love.
I like the plain, unsweetened Almond Breeze–I just use it in my coffee and smoothies. I switched back to skim milk for a few months but think the almond milk provides a bit more flavor in my coffee. Dream Blends has an almond, cashew, hazelnut blend–that’s pretty good, too.
We love almond and coconut milk. Haven’t tried Hemp milk yet.
I LOVE almond milk, I use it in every recipe that calls for milk and even make fake buttermilk from it. I’ve used soy milk and coconut milk in the past but I just don’t seem to get the desired effect or taste.
We are going the Paleo route so we’re in the process of trying out non-dairy alternatives. Everyone in the family is the same, no one likes to drink a glass of milk, but we use it in smoothies, cereal, etc. The current favorite is coconut vanilla milk from Trader Joe’s. Trying Almond Milk next ๐
Unsweetened vanilla almond milk is the ony one I will buy. Soooo good! I can’t imagine even needing to sweeten it.