Life—feel like it’s already overwhelmingly full of choices? Try going vegan and assessing your alternative milk options. Now that’s a fun time. 

The good news is that there are many substitutes for the things we wish to avoid and if going non-dairy is part of your new year’s health plans then we’ve created a handy little guide to make things easier.

Dairy Milk vs Non-Dairy Milk

Does non-dairy milk contain the same nutrients as dairy milk? This is a common question among a lot of vegans or lactose-intolerant people. The answer is yes and no. Yes, non-dairy milk contains proteins, calcium and some vitamins that are found in dairy milk; No, because non-dairy contains less of the naturally occurring nutrients found in rich and creamy milk. Non-dairy milk also contains things like stabilizers and emulsifiers as well as added sugar.

Types of Non-Dairy Milk

You may have noticed many different non-dairy milk products as you stroll down the aisle of your local grocery stores. Think soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, and oat milk. There’s a lot to choose from. 

1. Soy milk is a great alternative to dairy milk considering its high protein content. You get 6 to 8 grams of protein (depending on the brand) in each cup.
2. Almond milk seems to be a popular hit for those people who have chosen to avoid dairy products or those allergic to them. The consistency of almond milk is similar to the rich, the thickness of dairy milk and the almond flavour is enjoyed by many.
3. You may enjoy coconut milk as well if you are looking for a thicker consistency in your non-dairy milk. Coconut milk, however, contains more fat than other non-dairy products so if you are on a diet, consider getting something else like oat milk.
4. Oat milk is a great alternative to dairy milk and it is packed with B vitamins. Oat milk may also lower your blood cholesterol levels and give you the calcium your bones need for strength.

As we mentioned, there are many non-dairy milk brands around. Make sure that you check the nutritional values in each container to see if what you are getting from them. 

Get more information on dairy-free meals or vegetarian dishes at heartyhealth.com.au or call 1300 728 764.