Cow’s milk has been a staple in many of our diets since we were young, however, with so many alternatives available you may be wondering whether there is a different milk that is best for you. From goat’s milk, soy milk, hemp milk, and nut-based milk there are a host of options out there and it can be hard to know where to start. In this post, we take a look at the many milk varieties out there so you can find the best type of milk to drink for you.
Our Top Picks for Best Milk to Drink 2022
#1 Best Milk to Drink Vegan: Milkadamia Unsweetened Macadamia Milk
For something a little different, why not try some rich and creamy macadamia milk that comes from the nut trees of Australia.
#2 Best Cow Milk to Drink: 365 Everyday Value, Organic Whole Milk, 128 Oz
If foregoing cow’s milk isn’t for you but you want to make a more conscious choice then check out this organic whole milk by 365 Everyday Value.
#3 Best Chocolate Milk for Post-Workout: Vega Protein Nutrition Shake Chocolate, 11 Fl Oz, 12 Bottles
A recovery drink is essential for many athletes post-workout routine. If you want to cut out the dairy check out this vegan protein shake from Vega.
#4 Best Coconut Milk: So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Milk, Unsweetened, 64 Oz
Want something a little exotic on your cereal in the morning? Coconut milk is a delicious and refreshing alternative to cow’s milk and this version by So Delicious ticks all the right boxes.
#5 Best Milk to Drink with Coffee: Califia Farms Unsweetened Oatmilk Barista Blend, 32 Oz (Pack of 6)
Love a latte but want something as good as cow’s milk for frothing? Oat milk is great for this purpose and this Barista Blend by Califia Farms is perfect for the job.
Why are cow’s milk alternatives so popular?
There are many reasons why people are turning away from cow’s milk. For some, it is due to lactose intolerance which is an allergy to the sugar called lactose that is found in dairy products. For others, environmental factors and animal welfare concerns have encouraged them to seek dairy-free alternatives. Cows and the methane and manure they produce contain greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change. Health reasons are also a reason why some are shifting their dietary choices away from cow’s milk, opting for lower-calorie alternatives.
Choose the right milk for you
Whenever you’re planning a change in your diet it is always a good idea to consult your physician. Especially if you have an underlying health condition that you are hoping a change in your diet will help with. Whether you’re looking for the best milk to drink with IBS, the best type of milk to drink for weight loss, the best milk to drink on a diet, or the best milk to drink if lactose intolerant, get your doctors advice before making your purchase.
That being said, we can let you know what is in the various dairy-milk alternatives out there so you can start to think about whether they have the make up of what you’re looking for.
What different types of milk are available?
#1 Lactose-free dairy milk
While still a dairy-based milk, lactose-free dairy milk has had the lactose removed. Despite this, it still contains the same nutrients as regular cow’s milk so this is a good option if you are lactose intolerant but don’t want to forgo cow’s milk.
#2 Soy Milk
Soy milk used to be one of the only non-dairy alternative and even today, with so many other options, it remains popular. If you’re looking for the best milk to drink with protein, but don’t want to drink cow’s milk, then soy milk is a good choice. The level of protein in soy milk is almost as high as in cow’s milk, yet it is lower in fat so it may be the right option for you if you’re looking to reduce your calorie intake but don’t want to sacrifice the protein.
#3 Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is another alternative to dairy-milk that has flooded the grocery store shelves in recent years. Frequently, you will find that coconut milk has vitamins such as B12 and D added to it, as well as calcium. Coconut milk is low in protein and is higher in saturated fats than other dairy-free options that are available. It is a great choice for home baking and to pour over your cereals in the morning.
#4 Almond Milk
Another popular plant-based alternative to cow’s milk is almond milk. Made out of blended up almonds and water this milk drink is often fortified with added calcium and vitamins B12 and D. It has a creamy texture and, in its original form, has a nutty flavor. However, you can also purchase chocolate and vanilla varieties if these suit your taste buds. Typically, almond milk is low-calorie and low in fat, but make sure you go for the unsweetened version.
#5 Hemp Milk
Made out of hemp seeds and water, hemp milk is rich in plant protein. Usually, it is fortified with vitamin D and calcium to help with your daily intake. There are fewer calories in hemp milk in comparison to cow’s milk, but it has around the same level of fat content. It has a slightly sweet taste and is not overpowering as you might imagine. It can be used in your tea and coffee but probably best reserved for a smoothie or over cereals.
#6 Oat Milk
Oat milk is a popular choice amongst dairy-free enthusiasts as it is low-fat, packed with goodness, and also delicious. For coffee lovers, this is the best plant-based milk to drink with coffee as it doesn’t split when it is heated meaning it can make a mean cappuccino. Usually, oat milk is enriched with calcium and vitamins to help you on your way to the required daily intakes. Oat milk is a great all-rounder for tea, coffee, cereal, sauces, and baking so is a great choice for many reasons.
#7 Macadamia Milk
The not so well known macadamia milk is another plant-based milk option but it is a little harder to find. This milk is creamy and delicious. Macadamia milk is great in coffee thanks to its creaminess, however, it is a little higher in calories and fat than other plant-based milk.
Best Milk to Drink: Our Top Picks
The best milk for you is based on personal preference and also dietary requirements, however, in this next section, we give you some of our top picks to help you on your way.
#1 Best Milk to Drink Vegan: Milkadamia Unsweetened Macadamia Milk
Rated one of the best milk to drink in Australia this unsweetened macadamia milk by Milkadamia really is a treat. Plus, this milk is dairy, gluten, soy, and GMO free so available to you if you have a gluten or lactose intolerance but want to avoid soy-based products. Sustainably farmed in Australia using regenerative farming techniques you can also be sure you’re purchasing from a company with a conscience.
This unsweetened milk contains zero sugar and is also rich in calcium and vitamins D and B12, helping it to become a part of a balanced diet. This deliciously creamy milk can be enjoyed on its own or be added to your morning bowl of cereal, a cup of Joe or steaming hot tea. This fantastic milk also comes in a sweetened, vanilla, and a barista blend for making frothed milk for a cappuccino, latte or flat white.
#Macadamia_Milk #Vegan #Dairy_Free #Gluten_Free #Unsweetened #Australian #GMO_Free
#2 Best Cow Milk to Drink: 365 Everyday Value, Organic Whole Milk
If you aren’t persuaded by dairy-free alternatives but want to purchase cow’s milk with a conscience then check out this best brand cow milk to drink from 365 Everyday Value. This company only work with small scale dairy farms as part of a co-operative and ensure the positive well-being of their cows. The cows are fed a 100% organic diet, which helps to protect the environment and is also positive for the cows.
As well as being created with a conscience, this milk is also delicious! This whole milk is creamy, fresh and conveniently delivered to your door. The only real downside of this milk is that, because it is pasteurized using a lower heat, the shelf life of the milk is a little shorter than ordinary milk. However, this process does enrich the flavor so it’s likely that you will have drunk it by the time it reaches its sell-by date anyway!
#Organic #Whole_Milk #365_Everyday_Value #Creamy #Fresh #Cow’s_Milk
#3 Best Chocolate Milk for Post-Workout: Vega Protein Nutrition Shake
Looking for the best chocolate milk to drink after workout but don’t want to drink cow’s milk? Check out this dairy-free protein shake from Vega. It is packed with plant-based vegan protein including pea protein, pumpkin seed protein, and hemp protein ensuring a whopping 20g of protein is found in each bottle. With this purchase, you will receive 12 bottles for just under $30.
What’s great about this post-workout shake is that it is also delicious! Great for chocolate lovers, this drink can be enjoyed whilst your on the go or after a workout session. Protein shakes are great for after a workout as this is when your muscles can soak up all the nutrition for them to recover and grow. With a stock of these Vega Protein Shakes in your fridge, you can be ready for anything.
#Vega #Vegan_Protein_Drink #Post_Workout #Recovery_Shake #Chocolate #Dairy_Free
#4 Best Coconut Milk: So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Milk
This best coconut milk to drink is a great choice if you want something creamy and delicious as part of your breakfast routine. Refreshing, wholesome, and dairy-free coconut milk makes a good substitute for cow’s milk and can be used over cereal, in a hot drink, and even drunk on its own.
This coconut milk is also great value, as you get half a gallon of the stuff for under $4!
So Delicious coconut milk is rated highly for its freshness and it will keep in your refrigerator for 7-10 days after opening which is a lot longer than cow’s milk. Sugar-free, this coconut milk is fortified with calcium as well as vitamins B2 and B12. Enjoy this as part of a healthy balanced diet and imagine yourself amongst the coconut groves on a tropical beach as you enjoy with your breakfast.
#Coconut_Milk #Dairy_Free #So_Delicious #Fresh #Plant_Based #Value
#5 Best Milk to Drink with Coffee: Califia Farms Unsweetened Oatmilk
For those of you that live for your cup of coffee in the morning then check out this best brand of milk to drink if you’re wanting to cut dairy out of your diet. This vegan milk is perfect for making steamed milk as it doesn’t curdle or burn easily meaning it can be used to make cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites. The oats used to make this milk are from North America and ensure that this plant-based milk is packed with goodness.
This unsweetened oat milk contains zero sugar and is also free from gums or stabilizers that are sometimes found in plant-based milk. Oat milk is naturally nut free, soy free, gluten free, and dairy free so is available for people who have a host of allergies. The good news is that it also tastes great, and this oat milk from Califia is no exception. As well as using in your coffee this oat milk is also great in a cup of tea and over your favorite cereal. Califia also has barista blends of almond milk if you prefer.
#Califia #Barista_Blend #Oat_Milk #Latte_Art #Vegan #Nut_Free
Conclusion
Searching for the best milk to drink can be tricky with so many options available nowadays. From lactose-free dairy milk, soy milk, plant-based, and nut milks there are so many varieties to choose from. The perfect milk for you will depend on your tastes and dietary requirements, but you can’t go wrong with trying out a few before you settle on the most suitable one.