Milk is a staple in the diets of millions of people. It’s included in almost every meal and is a key ingredient in many recipes. For those who can’t consume dairy or don’t want to for dietary purposes, finding a good alternative can be particularly difficult. Despite the limited products often displayed at the supermarket, there are actually several good dairy-free milks out there.
The problem comes in finding the right one for you, and since dairy-free milks run at the same price point as regular milk, it’s not always prudent to spend the money on a beverage you might not like. Instead of risking it yourself, try these three brands; each has been taste-tested on multiple occasions by yours truly (lifelong lactose-intolerant and despiser of traditional dairy milk), and all provided their own major benefits that I personally enjoy.
Califia Farms
Califia Farms has a wide range of plant milk products. All of which are dairy, gluten, soy, and carrageenan free. There are 14 different flavors ranging from unsweetened almond milk to organic cashew milk, and coconut milk to cinnamon horchata. There are also chocolate and vanilla varieties, plus several are organic.
In addition to the “regular” plant milks, Califia also offers enhanced milks. There are 6 different flavors, and each is enhanced to make it extra good for you. Three are protein-enriched (offered in chocolate, vanilla, and coffee flavors), one has matcha added, another has ginger, and one is a coconut milk/coconut water smoothie. These six beverages are all super easy to grab on the go, throw in your purse, backpack, or gym bag, and make a great addition to your morning or afternoon snack. (My personal favorite is the Maca-’spresso Almondmilk with added protein.)
You can purchase Califia’s milks in multiple sizes (with the exception of the enhanced milks), and even chose to do a subscription with Califia so that your milks are delivered to your door. If you find yourself too busy to make it the grocery store (or you hate the grocery store) or if you live in an area that doesn’t sell Califia Farms, then the subscription service can make your life easier and healthier.
Personally, I think that Califia’s plant milks are delicious. They aren’t runny like many other nut milks on the market, and the wide range of flavor options keep things interesting. Not to mention they combine wonderfully with all of my different coffee flavors. If you or one of your family members is allergic to almond, coconut, or cashew, they have enough flavor options that you can find the right one for you, as well.
In addition to the above, Califia also makes juices, creamers, and cold brew coffees.
Ripple
If nut milk is completely off your list due to allergies, there’s still a great milk alternative out there for you. Ripple’s pea-based milk is full of all the good stuff, and nothing that will trigger nut or dairy allergies. It’s lower in sugar than other flavored milk, high in protein (thanks to the peas), and is a good source of calcium, and DHA omega-3s. It comes in four flavors: Original, Original Unsweetened, Vanilla, and Chocolate. The great thing about all of Ripple is the creamy and delicious taste—it definitely does not taste like peas.
From a logistics standpoint, Ripple is different from many other brands in the fact that it sells its milk in 48-ounce bottles, which is more than most. The amount you get for the cost is completely worth it, especially when you add how great it tastes and the many health benefits.
Ripple is 100% vegan, nut-free, dairy-free, soy-free, GMO-free, and gluten-free. Even the most allergy-prone individuals can drink it safely.
In my opinion, Ripple tastes the most like regular milk. So if you’re someone who really enjoys the taste of traditional dairy milk, Ripple will be the best fit for you. Plus, the chocolate flavor is sinfully delectable. You also get the most for your money, so Ripple will last longer than other brands.
Rebel Kitchen
Rebel Kitchen operates solely in the coconut milk game. Like pea-based milk, it’s a good option for those who can’t have dairy or certain nuts. Rebel Kitchen offers single serve bottles in three different flavors: Chai, Chocolate, and Coffee. These make great on-the-go options for those that are always jetting from one place to the next. They’re also delicious compliments to your breakfast and morning coffee, or even as a pre-bedtime beverage.
The most important characteristic of Rebel Kitchen is that each beverage is made with simple ingredients. You won’t find an ingredient list as long as your arm on the back of the bottle, and you’ll recognize every item listed. Both the coffee and chocolate flavors contain 4 ingredients, and the chair flavor has seven. Of those seven listed, three are the seasonings cardamom, cinnamon, and turmeric. These are straightforward beverages you’ll never have to question.
I’m an avid lover of coconut flavored treats, so all of these are great in my opinion, though my favorite is the chocolate. It makes an indulgent snack in the middle of the afternoon or late at night when I find myself looking for something sweet.
