Dose of Prose
Fun fact: I grew up without dairy! Both of my parents are lactose intolerant (most African Americans are by the way) and they don’t eat dairy much in general, so really, there wasn’t a need for dairy in our household. If I ever did had food with dairy in it, I noticed how it would negatively impact my skin and digestion; therefore, I never had a strong desire to incorporate dairy into my diet because of the way it would make me feel. Over the years I’ve tried pretty much every dairy alternative you can think of, as you can imagine, and I’ve come up with a short list of my favorite dairy-free brands that are satisfying, healthy and overall have a positive mission that I personally stand by.
I do want to be transparent and say that although I’ve had dairy inside dishes before (ie. pizza with cheese, pancakes made with buttermilk, etc.) I haven’t had dairy on its own (ie. milk by itself) which means I won’t be able to provide a perspective that compares non-dairy to dairy products. I couldn’t tell you if product XYZ resembles regular yogurt, ice cream, milk, cheese, etc. because I haven’t had those products on their own enough to draw that type of conclusion. All I can do is give you a list of what I like and why I like it. The rest is on you.
Disclaimer – I know there is an ongoing debate regarding the cows milk is meant for cows not humans vs. dairy is good for you and gives you calcium topic, which I won’t get into. This blog post is not meant to sway you in any way. Eat what feels good for you and your body! I’m just offering some suggestions for those who are looking to try something new.
MILK ALTERNATIVES
Rice Dream
I’ve tried pretty much every dairy-free milk you can think of…cashew milk, oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, flax seed milk…the list goes on and on. However, out of all of the non-dairy milks, hands down, rice milk is, and always will be, my favorite. I grew up drinking and cooking with this milk. I would have it in cereal, oatmeal, use it when baking or even just drink a glass by itself. If you’ve ever tried horchata, I think you’ll understand why rice milk has my heart. Specifically, my favorite brand is Rice Dream. It’s been around for a while and for good reason. It’s so versatile in the sense that you can drink it or use it in pretty much anything you cook. I’ve seen Rice Dream in several grocery stores, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding it in your area. Try out this OG brand, you won’t regret it.
Why should I buy?
- 99% fat free
- gluten free
- Certified Organic
- Easy to digest
- Lactose, dairy and cholesterol free
- Non-GMO Project verified
Califia Farms
I love this brand, not only because of their strong commitment and dedication to bettering the planet, but also because of the quality of their products. Califia, in my opinion has the best oat milk on the market. They even have a barista blend that foams and blends so well that the most novice of coffee makers will feel like an advanced barista. Califia also offers a wide variety of plant milks, creamers, cold brew coffee and more. Check it out – you can’t go wrong with this one.
Why should I buy?
- mission driven – commitment to creativity, abundance, diversity and better living for all
- 100% plant-based
- non-GMO
- carrageenan-free
- gluten-free
- made with no artificial ingredients
BUTTER ALTERNATIVES
Earth Balance
I grew up with this brand of butter and it has been a staple in my fridge throughout my whole life. If you’re on the lookout for buttery spreads or sticks, look no further. Earth Balance fulfills all your carb cravings!
Why should I buy?
- vegan
- plant-based
- non-GMO
- expeller-pressed
YOGURT ALTERNATIVES
The Coconut Collaborative
There are lots of non-dairy yogurts that taste great, yet they are completely loaded down with sugar! I attended a fitness event a few weeks ago that offered coconut milk-based yogurt and once I tried it, I knew it would instantly become my new favorite. The consistency is so light and fluffy, like whipped cream. If you add a little honey and/or fruit to it, it’s absolutely delicious. I usually get the vanilla flavor, but they have plain and other fruit flavors available, with little-to-no sugar! You can find this brand at Whole Foods or Erewhon. It’s a relatively new brand on the market, but I know it will expand soon. Give it a try, I promise you’ll love it.
Additionally, if you have a sweet tooth like me and don’t necessarily want yogurt, this brand also has dessert pudding pots, like mini ganaches, available as well. Low sugar, low carb! The proportion is small, yet satisfying and again, you can’t beat the creamy, whipped, smooth texture. Check it out!
Why should I buy?
- gluten free
- low in sugar
Culina
I am on a long complicated journey with healing and strengthening my gut health, and this cultured probiotic yogurt is just what the doctor ordered. This yogurt is so thick, creamy and full of flavor. I love the bourbon vanilla the best but they have a variety of flavors that will appeal to any taste palette. If you want a yogurt that is tummy friendly, Culina is the one for you.
Why should I buy?
- woman owned
- dairy free
- super probiotic
- low sugar
- vegan
- paleo
Coyo
Another plant power probiotic yogurt to put on your radar is Coyo. The texture like whipped mousse and it just melts in your mouth. I’m simple and go for the vanilla bean flavor, but you can’t go wrong with any of their selections.
Why should I buy?
- vegan
- gluten free
- preservative free
- live cultures
- gum free
- non-GMO
- soy free
- kosher
Forager Project
I know cashew milk may sound intimidating (trust me, I was hesitant too)… but after taking the plunge and using a variety of cashew based pasta sauces, I was hooked. I couldn’t contain my excitement when I discovered Forager Project. Their cashewmilk yogurt it deliciously sweet and, dare I say, dessert-worthy? This yogurt also includes live probiotics so if that doesn’t add another level of attractiveness to this alternative then I don’t know what will. My friends who usually eat dairy have told me that this brand replicates real yogurt so well that they couldn’t believe it wasn’t dairy. Impressive. Give it a try!
Why should I buy?
- family-owned
- USDA organic, ethically sourced
- naturally fermented
- soy free
- gluten free
- kosher
- vegan
DESSERT ALTERNATIVES
Nada Moo
This coconut based ice cream is one of my favorites. It’s so indulgent, creamy and downright delicious. My top flavors are: birthday cake cookie dough, maple pecan and cookies & crème. You have to try it.
Why should I buy?
- organic
- vegan
- sustainably made
So Delicious
As I said before, I have a major sweet tooth, but I have to be careful with the types of desserts I indulge in because my skin is sensitive to sugar and dairy. I love my pastries, pies, cookies and cakes just as much as the next person, but if I want a nice frozen treat, the So Delicious brand is my go-to. In addition to frozen desserts, they also have creamers, beverages, yogurt and more, made from a variety of non-dairy milk bases. This brand, like Rice Dream, has also been around for years. I usually get their frozen desserts, but I encourage you to try all of their products because it’s a great dairy-free brand overall.
Why should I buy?
- Non-GMO project certified
- USDA organic
- B Corp certified
- gluten-free
- vegan
- kosher
- organically grown
This post was short and sweet, but I hope it was helpful, especially for those who are trying to lower their dairy intake or who don’t eat dairy and need some recommendations. If I come across any other alternatives that are worthwhile, I’ll be sure to add them to this post. I’m still on the lookout for a nice cheese alternative (the one’s I’ve tried are too salty or just don’t taste good), but in terms of milk, butter, yogurt and dessert, the brands I’ve listed in this post are the winners in those categories. If you try any of these brands out, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts! Sharing is caring, as I always say, so if you find a nondairy option that you personally can’t live without, drop your recommendations in the comments as well.
