The Best Non-Dairy Milk

I just simply can’t get the smoothness, flavor and sheer satisfaction I experience with each cup of non-dairy milk either through a drink, on cereal or in my favorite meal quick preparation like making pancakes and smoothies. 

Who would have thought after growing up to learn of cows milk practically being the only source of nutrients for true calcium would have been uprooted by plant based mills that not only are better for your health but all share even higher proportions of calcium absorbed within the body.

It’s quite possible that you would have had the belief that the only non-dairy milk that exists is almond milk as a lot of people are familiar with this vegan milk on the market. 

Other amazing tasting milk brands I have tried include oat, cashew and soy. 

Here is a quick comparison of the expressed non-dairy milk encapsulated within my experience. 

Taste

Almond milk is known for its nutty flavor while oats milk is milder on the taste buds while offering an irresistibly sweet yet mild taste. Cashew milk has the richest creamy taste while maintaining modest sweetness and soy milk maintains a consistent nut-bean taste. 

Texture

Oat milk can often relate to whole milk as it is creamy and silky with a thickish texture.  Almond milk has a thinner, watery consistency compared to cashew which is creamier in texture. Soy milk is also creamy but thicker than almond milk. 

Nutritional value

Oat milk has a great source of fiber, calcium, and vitamin D while Almond milk has a higher source of vitamin E . Cashew milk is saturated with healthy fats, vitamins E, and K, while still being low in calories. Soy milk however is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D.

Disclaimers

Individuals with nut allergies should avoid almond and cashew milk. Soy milk, though without nuts, is still a common allergen for some people, while oat milk is generally more tolerable for persons with nut, soy, dairy allergies.

It’s also important to note the long heated debate of whether soy is  good for you. Based on research soy is said to have high levels of estrogen. Thus it is necessary to consume tofu in smaller chunks  at a time. 

In terms of cost, oat milk is considered the most sustainable of the four types of milk as it can easily be made from the comfort of your home. Oat milk is also less taxing on the environment because the amount of water required is way less than that necessary for cashew. Cashew surely creates a greater dent in the environment as it relates to to the amount of water necessary to grow them. 

Not to say almond, soy and cashew milk cannot be made at home but it requires more ingredients to be stabilized to give the desired taste and value. 

Almond milk in terms of making it from home, would be the next practical milk like oats. Oats and Almond milk are the simpler of the four mills being discussed. 

Final Thoughts 

Though all non-dairy milks discussed are different, they have one thing in common: they are all vegan and filled with amazing nutrients that keep undesirable allergies at bay. 

Remember that though soy milk is superb in taste and nutrients, moderation in its consumption is key to keeping estrogen levels in the body at healthy levels. 

As we seek to care for our environment, it’s also great to consider an increased consumption of oat milk, which requires less water for its overall production.