Being intolerant to cow’s milk has led me to look for an alternative to include to my daily diet that would not upset my stomach but would also please me in taste. So, I did a little research about the three most common non-dairy milks and started exploring plant-based milk alternatives. Those were soy, almond and coconut milk.
These are all popular dairy-free alternatives to regular cow’s milk. Here are some key differences between the three to consider:
- Source: Soy milk is derived from soybeans, almond milk is made from almonds, and coconut milk is made from the grated flesh of mature coconuts.
- Flavor: Soy milk has a slightly nutty and creamy taste, almond milk has a mild, nutty flavor, and coconut milk has a rich and sweet coconut taste.
- Nutrition: All three milk alternatives vary in their nutritional content. Soy milk is high in protein and often fortified with nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. Almond milk is low in calories but generally contains less protein and calcium. Coconut milk is higher in calories and saturated fats, but it contains beneficial nutrients like lauric acid.
- Consistency: Soy milk has a thicker consistency than almond and coconut milk, which are both more watery.
- Allergies: Soy milk is not suitable for people with soy allergies, while almond milk is not suitable for those with almond allergies. Coconut milk may not be suitable for individuals with coconut allergies.
- Cooking: All three milk alternatives can be used in many recipes as substitutes for cow’s milk. Soy and almond milk are often used in baking, while coconut milk is commonly used in Thai and Indian cuisines.
I have concluded that my personal preference is almond milk. The taste of roasted almonds, the slight sweetness- not as much as the coconut though which I disliked- left a pleasant aftertaste in my mouth, mostly after having coffee with almond milk added in it. It was very pleasant to me and I enjoyed it widely. Now, it’s always in my fridge and I can’t do without.
I also made a few experiments adding it on desserts or certain foods as an alternative and I can assure you that most of the times I couldn’t tell the difference. You should definitely try it and it will upgrade your desserts in terms of low calorie and healthy eating. Besides, there are several reasons why you should taste new things:
Variety: Trying new things introduces you to different flavors, textures, and aromas that can add excitement and diversity to your meals. It prevents your taste buds from getting bored and adds more options to your repertoire.
Health benefits: Many foods have different nutritional profiles and health benefits. Trying new foods can help you discover new options that are both nutritious and delicious. It can also help you find substitutes for less healthy ingredients, expanding your options for a well-balanced diet and non-dairy milk is something that can assure that.
In summary, tasting new things can bring excitement, health benefits, and social connections into your life. It is a simple yet effective way to broaden your horizons and make life more vibrant and fulfilling.
Some interesting and easy recipes that are worth trying to make are:
- Almond milk chocolate pudding
- Almond milk berry smoothie bowl
- Almond milk vanilla ice cream
- Almond milk banana bread
- Almond milk rice pudding
- Almond milk fruit parfaits
- Almond milk chia seed pudding
- Almond milk sweet potato pie
- Almond milk cinnamon rolls
After all being intolerant doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying certain kind of foods and fortunately nowadays there are a few substitutes that are all tasteful and easy to reach.
