A couple of years ago I let go of cow’s milk as a part of my diet, for a variety of reasons. Mostly because the more I learned about dairy, the less I wanted it to be in my body. I felt so amazing without it, and I always recommend people reduce the amount they consume (or get off of it completely) for dramatic improvements in weight loss, digestion, skin problems, reproductive issues, low energy and allergies, just to name a few. When people think about giving up dairy, they usually have a panic attack – life without milk, cheese and ice cream!? Well, fear not, my milk-guzzling friends. Fortunately for you, there are some fantastic alternatives for people who want to reduce or eliminate dairy, and without filling up on processed soy products. Here, I give you my favorite milk, cheese and ice cream substitutes. All of these products are 100% dairy free, 100% soy free and 100% yummy.
Favorite MILK substitute:
So Delicious Coconut Milk
This organic coconut milk is amazing if you’re looking for something to add creaminess to your coffee or tea, or to add to cereal, smoothies, or any recipe that calls for milk. I buy the unsweetened kind and I suggest you do the same. The regular and vanilla flavors are sweetened with evaporated cane juice (another name for sugar). Go with the green carton!
Favorite CHEESE substitute:
Daiya Cheese
Non-dairy cheeses are usually gross and waxy tasting. I’ve tried many, and Daiya is the first cheese out there that is dairy free, soy free and also incredibly delicious. I kid you not, this cheese melts just like regular cheese. It’s made from plant ingredients and it’s perfect for things like pizza, quesadillas, and even grilled cheese! I made my family grilled Daiya sandwiches on Christmas Eve last year and they couldn’t even tell the difference. Seriously!
Favorite ICE CREAM substitute:
Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss
It’s time to get rid of the cow’s milk ice cream – especially those low-fat substitutes that are pumped full of chemicals and refined sweeteners. Ick!! If you want a cold, sweet, creamy treat that’s dairy free and made with all organic ingredients, you must RUN, not walk, to your nearest health food store and pick up a pint of Coconut Bliss. It is my go-to treat when a sweet craving strikes. With flavors like Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mint Galactica, Dark Chocolate, Cappuccino and Vanilla, you’ll never miss the cow cream. :)
Ever try a dairy substitute that you loved? Hated?
Val says
one of many, great articles!! I would love to see more on the cow’s milk topic. I’ve been considering cutting it out because of my asthma but it would be such a HUGE lifestyle change that I’ve been reluctant. If I knew other ways it was bad, I could probably make the leap or at least severely reduce. I really do love this site. There’s so much information on the web. It is really nice to have a great reliable place to get information about how to not put crap in my body! THANK YOU!
Barbi Jaycox says
Went out and bought the So Delicious coconut milk today. I was pleasantly surprised! It’s the first thing I’ve tried that I could picture myself using in place of milk. I tend to stay away from soy and the Almond milk was a little to thick and nutty for me. I liked this! Love you :)
Alyssa Weldon says
These are my favorite dairy alternatives too :)
Karen Teeling says
I’m sooooooo tempted to try Turtle Mountain’s So Delicious Coffee Creamer, but I know that there is Titanium Dioxide and Dipotassium Phosophate in the product. Do you know what they do and how much will give me three-headed babies? Thank you USDA for making it so damn difficult to go dairy free without the worry of chemicals.