Best Milk Alternatives
Milk Substitutes
The Plant-Based Milk Market is continuing to soar, with a recent study show that 1 in 3 Brits are consuming it. Now, it's transformed into an industry that's turning over £400million a year.
Plant-based milk is becoming more accessible and is now super easy to find in your local supermarket with plenty of options - almost too many options. So we've created a guide to the Best Milk Alternatives to help those who wish to transition into drinking more plant-based milk.
Why are People Making the Switch?
For the Environment
Dairy farming has a huge impact on the environment. Dairy cows and their manure produces greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change.
In terms of carbon emissions, almond, oat and soy are all responsible for around a third less of the emissions dairy milk puts out, with almond milk the lowest of the bunch.
Overall land use shows an even more dramatic split, with nine square metres of land needed to produce just a litre of dairy milk, compared with less than a one square metre for plant-based milk.
Almond milk is known to use up a substantial amount water, however it still takes less water to produce than dairy milk needing on average 371 litres of water per litre of almond milk produced, compared to dairy milk needing 628 litres.
For the Animals
Not only does the dairy industry negatively impact the environment, there is evidence that the industry contributes to the mistreatment of animals.
Ed Winters, Vegan Activist and Researcher, said: "Like all mammals, dairy cows only produce milk when they are pregnant or have recently given birth. The milk these mothers make is for their babies to drink and it is not natural to take milk from another species".
There are other studies and investigations on dairy farms that evidences mistreatment of dairy cows, including separating mothers from their calves shortly after giving birth, painful mutilations and brutal executions.
Not only that, but studies have shown that dairy products are the top sources of saturated fat which can contribute to heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other conditions. Dairy has also been linked to various cancers, in particular breast and prostate.
It Tastes So Good!
It takes some time to find the perfect plant-based milk for you, as nowadays there's an abundance of choice! But worry not, plant-based milk is extremely close to the real deal and works perfectly in cereal, coffee, tea or whatever you would add milk to.
Top Tip: Leading Plant Milk Brands sell 'Barista' versions of their milk alternatives - these work the best in your coffee, just be sure to shake well before pouring.
1. Oat Milk
While general sales of Plant-Based Milk is on the rise, it's Oat Milk that is taking the top spot after sales of Oat Milk have doubled since 2020.
Oat Milk is made by combining oats and water - it's naturally sweet, boasts extra fibre and is full of nutrients!
At The Skinny Food Co we sell the Minor Figures Oat Milk, barista standard and 100% dairy free.
2. Almond Milk
Almond is a tasty non-dairy alternative to milk, and is made by soaking almonds in water and then blending and straining away the solids. Almond milk has a more nuttier taste than other plant-based milks.
Almond milk is low in calories and much lower in carbs than cow's milk, making it a great choice if you're opting for a lower carb diet.
You can find lots of different branded Almond Milk in your local supermarket.
3. Dairy Free Creamers
Our Dairy Free Creamers are a great milk alternative which also includes flavourings and sweeteners, so there's no need to add any sugar.
Our Creamers can be enjoyed in coffee, tea, smoothies, porridge, desserts and other drinks. We are proud to say that all our Vegan Creamers are completely dairy free, gluten free, fat free, sugar free, low calorie and cruelty free.
Available in Original, Caramel, Mocha, Vanilla and Hazelnut flavours.
4. Soy Milk
Nutritionally, Soy Milk comes closest to cow's milk. The soybeans used are a good source of protein and it is fortified to a nutritional profile which closely resembles that of milk.
Soy Milk is a great source of protein, with 3.4g per 100ml for soy VS 3.5g per 100ml of cow's milk.
You can find lots of different branded Soy Milk in your local supermarket.
5. Coconut Milk
Coconut Milk is squeezed from the white flesh of the coconut and is blended with water to give it a milk consistency. It's a great non-dairy milk alternative which is completely nut free and has a distinctive coconut taste.
Many brands have fortified their Coconut Milk with certain nutrients, however it is slightly higher in fat than other plant milks. However, coconut is linked to some heart health benefits too.
You can find lots of different branded Coconut Milk in your local supermarket.
Shop our Barista Collection today!
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