How to Use Milk Alternatives

There are many reasons why a person may not be able to consume dairy products or may simply choose not to. 

Humans have not always been able to digest lactose. It is only due to a small mutation that occurred in our genes thousands of years ago that we are able to enjoy milk, cheese, butter, yoghurt, and other similar food sources today. However, some people do not possess this mutation, meaning that dairy consumption leads to a range of unpleasant side effects, including bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

On the flip side of the coin, some individuals who can consume lactose choose not to. This can be for dietary reasons or due to the significant impact that the dairy industry has on our environment. On average, a single cow can produce up to 120kg of methane per year, which has a substantial effect on the climate. Opting to enjoy a milk alternative is a great decision you can make to reduce your carbon footprint.

 

These days we are incredibly lucky in the vast amount of milk alternative options there are available. Whatsmore, they are very reasonably priced and are filled with a range of added vitamins and minerals, to ensure you are getting all the nutrients you require. 

Popular milk alternatives include:

Soy milk is one of the oldest and most widely consumed types of non-dairy milk alternatives. To make soy milk, soybeans are soaked in water, ground, boiled, and filtered. Soymilk contains all nine essential amino acids, meaning it is an excellent source of protein. Drinking soy milk is also a great way to get some healthy fats into your diet. 

Almond milk is another popular milk alternative that is made from almond pulp. It is naturally rich in vitamin E and usually contains added nutrients, including vitamin D, calcium, and protein.

Oat milk is a relatively new type of non dairy milk, having only been invented in the 1990s. Nevertheless, it is quickly becoming a favourite choice of those who are looking for milk alternatives that taste great and contain all the essential vitamins and nutrients. Oat milk is low in saturated fat and is cholesterol free, meaning it’s a good option for people concerned about their heart health.

Generally speaking, milk alternatives can be simply substituted for dairy milk. However, there are a few important factors to keep in mind if you are wanting to get the best out of your new dietary choice:

Taste: Milk alternatives do have a distinct, unique taste, which can take some getting used to. Whether you opt for soy, almond, oat, or any other type of non-dairy alternative, this taste is not going to be unpleasant. But if you’re using the milk to cook something light in texture and flavour — a vanilla cake, for instance — it might be worth taking your time to pick the right alternative.

Nutritional content: Milk alternatives tend to have a different nutritional makeup to their dairy counterparts. If you are concerned about your calcium and protein intake, it would be wise to speak to a nutritionist before making significant changes to your diet.

Use: What role is your milk product playing in your meal or drink? Take coffee, for example. Different non-dairy milk products have different boiling temperatures, and it can be difficult to get certain milk alternatives to froth. If you’re looking at heating or freezing your milk product, make sure you understand how it will react.

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