Giving up on dairy… and our favorite dairy alternatives
There are many reasons why people choose to consume dairy alternatives,
many of which are related to health.
Are you considering cutting back or eliminating dairy from your diet? Science has proven that it isn’t the “healthy food group” we were led to believe. Can you make it through the day without a milk shake, coffee creamer, cheese??? Yes, you can because each of those products have a super tasty alternative nowadays. In some cases, you won’t believe it isn’t dairy.
Here are some health related reasons to give up dairy products.
1. Lactose Intolerance: Lactose intolerance is a common digestive disorder where the body is unable to fully digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Symptoms can range from bloating and gas to diarrhea. Dairy alternatives are naturally lactose-free, making them a great option for those with this condition.
2. Milk Allergy: Some people have a milk allergy, where their immune system reacts negatively to proteins in milk. This is different from lactose intolerance and can cause severe symptoms, even anaphylaxis. Dairy-free alternatives pose no risk to people with a milk allergy.
3. Reduced Saturated Fat and Cholesterol: Many plant-based milk alternatives are lower in saturated fat and cholesterol compared to whole dairy milk, which can be beneficial for heart health. However, it's important to check the nutrition labels, as not all alternatives are created equal.
4. Veganism or Vegetarianism: For those who choose to follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, whether for ethical, environmental, or health reasons, dairy alternatives are an essential part of their diet.
5. Caloric Intake: Some dairy alternatives, like almond milk, are lower in calories compared to dairy milk, making them a popular choice for those watching their caloric intake.
6. Digestive Health: Some plant-based dairy alternatives like soy milk and almond milk contain fiber, which can help support digestive health. Dairy milk does not contain any fiber.
7. Hormone Concerns: Dairy milk can contain hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which some people choose to avoid. While the quantities are small and the impact on human health is still a topic of research, some people choose plant-based alternatives to avoid these hormones altogether.
Remember, it's always important to read nutrition labels. Some dairy alternatives may have added sugars or other additives, and they can also vary significantly in terms of protein content. It's important to choose a product that aligns with your specific dietary needs and goals. Being a “dairy alternative” doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s healthy.
Do it for the cows!
Dairy alternatives have come a long way in the last few years. First, all we had was soy milk, but now the options are unlimited. There is no reason NOT to give up dairy, every dairy food has a non-dairy version these days. (We included our favorites in each category.)
Milk Substitutes: There are numerous non-dairy milk alternatives on the market, including almond milk, soy milk, rice milk, oat milk, coconut milk, pea milk, and cashew milk. Our favorite is Elmurst Unsweetened Milked Cashews
Cheese Substitutes: There are also a variety of non-dairy cheeses available, including those made from nuts (like cashews), soy, and root vegetables. You won’t believe the artisanal vegan cheeses available online! In the store, our choice is Violife!
Yogurt Substitutes: Non-dairy yogurts are commonly made from soy, almonds, coconuts, oats, or peas. Siggi’s and Silk Greek Style Coconut Milk Yogurt.
Ice Cream Substitutes: There are numerous non-dairy ice creams available, often made from almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, or soy milk. Ben & Jerry’s makes great vegan ice cream! One of our favorites is So Delicious and we always have it in the freezer!
Butter Substitutes: Vegan butters are often made from a blend of oils like palm, canola, and olive. Our pick is Country Crock Plant Butter w/ Olive Oil.
Creamer Substitutes: Non-dairy creamers are made from a variety of sources including almonds, coconuts, and oats. We use Silk Almondmilk Creamer
Sour Cream and Cream Cheese Substitutes: There are also non-dairy versions of these products made from ingredients like cashews or tofu. Try Treeline or Violife.
“It took me 10 days to drop my cholesterol. I lost 8lb, my blood pressure came down. In 10 days my skin cleared up and my breathing was right.”
Some of our favorite dairy alternative brands we haven’t yet mentioned…
Miyoko's Creamery
Best known products: Vegan Cheese Wheels, Vegan Butter, Vegan Mozz.
Miyoko's Creamery is known for their artisan vegan dairy products. They've gained a reputation for creating some of the best plant-based cheeses and butters on the market. Their products are cashew-based and are designed to capture the rich flavors of traditional European dairy products. They've been praised for their commitment to organic ingredients and environmental sustainability.
Oatly
Best known products: Oatly Oat Milk, Oatly Ice Cream, Oatly Yogurt.
Oatly is a Swedish company known for their dairy alternatives made from oats. Their oat milk has gained popularity for its creamy texture and taste, and is a preferred alternative for coffee shops.
Go non-dairy for 30 days and see how you feel? I bet that you feel better than you thought you would and you’ll realize that dairy isn’t all it’s cracked up to be…we don’t need to drink another mammals milk, it doesn’t even make sense that it WOULD be good for us. Do yourself, me, the cows and the plant a favor and ditch dairy!
Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post on how giving up dairy matters for animal rights!