Confused about the plethora of non-dairy milks? Here’s our guide to the alternatives...
Milk. Mylk. M*lk... no matter how you spell it, there’s no denying that plant-based milk options are on the rise. Whether it’s down to animal welfare considerations or health implications, a growing number of Brits are turning to nondairy drinks for everything from their morning cuppa, to cooking. The rise in popularity means we can now get our hands on everything from oat, soya, and rice milks, to almond, coconut, and even hemp. But with such an overwhelming number of options, it can be a bit mind-boggling as you try to choose which one to go for. Plus, not all plant milks are created equal. Don’t worry, though, we’re here to help you decide which is best for you, your dietary requirements, and whatever you plan to use it for.
THE PLANT-BASED REVOLUTION
Gone are the days when vegan milk was limited to soya. Today, we seem to be having some kind of milk movement, and it’s led to a surge in the visibility and availability of non-dairy drinks. Now, we have access to a variety of options, from supermarket shelves to high-street coffee chains. A recent survey by Mintel showed that 23% of Brits used plant-based alternatives in the first three months of the year, up from just 19% during the same period in 2018. But despite the growing use, these are still not quite used in the same way as cow’s milk, with only 25% of consumers using them in cooking, and 42% using them in hot drinks.
Whether you’re slowly swapping out dairy milk, or already have a stash of plant-based varieties to hand, it can be tricky knowing which milk alternative works best for specific purposes. The good news is that most vegan versions can easily replace traditional milk, but keep in mind that flavours and textures differ amongst plant-based drinks. So, which one is best for you?
SOYA MILK
Essentially, soya milk is made by soaking and grinding soya beans. It’s a great source of vegan protein, and is low in fat, sugar, and carbohydrates. Many store-bought varieties will also be fortified with added nutrients such as B12, vitamin D, and calcium, but be careful as these may also contain unnecessary sweeteners and additives to thicken the drink, or increase its shelf life, as is the case with many packaged plant milks.
Rich and creamy, soya milk is perhaps the closest alternative to cow’s milk, and one of the best options in terms of cooking. Typically, you can use it to replace whole dairy milk in most recipes, whether it’s a
