Why Should You Choose Alternative Milks?
Gone are the days when cow’s milk was the only thing you could grab in the milk aisle. Alternative milks have arguably become the most popular option in recent years.
If you’ve ever heard someone order a ‘half oat, half soy decaf’, yes,there's a method to the move.
Many are swapping out their dairy for a healthier plant-based alternative, and with the nutritional, health and ethical benefits, it’s clear why people are making the switch.
That’s right, alt milks are healthy for you and the planet!
In this article, we’ll look at what some alternative milks are made from and why you should choose alternative milks for your morning latte or breakfast cereal.
Hello, Nutrients!
People who are trying to live a healthier lifestyle, clean up their diet, or lose weight may turn to a plant-based milk alternative.
Alternative milks such as almond milk and oat milk are typically lower in saturated fat compared to dairy milk. A diet high in saturated fat has been linked to an increased risk of certain health conditions like heart disease—yikes!
That’s why choosing alternative milks that are lower in saturated fat can help you reduce your overall intake and, in-turn reduce the risk of such health conditions.
With this in mind, are alternative milks lower in calories?
Yes and no. Not all plant-based milks are lower in calories than dairy milk.
This will depend on the type of alt milk, the brand, and the ingredients. Any added sweeteners or flavourings could bump up the calorie count.
So, if weight loss is your goal, you’ll want to look at the nutritional information on the back of the product.
You may just find that your favourite chocolate flavoured soy milk isn’t as low in calories as you thought.
The takeaway: Read the fine print.
The good news is that while alternative milks may not necessarily be lower in calories and better for your waistline, they are usually a nutritional powerhouse—higher in the vitamins and minerals our bodies thrive on.
Coconut milk, for example, with its delicious flavour and creamy texture, is loaded with healthy fats and vitamins B12, D, and A.
Vegans and The Lactose-Intolerant—This One’s For You
No more sipping on long blacks! For allergy sufferers and vegans alike, alt milks are the best thing since sliced bread.
Whether you’re allergic to dairy, have lactose intolerance or have made an ethical lifestyle choice, alt milks are the perfect substitute.
If you often feel uneasy or bloated after having dairy milk, you should definitely consider cutting it out of your diet.
Better digestion, good gut health, and totally plant-based—it’s no wonder we’re going nuts (pun very much intended) raving about why you should choose alt milks.
Better for The Planet
Compared to plant-based milks, did you know that dairy milk causes around three times as many greenhouse gas emissions, uses around ten times as much land, and two to twenty times as much freshwater?
Totally mind blown? Us too.
Your environmental footprint and your diet go hand in hand. So, if you’re looking at why you should choose alternative milks, being more eco-friendly is a great motivation.
But which alternative milk is best for the environment?
It’s difficult to say because it’s really determined by your personal beliefs, preferences, and what you care the most about.
For example, almond milk has lower greenhouse gas emissions and uses less land than soy milk, but it requires more water.
You’ll have peace of mind knowing that no matter which alternative milk you choose, it will ultimately have a lower impact on the environment than dairy.
Spoilt for Choice: What is the Most Popular Alternative Milk?
Which alt milks are the healthiest, and which are the most popular?
Take a trip down to your local supermarket, and you’ll find the milk aisle overflowing with options. Almond, macadamia, hemp, soy—you name it.
With so many alternative milk options to choose from, we understand why it can be hard to know which one to go with.
Here’s the lowdown on a few of the most popular alt milks you’ll see on the shelves:
- Almond Milk
Low in calories and high in vitamin E. This one definitely takes the cake for most popular amongst consumers.
Whether it’s in your coffee or used in your cooking, you’ll notice its slight nutty flavour.
So if you like nuts, there's a perfect reason why you should choose this alternative milk!
- Oat Milk
The second most popular alternative milk is oat milk.
If you love the taste of dairy milk but want to make the switch to an alt milk, you’ll want to give this a try!
Fun fact: Oat milk can save up to 73% of carbon dioxide emissions, and oats are a sustainable crop that aren’t linked to deforestation or an excessive need for water.
- Soy Milk
Made from soybeans, this is another fan favourite among many.
Soy milk is very versatile and can be used in pretty much anything. In your favourite brownie recipe, in your morning coffee, in your homemade face mask (yeah, seriously!)
It’s a good source of protein and calcium, unlike some other milk alternatives, and is naturally free of cholesterol and low in saturated fats. That’s a winner in our book.
- Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is made by grating fresh coconut flesh and then mixing that with water.
High in healthy fats, good for your hair and skin, with anti-inflammatory properties—what’s not to love?
How to Choose the Right Milk Alternative for You
Trying to lose weight? Cashew, almond, hemp, soy and coconut milk seem to be some of the best milk alternatives for weight loss due to their low calories and saturated fats.
Those with lactose intolerance may benefit from replacing their dairy milk with soy, almond and rice milk.
Choosing the right alt milk all comes down to personal preference, nutritional needs and dietary requirements.
So, Why Should You Choose Alternative Milks?
Better for you and the planet, plant-based milks have so many nutritional, health and ethical benefits.
Whether you’re looking to lose weight, have a dairy allergy or are dedicated to a vegan lifestyle, these are all great reasons why you should choose alternative milks.
Explore iPantry’s range of alternative milk products to find the perfect option for you and your needs.
We’re not milking it—order today and experience all the benefits firsthand.
