Updated 12/10/24
August is national plant milk month. There are many reasons people seek alternatives to dairy. Some develop an allergy to it since it is made for calves, are lactose intolerant, or are concerned about bone health. Studies have found that countries who consume a lot of dairy have higher rates of osteoporosis and brittle bones that break easily. Although there are marketing claims that dairy is a good source of calcium, it is actually acidic for the body causing it to lose calcium from bones to neutralize the pH to become alkaline. We are not made for cow’s milk, and some people want to avoid the sugar.
Plant milk can be made fresh, especially with the help of a high-powered blender and a nut bag or better yet, an appliance that does the straining of the pulp for you. You can create your own blend of nuts, seeds, grains, legumes (pea, which is high in phosphorous, zinc, and selenium), or even out of the latest rage, potato milk! You can use healthy sweeteners with no calories such as stevia or monk fruit, or dates (a good source of minerals and fiber), honey, and add vanilla for flavoring.
Store bought plant milk may be convenient, but some add sugar, stabilizers (gums) or emulsifiers which lowers its healthiness. Be sure to read labels. Some of the healthier plant milks may only be found online. You can try asking your store if they can carry them. When buying oats or oat milks, make sure they are gluten-free and glyphosate-free. Also note some brands will have a simple or basic blend that are healthy, and their other blends in their line may have additives you want to avoid.
Healthier Plant Milk choices
Organic
Califi Organic Milks: Vanilla Almondmilk, Coconut, Oat
Mooala Organic Simple: Almond Milk and Oat Milk
Almond Malk, Organic
Willa’s Oat M!lk, original, which is higher in protein and fiber
Non-GMO
Elmhurst 1925 has 4 times the nuts for higher protein, is gluten & glyphosate-free: coconut cashew, almond, cashew, hazelnut, milked oats, and walnut
Three Trees Organic Oatmilk with gluten-free oats, sunflower & pumpkin seeds, flaxseed
WhatIF Foods Bamnut Milk, with Bambara nuts (legume in the peanut family), coconut oil, and is fortified.
Since plant milks are lower in protein, I like to add a plant-based protein smoothie drink mix in chocolate and vanilla called Complete* that is certified to be pure (many protein drink mixes have heavy metal contaminants), with a perfect score of digestibility that is high fiber, low glycemic that helps me feel satiated all morning. I will blend in fresh greens and fruit for a breakfast for champions, or have as a great post work out recovery, or afternoon snack!
If you would like to avoid any additives such as processed sugar, guar gums, seed oils, preservatives/pasteurization, or be creative with recipes, you can buy your own plant milk maker! Buying organic or GMO free ingredients in bulk, create your own recipes (I like to make coconut/tiger nut milk with hemp, and dates as a sweetener). You can always have some fresh on hand, or make as you need!
Disclosure: This contains an affiliate link. If you purchase through my link, I receive a small commission, but it will not affect your purchase price. I only recommend what I have researched, love and what I use and recommend to all my friends.
Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8
SINCE 1979