'Udder' milks - a guide to alternatives
Image courtesy of veganfoodandliving.com
The new year is the most popular time to embark on a wellness cleanse and one of the trendiest cleanse many people try is 'Veganuary'. If like many, you're struggling to find the perfect alternative milk for your crucial morning tea or coffee, the good news is, someone else has already tried them for you.
Dairy-free milk sales increased by 30% in UK between 2015 – 17. The variety in products are becoming a lot more accessible, with large ranges available in supermarkets and research has shown as that going dairy free is better for us and for the environment. When you’re starting out, it can be difficult finding the perfect milk alternative, so I’ve compiled a list of top 3 best, and worst, dairy free milks and where they’re best used.
It can’t hurt to try, and you never know, you might prefer it.
TOP MILKS:
Oatly Long-life Drink
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This is a delightful addition to your teas and coffees, giving them a creamy taste. Previously, I was a sceptic about this being the best milk, but I have been cow-verted. When baking this is my preferred milk. This milk has also made the University of Kent library coffee salvageable, which is near impossible.
Alpro Almond Long-life Milk
Image courtesy of thevegankindsupermarket.com
With a slightly nutty taste, Alpro has created a lovely treat for hot beverages and in cereals. It adds a new element to your food and don’t worry if you hate almonds because the almond taste is not too overwhelming.
Alpro Soya Long-life
Image courtesy of alpro.com
Similar to almond milk, soya milk adds another dimension to your dishes but is also great in smoothies. Out of all the milk options, I find it works better in curries, pastas, and recipes where milk is needed in the process.
ONES TO AVOID:
Alpro Coconut
Image courtesy of alpro.com
While the taste of coconut is a positive aspect (depending on personal preference), the milk itself is rather weak and you would need half a carton just to make a cup of tea. Non-dairy milks are typically more expensive, and you would be better off saving your money from this purchase.
Tesco Soya Milk
Image courtesy of tesco.com
Typically, Tesco brand products are a money saving bargain, unfortunately, that is not the situation in this circumstance. The milk is not horrible, however, it has a stronger soya taste which can negatively impact what you add it to. It’s also very thin and requires a lot of the carton to make any difference. (It should be considered that this is a lot cheaper than other non-dairy milks, credit where it is due).
If you’re sceptical about committing to buying a whole carton of milk, it’s worth popping into a cafe and asking if they’ll let you taste small amounts before you decide what to order.
