Affordable dairy-free products -
Looking at you, cheese. While a variety of cheeses that are made for vegans have hit the market, not every brand has perfected the exact taste and texture of dairy-free or plant-based cheese—but some have come pretty darn close. Meet the expert: Stephanie Wells, RDN, is the owner of Thyme to Go Vegan Nutrition Services , a private practice specializing in vegan and plant-based nutrition.
Instead, she explains that vegan cheeses are made from plant-based ingredients meant to mimic the color, flavor, and texture of dairy cheese. From coconut oil-based cheeses to nut-based cheeses to tofu as the star of the show, our team put more than 80 different cheese-less cheeses through the wringer, errr, grater.
The results are in and these are 15 of the best dairy-free, plant-based vegan cheeses we could find. If you love nacho cheese for your tortilla chips then Wells recommends this option. Consider them the vegan answer to your Kraft Singles dreams. This one-of-a-kind wedge from Violife is a must-have for anyone who's dairy-free but misses the fresh sprinkle of parm on pasta and other eats.
In addition to being gluten-free and nut- and soy-free , this pick doesn't use any preservatives and has a crumbly texture that feels like the real deal. Frankly, WH 's testers were hard to impress when it came to cheddar-style vegan shredded cheese.
With its almost-neon color, this cheese turned a few heads on looks alone, and turned out to be a crowd-pleaser, thanks to its salty and truly cheesy taste. Whether you're craving comfort food like lasagna or just need a little creaminess in your life, this nut-free ricotta alternative really delivers on taste.
Its blend of oils, tofu, and soy protein gives it an impressively legit ricotta texture for a dairy-free cheese. This cashew-based vegan cheese has fancy vibes, a simple, clean ingredient list, and is loaded with garlic herb flavor. It's a great pick for vegan cheese boards and easy to spread on anything from crusty bread to veggies.
This plant-based queso is super creamy and makes a delicious dip for everything from crackers, to tortilla chips, to sliced veggies. Plus, it's one of the cleanest products in the game and boasts a seriously impressive and simple ingredient list.
With cauliflower as ingredient numero-uno, it's a pick you can truly feel good about. If you're missing that thick shmear of cream cheese on a bagel, look no further than this totally vegan cream cheese. The WH testers preferred flavored plant-based alternatives over plain, and this creamy and tangy almond-based spread was a hit.
The everything-but-the-bagel vibe is delicious without being too overpowering. Vegan shredded cheese has a bad rep for tasting plasticky. Of the plus options WH sampled, though, these plant-based shreds melted the most like the real thing.
They have a coconut-meets-mozzarella flavor that makes them mild and versatile, just like the OG mozz. Along with Treeline's herb-garlic flavor, their tangy scallion cashew-based spread scored big with WH 's vegan cheese testers. Made with just seven ingredients, this soft vegan cheese pairs well with dried fruit, crusty bread, and crackers.
Of the plus vegan cheeses WH tasted, this bright white block of vegan feta was the true MVP. With a melty and creamy texture and a salty, cheesy flavor that actually tasted like a cross between real feta and goat cheese , it impressed testers so much that they actually went back for seconds. Of the seven sampled, though, this tub was the best of the bunch.
Made primarily of water, oil, and soy milk powder, it has a beige color, creamy texture, and mild, slightly sweet flavor. The strong, smoky flavor of these sandwich-worthy slices scored big amongst the WH team.
While this is our overall favorite oat milk, we do recommend a few others including options from brands like Califia, Planet Oat, and more. Size: 64 ounces Allergens: None Flavor: Original. If you make savory dishes like coconut rice or curry, this nutty milk is a convenient staple to keep on hand.
Otherwise, you might find the coconut taste a bit too overbearing. This is one of those things that come down to personal preference. Ingredients-wise, this one has a medium-length ingredient list. Sometimes nutrition requires a little give and take, and this one is a good compromise.
Size: 48 ounces Allergens: Contains coconut Flavor: Not indicated. Certain non-dairy milks make for great everyday staples for their versatility, but fruit-flavored milks can be a fun way to mix things up.
Like the name suggests, this banana milk is made with bananas and only a few other ingredients. Filtered water and banana make up the base of this milk, and it also contains sunflower seeds, some added nutrients, cinnamon, and gellan gum. We can definitely see this one as a flavorful addition to smoothies, cereals, protein shakes, and even pancake batter.
To make the banana flavor less pronounced, you can try the strawberry or chocolate flavors. They have the same banana base but with real strawberries and cocoa, respectively.
These are shelf-stable at the time of purchase, so you can conveniently order them online. Size: 48 ounces Allergens: None Flavor: Original. Filtered water and cashews—these are the only ingredients in this nut milk.
A recommendation by Means, Elmhurst has quite a few types of non-dairy milks to choose from. Each one contains four or fewer ingredients, but the cashew is one of their simplest formulas with just two clean ingredients.
Size: 32 ounces Allergens: Contains cashews Flavor: Unsweetened. Another accessible pick recommended by Cehn, Pacific Foods is a go-to brand for shelf-stable products like non-dairy milks. Based on the ingredients list, this is a good pick for those with food allergies. Many non-dairy milks contain common allergens like tree nuts and soy, but this one doesn't.
The taste can be hit or miss. Opting for the sweetened or vanilla-flavored versions could make this more enjoyable. Size: 32 ounces Allergens: None Flavor: Original unsweetened. Whether for yourself or for kiddos, chocolate milk is a staple in many households.
While many brands that carry non-dairy milk also offer a chocolate version, they can lack the creaminess of traditional chocolate milk or have an artificial taste. Its other ingredients include filtered water, whole-grain oats, cacao powder, vanilla extract, and sea salt.
What it lacks in calcium, it makes up in protein. Size: 32 ounces Allergens: None Flavor: Dark chocolate. The best non-dairy milk for protein is undoubtedly soy milk, but not all soy milks are made the same.
Many contain filler ingredients like gums, oils, and carrageenan. West Life, which used to be called WestSoy, is one of the cleanest soy milks on the market.
Each serving contains a whopping 9 grams of complete plant-based protein. Each carton only contains four servings, however, so we wish it was bigger for the price. Size: 32 ounces Allergens: Contains soy Flavor: Unsweetened plain. For a non-dairy milk you can find pretty much anywhere, Silk is a sound option.
This milk gets its creaminess from a blend of almonds and cashews while pea protein adds an impressive 10 grams of protein. It comes in a large half-gallon carton, making this a great value. It provides added calcium, vitamin D, and iron yet remains lower in added sugars compared to other sweetened non-dairy milks.
Size: 64 ounces Allergens: Contains almonds and cashews Flavor: Original. Oat milk is a popular choice for good reason, and Oatly's Original Oat Milk is the leading brand among vegans and non-vegans alike for its unrivaled creaminess and ability to froth in coffee.
Non-dairy milks are made from a variety of ingredients. The first ingredient is usually water followed by the main ingredient or base. The following ingredients make for common bases in plant milks:.
Though less common, non-dairy milk can also be made from a base of hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios, flax seeds, macadamia nuts, rice, and more.
When looking at the ingredients, Newgent says the fewer is better. These have the simplest, shortest ingredient lists.
Other ingredients may be added on top of the base for flavor, sweetness, texture, or preservation. Some contain added flavors to yield vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry varieties. Gellan gum and sunflower oil are common additions for textural purposes.
Micronutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 may be added to the end of the ingredients list. The right non-dairy milk to choose can sometimes depend on how you plan on using it. Cehn keeps multiple types of non-dairy milk on hand for various uses—she uses a different one for coffee, protein shakes, and cooking, she says.
For coffee, choose a creamy non-dairy milk. Oat milk is known for adding a creamy froth to hot beverages, making Oatly popular among coffee enthusiasts. Soy milk is also tasty in coffee. You have more creative control with smoothies, however. Any non-dairy milk can be used in a smoothie, so this comes down to personal preference or selecting one that gives your breakfast or snack a boost in nutrients.
For baked goods, Newgent recommends non-dairy milks that are naturally higher in fat. For this, coconut milk is a good option. Non-dairy milks made from nuts and seeds, such as cashew milk and hemp milk, may also be richer in fats. When it comes to cooking, Cehn points out that vegan-friendly recipes often call for unsweetened plant milks.
You want the milk to add creaminess but not really lend any unwanted flavors. Product labeling can tell you a lot about a non-dairy milk.
Typically, brands will label their products with any certifications or certifications they may have relating to the ingredients, such as kosher, organic, and non-GMO.
These come in handy if you have dietary restrictions or preferences to keep in mind. For those with allergies, look for "gluten-free," "soy-free," and "nut-free" as well.
Since there are common ingredients in non-dairy milk that some people avoid, some brands label their products as free of those things. Gums, oils, and carrageenan can add smoothness and prevent separation, but not everyone includes these ingredients in their diet.
So, those people appreciate labels that declare when a product is "carrageenan-free," "gum-free," and "oil-free. For example, you might see "creamy" or "barista-style. Though it might seem obvious, "vegan" and "dairy-free" are common labels found on non-dairy milk packages. Or, lactose-free milks can be confused with milks totally free from dairy.
These labels help clear up some confusion about whether the ingredients are truly plant-based. You can opt for plain old oat milk or look for the "barista" label that some brands now offer for an even better texture.
Nut milks and soy milk also work well in coffee. Soy milk adds creaminess while coconut milk adds flavor. Almond milk is always an option for coffee, though it tends to be more watery than other options.
If you like your coffee a little sweet, opt for a sweetened non-dairy milk. Yes, non-dairy milk is suitable for baking, though some may work better than others. Baking is a good time to use sweetened and flavored non-dairy milks, Cehn says. While you can bake with non-dairy milk, Newgent adds that you may need to adjust the recipe to account for the thin consistency plant milks tend to have.
Stick to soy when baking to avoid watered down recipes, Newgent says. Once you open a shelf-stable carton of plant-based milk, it needs to be refrigerated. The packaging may also specify whether you need to use it up within a certain amount of time.
Some products should be used within seven days of opening, for example. To have more control over the ingredients, you can make your own non-dairy milk at home. There are some nut milk makers to make the job easier, but all you need to get started is a blender and nut milk bag.
To make almond milk at home , start by soaking your almonds overnight. This makes them easier to blend. Drain them the next day, and add them to a blender with some water. Blend until smooth and strain using a nut milk bag. For added flavor and sweetness, Cehn recommends experimenting with added ingredients like dates, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sea salt.
You can make other nut milks like DIY cashew milk using a similar process. Newgent recommends making pistachio milk, for example. Follow the same steps as above, but she recommends straining it twice for the best results. To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best non-dairy milks on the market, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, flavor, and price—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources.
We then used this information as well as our own knowledge and first-hand experiences to choose the items listed above. Lacey Muinos is a wellness and food writer who has been buying non-dairy milk for nearly a decade. Soy milk is her go-to non-dairy beverage for smoothies since it contains the most protein, but nothing beats the creaminess of oat milk in coffee.
Lindsay Boyers is a certified holistic nutritionist with extensive nutrition knowledge and food and beverage-testing experience.
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Like olive oil and avocado oil, coconut oil is also offered in a convenient spray for all your dairy-free non-stick needs. This may sound strange, but stick with me. Avocados can totally elevate your dairy-free eating game way further than just your basic avocado toast. Like full-fat coconut milk, avocados can be used in place of the whole milk in your favorite dessert recipes, like brownies or ice cream, or in creamy salad dressings, smoothies, and so much more.
Use it as a breakfast spread on bagels or bread as opposed to butter, and top it with salt and your favorite spices. A personal favorite? Everything bagel seasoning. Avocados are also nutrient-dense whole foods that are held in high esteem by Instagram food bloggers and nutritionists alike.
Avocados boast high levels of Fiber, Potassium, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B5, B6, and Vitamin E. The healthy monounsaturated fats in avocados are proven to help you absorb other plant-based nutrients and even lower cholesterol. As cheese is usually a good source of healthy fats, omega-3s, and Vitamin B, avocados are a great substitute that provide a relatively similar nutrient profile.
Plus, unlike cheese, they can be added in a smoothie or baked in a brownie. Having easy grab-and-go dairy-free options in your pantry is a big part of maintaining your dairy-free lifestyle. There are so many snack foods that are naturally dairy-free— plain popcorn, pretzels, carrots, pita chips, hummus, fruit— but for easiest and most portable options, go for pre packaged bars and snacks.
Consumer demand is growing, and suppliers are responding with hundreds of new specialty foods each year. The key is identifying these products, knowing the retailers, and creating healthy meals. This is where Go Dairy Free steps in. In My Kitchen — My kitchen has evolved over the years, various foods coming and going as I experiment my way through dairy-free living.
At this stage, I keep things pretty simple. Almost everything I purchase can be found in any grocery store, though there are some staples that I buy online to get a better price. Brands We Love — These are brands that myself and other GDF writers turn to for good, reliable food.
Dairy Substitutes — Butter, cheese, chocolate, cream, yogurt, low fat milk, whole milk, buttermilk, powdered milk, sweetened condensed milk, and whew! evaporated milk.. Food Label Info — Milk can hide no more! Size 24 OZ Tub. Great taste is only part of the story Pioneering progress since OUR STORY.
Plant yourself in the kitchen Dairy-free recipes you can whip up with almondmilk, creamer and more. Lemon Blueberry Pancakes. Strawberry Mango Yogurt Pops.
Looking for Dairy-frfe snacks you Reduced-cost menu options easily ptoducts at Walmart? As always, check labels on all items every time. Ingredients can change. For more healthful dairy-free food, check out post about favorite cold foods at Walmart. Many of our staples come from Aldi.
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