lifestyle

10 Alternative Milk Recipes To Try If You're Cutting Down On Dairy

You can flavour them any way you like to turn them into chocolate milk, strawberry milk and more!

Cover image via Edited by SAYS

Alternative milks - or "mylks" as they're commonly known - are becoming an increasingly popular choice for many, largely due to their long list of health benefits

Being free from dairy, alternative milks are an especially handy solution for those suffering from lactose intolerance, milk allergies and more.

Alternative milks are often a great source of vital vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants - and some have been found to contain more than the standard cup of cow's milk.

Additionally, they're cruelty-free, making them an especially compelling choice for animal lovers.

Mylks typically use plant-based ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and grains, and they can easily be made at home! To start making your own, you'll need a blender (a high-powered one would be helpful) and some cheesecloth for straining.

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You'll notice that most recipes would recommend soaking the nuts, seeds, or grains beforehand. This is done to improve their nutritional content and it also makes them easier to digest.

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Ready to enjoy some delicious dairy-free drinks? Here are some easy recipes you can try:

1. Chocolate Almond Milk

Image via Blissful Basil

This rich and decadent chocolate almond milk recipe is flavoured with raw cacao, vanilla beans and cinnamon for a truly enjoyable cupful. This calcium-rich beverage is a much healthier pick compared to commercial sugar-laden chocolate milks.

Get the full recipe here.

2. Creamy Cashew Milk

This creamy cashew milk recipe is naturally sweetened with Medjool dates. Use it in chia puddings and lattes, or you can leave out the dates for usage in savoury dishes. Bonus: This recipe requires no straining!

Get the full recipe here.

3. Coconut Milk

For a long time, coconut milk has been inaccurately linked to increasing cholesterol levels when in truth, coconut actually helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. It's also quickly digested and metabolised, making coconut milk a great option for weight management and energy boosting.

Get the full recipe here.

4. Brown Rice Milk

Rice is a common alternative choice for making non-dairy milks but for better nutritional count, you can make yours using brown rice. Rice milks tend to taste a little sweet and are commonly used in dessert recipes.

Get the full recipe here.

5. Matcha Almond Milk

Image via Epic Matcha

This recipe flavours almond milk with some matcha powder for a truly enjoyable taste. This heart-healthy drink also packs a giant dose of antioxidants and protein, with the almonds also contributing some anti-inflammatory properties.

Get the full recipe here.

6. Vanilla Quinoa Milk

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This easy 3-ingredient recipe tastes amazing as is, but you could also customise it with spices or sweeteners to get the flavour you want. Bonus: It's incredibly high in protein too!

Get the full recipe here.

7. Strawberry Oat Milk

This delish milk is naturally flavoured with fresh strawberries and gets its sweetness from some stevia. This nutrient-dense drink is a great source of Vitamin A and iron, and its high magnesium content is especially helpful for the body to utilise glucose in the system.

Get the full recipe here.

8. Banana Milk

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Yup, you can make milk from bananas too! All you need to do is blend some frozen bananas with water and you've got a naturally sweet and milky drink to enjoy. Do note, however, that banana milk isn't as shelf-stable and is best made fresh each time you need it.

Get the full recipe here.

9. Chocolate Hazelnut Milk

Image via Smitten Kitchen

This decadent drink tastes like Nutella - minus all the guilt! This version uses toasted hazelnuts to achieve a richer flavour.

Get the full recipe here.

10. Flaxseed Milk

Seeds are great for making dairy-free milks as well! You can switch brown flax for golden flax in this recipe for a milder flavour. As with the rest of the milk recipes, you can use this as a base for smoothies, overnight oats and more.

Get the full recipe here.

Which recipe will you be trying first? Let us know in the comments below!

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For more ideas on healthy recipes you can make at home:

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