Soy milk is often cited as the closest plant-based milk to cow's milk in taste and texture due to its creaminess and protein content, but many people find high-quality, barista-blend oat milk (like Oatly) or specialized brands like Not Milk, Next Milk, or Wondermilk (pea protein-based) mimic dairy very closely, especially in coffee and cereal. Ultimately, it depends on individual preference, with some varieties offering better creaminess or sweetness to match dairy.
The test made a few things clear: soy milk, at its best, tastes closest to cow's milk. Oat tastes like a sweetly nutty cereal milk while almond tastes like the water left in your sink after washing the breakfast dishes.
Soya. “Soya milk is quite neutral-tasting, although some people can detect a bean flavour,” Ridley says. Nutritionally, it's the best swap for cow's milk because it contains a similar amount of protein, according to Radcliffe. “It's also low in saturated fats and a source of healthy unsaturated fats.”
There are a number of commercially-produced cow's milk alternatives made from soy, coconut, rice, potato, oat, almond, hazelnut, cashew, hemp, flax, sunflower, and even macadamia. Most of these are available in a few different flavors (such as “original,” “vanilla,” “chocolate,” and “mocha”).
It has emerged that donkey milk compared with that of other animal species, is the nearest to human milk and an excellent substitute for it. Milk from various animal species shows substantial differences in nutritional composition and distinct metabolic effects.
The relatively high levels of lactose in human breast milk make it taste similar to cow's milk, says Melissa Kotlen Opens a new window, I.B.C.L.C., a New York City-based lactation consultant. It has the consistency of skim milk but the sweetness and creaminess of whole milk, she explains.
Gen Z isn't drinking as much milk due to health concerns (lactose intolerance, acne), ethical/environmental worries about dairy farming, the influence of social media promoting alternatives, increased awareness of dairy's downsides, and a desire for healthier, more personalized options like plant-based milks, though they still enjoy other dairy products like cheese and yogurt. They question traditional health advice and are swayed by peer culture and eco-consciousness, leading them toward alternatives for taste, values, and lifestyle fit.
Weetabix Food Co. made in the same factory (Weetabix, Weetabix Banana Flavour and Oatibix) are milk and lactose ingredient free. The following do not contain cow's milk or lactose ingredients but are made in a factory where milk derived ingredients are part of another product.
What is the best alternative to milk?
Half and half: Half and half has 10 to 18% milkfat. Use ¾ cup half and half and ¼ cup water as a replacement for 1 cup whole milk. Heavy cream: Heavy cream has 36% milkfat. Use ½ cup cream and ½ cup water as a substitute for 1 cup whole milk.
People are quitting oat milk due to concerns about highly processed ingredients like seed oils and emulsifiers, its impact on blood sugar (due to broken-down starches and added sugars), low protein content, potential inflammation, and gut health issues, with some wellness influencers shifting to cow's milk or other alternatives like almond or soy. The trend reflects a growing awareness that while convenient, many commercial oat milks aren't as "natural" or nutritionally complete as initially perceived, leading consumers to seek whole foods or dairy for better protein and fat balance.
You can eliminate dairy to help manage allergies and lactose intolerance symptoms. Cutting out dairy may improve your acne by decreasing oil production. You may go dairy-free to ease bloating if you have lactose intolerance.
Use of tree nut milk, including almond and cashew milks, have become increasingly popular. Rice and oat milk, as well as hemp milk, are also possible alternatives. Some of these alternatives are flavored, for example with chocolate and vanilla. Keep in mind that these often contain added sugar and calories.
Oat milk is a creamy, dairy-free milk made from—you guessed it—oats. Known for its smooth, almost velvety texture, oat milk has quickly become a favorite, especially for those looking to avoid nuts or soy. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor, making it a great addition to everything from smoothies to baking recipes.
Dr. Gundry recommends non-dairy alternatives like unsweetened coconut milk or hemp milk, and for dairy, A2 milk from goats, sheep, or specific cows (like Guernsey) that lack the A1 casein protein, all to avoid lectins and support gut health, viewing almond milk as a less ideal C-tier option and strongly cautioning against oat milk, per his {platform and {video content https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QAVMEzqc3yI}}.
6 Top Cereal Picks, According to a Registered Dietitian
There are a number of alternative foods and drinks available in supermarkets, such as: soya, rice, oat, almond, hazelnut, coconut, quinoa and potato drinks (sometimes called milks) non-dairy alternatives to yoghurt and cheese.
Some cereals are not vegan as they contain animal-derived ingredients such as milk, honey, eggs, and gelatin. For example, cereals like Corn Flakes, Lucky Charms, and Honey Smacks are not vegan as they contain honey, milk, and eggs in their ingredients.
Common Foods to Avoid if Lactose Intolerant
Common symptoms of lactose intolerance include:
Dairy Free Foods
Gen Z And The Sober Curious Movement
One study found that 34% of people in the Gen Z age group are making an effort to drink less, while 45% say they've never had an alcoholic drink in their lives. In contrast, only 36% of the millennial generation admit to never experimenting with alcohol.
Boys are more likely to drink milk than girls, who in turn are more likely to drink a juice (Park & Bae, 1999). However, relatively little is known about the effect of gender differences on beverage consumption patterns in elementary school children.
Dairy Can Cause Digestive Discomfort
It can take longer for the body to process food in older age, causing more water to be absorbed from the food waste. In addition, lactose found in most dairy products can put more pressure on the digestive system.