Non Dairy Milk Choices for Drinking and Cooking
Including Those Made from Almonds, Soy, Rice and Hemp Seeds
Dec 3, 2008
Dairy milk is an excellent source of protein and provides much needed calcium for bones. It also can be high in fat and even skim milk has some cholesterol since it is an animal product. For those who want all the benefits of dairy milk but are looking for lactose-free or cholesterol-free beverages, milks made up of nuts, grains and seeds can be a great choice.
Soy Milk
Soy milk is one of the most recognized of the milk substitutes found on supermarket shelves. WhiteWave Foods Company produces the popular Silk Soymilk in many varieties. It is made from pressing cooked soybeans that are ground up. Soy products are known for their cholesterol-lowering benefits, isoflavones for bone health and to help with some symptoms associated with menopause like hot flashes. Milk made from soy can easily replace dairy milk in baking, cooking and sauce making while giving the dish a nutrient boost as well.
Rice Milk
Rice milk gives the consumer and cook another option. The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. produces Rice Dream, a non-dairy milk made from brown rice. The flavor is smooth and is great for baking and drinking. While being lower in fat than dairy milk, it is also lower in protein and higher in carbohydrates. When rice and soy milks are blended, the result is an enhanced flavor with added nutrition. With its smooth and slightly sweet flavor from the rice, it is a great choice for adding to smoothies.
Almond Milk
Commercial almond milk is fairly new. It is a milk made from ground up almonds and is a great choice for those wanting to incorporate more almond products in their diet. In addition to being lactose-free it is low in fat and a great source of vitamins A, D and E. Blue Diamond, an almond growing company, makes Almond Breeze almond milk in many flavors such as plain, vanilla and chocolate. A benefit of using almond milk is that it is available in unsweetened varieties making it a great choice for diabetics.
Oat Milk
Oat milk is made from oats and is lactose-free and cholesterol-free. It is a heart healthy choice for drinking and for using in breakfast cereals as it is high in dietary fiber.
Hemp Milk
Organic hemp milk is a non-dairy milk made from hemp seeds. Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods & Oils produces Hemp Bliss, a certified organic hemp milk. The benefits of hemp milk include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and high levels of protein and antioxidants. Because of the rich flavor, it makes a great choice for drinking and beverage mixing.
Read more on the companies listed here, and links to other companies making non-dairy grain and nut milks, with contanct info from the Product Guide and Resouce List for Non-Dairy Milks.
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