Dairy
This is your guide to the rich, creamy world of plant-based dairy alternatives! Whether you’re lactose-intolerant, vegan, or simply curious about dairy-free options, a variety of delicious plant-based products deliver all the flavor and satisfaction you love. From milk and cheese to yogurt and ice cream, explore how easy it can be to make the switch to dairy-free.
Plant-Based Milk Alternatives
Plant-based milk options are abundant and cater to every preference, whether you’re looking for a rich, creamy texture or a lighter, refreshing option. Made from ingredients like almonds, oats, soy, and coconuts, plant-based milks are delicious in coffee, smoothies, baking, and beyond.
Popular Plant-Based Milks:
- Almond Milk: Light and slightly nutty, perfect for cereal or smoothies.
- Oat Milk: Creamy and full-bodied, great for coffee and lattes.
- Soy Milk: A versatile option, high in protein, and ideal for baking.
- Coconut Milk: Rich and creamy, perfect for curries and desserts.
Benefits:
- Often fortified with calcium and vitamin D
- Free from lactose and cholesterol
- Suitable for various dietary needs
Some of the most popular brands of plant-based milks are known for their variety, quality, and delicious flavors.
Oatly is a favorite for its creamy, barista-friendly oat milk that’s ideal for coffee and lattes. Almond Breeze by Blue Diamond offers a wide range of almond milk flavors, from original to vanilla, loved for its light texture and subtle nuttiness. Silk is a versatile brand offering soy, almond, and cashew milks, often fortified with essential vitamins like calcium and B12.
Califia Farms is known for its high-quality almond and oat milks with rich flavors and sustainable practices. And Ripple stands out with its pea protein-based milk, providing a creamy, high-protein option that’s perfect for smoothies and baking. These brands make it easy to find a plant-based milk that fits every preference and dietary need.
Ready to explore the world of plant-based dairy? Love Veg offers a variety of dairy-free options, tips, and recipes to make your transition smooth and delicious. Sign up for our newsletter for tips on enjoying plant-based living.
Plant-Based Cheese Alternatives
Cheese lovers rejoice! Plant-based cheese has come a long way, offering delicious options that melt, slice, and satisfy just like traditional cheese. These dairy-free cheeses are often made from nuts, soy, or tapioca starch, bringing versatility and flavor to your favorite meals.
Popular Plant-Based Cheeses:
- Cashew Cheese: Smooth and creamy, ideal for spreads and dips.
- Almond Ricotta: Perfect for lasagna, stuffed shells, or dolloping on salads.
- Mozzarella Alternatives: Made for melting on pizza or in grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Cheddar Style Cheese: Great for shredding over pasta or adding to sandwiches.
Benefits:
- Free from dairy and lactose
- Lower in saturated fat than traditional cheese
- Often fortified with B vitamins and calcium
Cheeze
Plant-based cheese has evolved into a delicious and versatile option, offering creamy, melty, and savory alternatives to traditional dairy cheese. Daiya is one of the most popular brands, known for its cheddar and mozzarella shreds that melt perfectly on pizzas and casseroles. You can also try Miyoko's Creamery, Violife and Kite Hill. These brands make it easy to enjoy all the indulgence of cheese while staying completely plant-based.
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is a beloved staple in plant-based cooking, celebrated for its cheesy, nutty flavor and versatility. Packed with B vitamins (including B12 in many fortified versions), it’s a nutritious and flavorful addition to any diet. Often referred to as “nooch” by fans, nutritional yeast is popular in recipes for vegan cheese sauces, sprinkled over popcorn, or stirred into soups for a rich, umami boost. Try brands like Bragg, Bob’s Red Mill and Anthony’s Goods.
Plant-Based Yogurt Alternatives
Plant-based yogurt offers all the tang and creaminess you love without any dairy. Made from ingredients like almonds, coconuts, soy, and cashews, these yogurts are packed with probiotics for gut health and come in various flavors for every palate.
Popular Plant-Based Yogurts:
- Almond Yogurt: Light and slightly nutty, available in a variety of flavors.
- Coconut Yogurt: Rich and creamy, perfect for parfaits or as a dessert topping.
- Soy Yogurt: High in protein, with a smooth and mild flavor.
- Cashew Yogurt: Ultra-creamy and great for both sweet and savory dishes.
Benefits:
- Contains live probiotics to support gut health
- Lactose-free and suitable for those with dairy sensitivities
- Available in low-sugar and high-protein options
Plant-based yogurt has become a delicious, nutritious alternative to dairy yogurt, offering all the creamy texture and tangy flavor without any animal products. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a recipe ingredient, these yogurts come in a variety of flavors and are packed with probiotics that support gut health.
Popular brands like Silk offer almond and soy-based yogurts, providing a smooth and rich taste that’s great on its own or with granola. Kite Hill specializes in almond milk yogurts, known for their velvety texture and variety of flavors, including vanilla and berry. So Delicious uses coconut milk as a base, giving their yogurts a tropical twist that’s perfect for parfaits. Forager Project offers a cashew-based yogurt that’s thick, creamy, and high in protein, making it a filling option for any time of day.
Each of these brands brings its own unique flavor and nutrient profile, making it easy to find a plant-based yogurt that’s as delicious as it is nutritious!
Plant-Based Ice Cream and Frozen Treats
Plant-based ice creams offer all the indulgence without the dairy, with a range of flavors and textures to satisfy any sweet tooth. Made from ingredients like coconut milk, almonds, cashews, and oat milk, these frozen treats are perfect for enjoying any time.
Popular Plant-Based Ice Cream Bases:
- Coconut Milk: Rich and creamy, perfect for tropical flavors.
- Almond Milk: Light with a hint of nuttiness, great for classic flavors.
- Cashew Cream: Smooth and decadent, excellent for chocolate and caramel.
- Oat Milk: Creamy and full-bodied, ideal for a rich, velvety texture.
Benefits:
- Free from lactose, making it suitable for dairy-sensitive individuals
- Wide range of flavors, including low-sugar options
- Made with quality ingredients and often fortified with vitamins
Plant-based ice cream has transformed the dessert scene, offering creamy, indulgent flavors without any dairy. Made from a variety of plant bases like almonds, coconuts, cashews, and oats, these ice creams are just as rich and satisfying as traditional versions.
Ben & Jerry’s has a popular line of almond milk-based flavors, featuring classics like Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Cherry Garcia, all completely dairy-free. So Delicious offers a wide range of coconut, almond, and oat milk ice creams, known for their smooth texture and unique flavors like Salted Caramel Cluster. Halo Top provides low-calorie, high-protein options made from coconut milk, perfect for a lighter treat.
These brands make it easy to enjoy a sweet, plant-based treat that’s as delicious as it is compassionate.
Oat Creamers
Plant-based coffee creamers are a popular alternative for those looking to avoid dairy while adding a creamy touch to their coffee. Typically made from ingredients like almonds, oats, coconut, or soy, these creamers provide a smooth texture and subtle flavor, often enriched with vitamins like B12. Many brands now offer plant-based options, including Califia Farms, Silk, So Delicious and Oatly.
Plant-based butter
Made from plant oils like coconut, avocado, and olive oil, plant-based butters deliver the same creamy texture and rich flavor without any animal products. Miyoko's Creamery, Earth Balance and Country Crock Plant Butter make it easy to enjoy all the taste and functionality of butter in a plant-based, environmentally friendly way.
Whipped Cream
Plant-based whipped creams offer a delicious, dairy-free way to top desserts, drinks, and more. Made from bases like coconut, almond, or oat, they provide a light and airy texture similar to traditional whipped cream but without animal ingredients. Popular brands include So Delicious, Reddi-wip, and Truwhip Vegan.
Sour Cream
Made from ingredients like cashews, coconut, or soy, vegan sour cream mimics the rich texture and flavor of traditional sour cream. Tofutti, Follow Your Heart, and Kite Hill make it easy to enjoy the tangy flavor and versatility of sour cream—completely plant-based!
