From oat milk to vegan cheese: the rise of plant-based dairy products
- General
- / Recipes
- / Replacements
- / 2024
It’s official: plant-based dairy is taking the world by storm.
For some, recently-released investigations into the global dairy industry have changed hearts and minds. Footage has exposed mothers torn from their calves immediately after birth, each crying for the other as workers drag them away.
For others, new information about lactose intolerance has prompted the change. Up to three-quarters of all humans are lactose intolerant, causing stomach aches, bloating, and gas for those who consume it.
And for many, the environmental effects of dairy can no longer be ignored. Land use, water use, and greenhouse gas emissions are higher for dairy milks, leading consumers to reconsider their choices.
Regardless of the reason, plant-based milk sales are on the rise, while dairy milk sales are slowly dwindling. If you’re ready to experiment with the “dairy” of the future, look no further than these plant-based products.
Healthy and sustainable: the plant-based milk lineup
- Oat: When it comes to dairy-free options for your morning coffee, there’s no doubt that oat milk is king. Creamy, accessible, and naturally sweet, a splash of Oatly or Trader Joe’s oat milk is a wholesome addition to your morning routine.
- Soy: If you’re looking for a neutral, subtle milk alternative, look no further than Silk’s soy milk or Kroger’s Simple Truth soy beverage. This classic dairy alternative isn’t just high in protein and omega-3s. It’s also versatile, sustainable, and – most importantly – free of cruelty.
- Almond: This alternative is easy to find, easy on your stomach, and easy on the greenhouse gas emissions! You can even purchase Califia Farms’ almond milk creamer to elevate your morning brew.
- Honorable mentions: While oat, soy, and almond milk are some of the largest players in the plant-based game, let’s not forget about their healthy and creamy cousins. Cashew and macadamia are wholesome and accessible options, while rice milk is perfect for those with nut allergies.
Store-bought vegan cheeses for your next shopping trip
Plant-based cheeses are a world unto their own. Whether they’re made with cashews, vegetable oils, or soy, vegan cheeses are a necessity for plant-based beginners.
Here are some of our favorites:
- Trader Joe’s: Perhaps nothing has a cult following quite like Trader Joe’s plant-based cheeses. Choose from the Cheddar Style Slices, Shredded Parmesan Cheese Alternative, or Mozzarella Style Shreds.
- Violife: Cheddar slices, shredded cheddar, and shredded mozzarella are just a few of the items Violife has to offer. If you’re in the mood for the perfect pasta topping, look no further than the solid parmesan cheese!
- Miyoko’s: If you’re fortunate enough to have Liquid Vegan Pizza Mozzarella near you, don’t walk – run! – to your nearest store.
- Daiya: For those who have been in the plant-based game for quite some time, “Daiya” will certainly ring a bell. In addition to their dairy-free cheeses, Daiya also produces a range of frozen, plant-based pizzas.
- Chao: Get back to basics with Chao’s Creamy Original slices, and your plant-based transition will feel as effortless as possible.
- Kite Hill: While the Almond Milk Ricotta is certainly nothing to scoff at, Kite Hill also dishes up a caramelized onion spreadable cheese made with almond milk.
- Nutritional yeast: Ah, yes–the classic ingredient in every plant-based enthusiast’s kitchen. Check out how you can use this versatile ingredient as a healthy, vitamin-packed cheese replacement.
Bonus recipe: homemade peanut mozzarella cheese
If you’re trying to save a few dollars and eat wholesome, homemade cheeses, look no further than this plant-based “mozzarella” recipe.
It’s easy to make, melts beautifully, and works on everything from pizzas and tacos to baked dishes. Its creamy texture and mild, savory flavor make it a go-to for adding richness to any meal—without the dairy!
4 comments
Leave a Reply to Natalie Alms Cancel reply
Try Plant-based Today
I support and want to animal products to be eliminated from food. There are two problems I see though with substitutes, apart from whole, unprocessed foods like beans, nuts, vegetables, and minimally processed foods such as tofu and nut butters. All processed foods, particularly vegan processed foods – they contain chemicals that are bad for our bodies and toxic to the environment. For example, processed foods contain an enormous amount of sodium, primarily as preservatives – look at your labels!!! Processed foods contribute to climate change, damaging and diminishing environments animals need to survive. I do not eat meat (I do eat eggs when I can find them from local families though, and occasionally sustainable fish), and I want meat to be eliminated completely as a food source. But people should be aware that processed fake meats are unhealthy for our bodies and our environment. Eat vegan, but recognize processed food, vegan or not, is garbage and harmful.
We appreciate your commitment to removing animal products from our diets! While processed foods, even some vegan ones, can raise health and environmental worries, there are plenty of wholesome plant-based alternatives, such as beans, nuts, and minimally processed tofu. Opting for local and sustainable choices is crucial for our health and the planet’s well-being. Let’s keep making informed decisions for a healthier future!
I am happy to see a group that supports healthy food.
I do not eat animals but have a hard time finding what to
eat and drink.
All new almond and oat milks are full of oils
and not the good ones.
Thank you for your support! We’re excited to promote healthy, plant-based food options. Finding the right alternatives can be tricky, but we’re here to help. Have you tried homemade almond or oat milk? They’re often healthier and free from unwanted oils. Let’s keep making compassionate choices together!