Dairy-free milk options have become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people are choosing to avoid dairy for health, ethical, or environmental reasons. Many people suffer from lactose intolerance, which means they are not going to properly digest traditional dairy milk without horrifying intestinal issues. Fortunately, there are plenty of dairy-free milk options available on the market, ranging from soy milk to oat milk. With so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best for you. In this article, we'll explore many of the very popular dairy-free milk alternatives and provide information to help you make an informed decision and get the dairy free milk alternative that is going to best suit you and your lifestyle. 

1 - Almond Milk

Almond milk is one of the most popular dairy-free milk options. It's made by blending almonds with water and straining out the solids. Almond milk is naturally low in calories and fat, making it an excellent choice for those watching their weight. It's also rich in vitamin E, which is essential for healthy skin and eyes. Almond milk is well known as an alternative and often requested in coffee shops across the nation. 

2 - Soy Milk

Soy milk is made by soaking and grinding soybeans, then boiling the mixture and straining out the solids. Soy milk is an excellent source of protein and calcium, making it a great alternative to dairy milk. It's also low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for those watching their weight. Soy milk is properly vegetarian and vegan, making it an ideal choice for those lifestyles. That being said, like many of the options on this list, not everyone enjoys the texture of soy milk. Thankfully there are multiple alternatives. 

3 - Coconut Milk

This wonderful dairy alternative is made by blending the meat of the coconut with some water. Then the solids are strained out. It has a rich, creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor. Coconut milk is high in saturated fat, but it also contains lauric acid, which has demonstrated that it has antimicrobial properties. Some people confuse coconut milk with coconut water, which is the natural water that is found inside of a coconut when it is opened up.

4 - Oat Milk

Oat milk is pretty easy to make. You simply start by soaking and blending the oats along with water and then straining out the solids. It has a creamy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Oat milk is high in fiber and beta-glucans. These have shown to help lower cholesterol levels. People who love oat milk really love oat milk and enjoy that they can often create their own at home without having to buy it in the stores pre-created. This ensures it’s always fresh. 

5 - Rice Milk

To create rice milk, one would start by blending brown rice with some water. After that, the solids need to be strained out of it, thus producing the rice milk. It has a thin, watery texture and a slightly sweet flavor. Rice milk is low in fat and cholesterol, making it yet another healthy option for those watching their weight. However, it's also relatively low in protein and calcium compared to other dairy-free milk options. Rice milk is best used in a diet which makes up for these deficiencies. 

Conclusion

Choosing the best dairy-free milk option depends on your personal preferences and nutritional needs. Almond milk is an excellent choice for those watching their weight, while soy milk is a great option for those looking for a high-protein alternative. Coconut milk is perfect for those looking for a rich, creamy texture, while oat milk is an excellent source of fiber and beta-glucans. Rice milk is a healthy option for those watching their fat and cholesterol intake. Experiment with different options to find the best dairy-free milk for your needs.