My Plant-Based Family

Giving up dairy can be quite challenging. It certainly was for me, and I’ve heard many people express that they could “never” give up cheese. If you are determined to transition to a plant-based diet like I was, it can be helpful to know which products will assist you in making this change easier.

I have tried most mainstream dairy alternatives out there and these are my favorites. I outline which brand and why I like the product better than others out there.

Milk Alternatives –

There’s really no shortage of milk alternatives out there so if you’re feeling adventurous there is plenty to explore.

• Ripple Kids or Ripple Unsweetened
  • Nutrients: I love this milk because it is high in protein and vitamin content. Ripple has 8 grams of protein per cup, and is fortified with many necessary nutrients for a growing child, including B12, iron, calcium, and vitamin D.
  • Sugar: Ripple kids is also low sugar, sitting at just 5g per cup. In comparison 1 cup of 2% milk has about 12g of sugar. Ripple unsweetened is similar to ripple kids but without the added 5g of sugar. It is a good option if you are trying to avoid any added sugar.
  • Taste: The lack of sugar in the unsweetened does make the pea protein taste more prominent so if you are looking for something that is high in nutrients and protein but has a similar taste to dairy milk I would try the original ripple or the ripple kids. Either way you can still taste the pea protein some so if that is too off putting for you, this milk might not be your best option.
  • You can order it on Amazon using these links: Ripple Kids or Ripple Unsweetened
• Califa Farms Oatmilk
  • Nutrients: Oatmilk in general does not have a lot of added nutrients, so if you are looking for something fortified this may not be your best option. However if does have a similar amount of calcium to 2% dairy milk at 270mg per cup. It also has 2g of protein per cup.
  • Sugar: Low sugar is important to me and this oatmilk has only 4g per cup.
  • Taste: To me, oatmilk, and specifically this brand of oatmilk has the closest taste and creaminess texture to dairy milk. It works well in tea, coffee, or even baking and other recipes requiring added milk.
  • You can order it on Amazon using this link: https://amzn.to/3Xoo81V
• Not Milk
  • I LOVE this one! In terms to taste it’s the closest alternative milk to dairy milk that I have tried. It is very nice in coffee or tea!
  • There is 290mg of calcium and only 4g of sugar
  • You can order it on Amazon using this link: https://amzn.to/3Xoo81V

The Below Section is a work in progress:

Cheese Alternatives –

• Daiya Shreds
• Chao Slices
• Follow your Heart Slices
• Cream Cheese

Egg Alternatives –

• Just Egg
• Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer

Other Dairy Alternatives –

• Ranch
• Cheese Crackers

Trying new products to cultivate a fresh lifestyle for yourself and your family can be daunting. It is my hope that this list will make it just a little bit easier for you and I hope you love them just as much as I do!