vegan milk Archives | Vegan Universal

14 Vegan Brands That Are Revolutionizing Food

January 16, 2023 By Guest Author Mohan Raj (swagswami.com) and Edit by Dishan Mendis Leave a Comment

Ahoy there fellow vegans!

We know that veganism is not just another fad, but a philosophy and a way of living that have been in existence for many years grounded on ethics and we believe it is the future.

It’s apparent that the wider world has started to recognize this undeniable fact. Furthermore, the notion that veganism is a sacrifice that animal lovers make is also fast losing credibility.

It is becoming increasingly clear with research into climate change and global warming that veganism is one of the most sustainable choices moving forward.

When you see traditional dairy-based brands like Baskin Robbins start rolling out vegan options, you know for sure that veganism has gone mainstream.

In addition, we are also seeing a significant amount of venture capital investments into vegan brands that are emerging across the United States and the world.

Let us now dive into this neat list of great plant-based vegan brands that are revolutionizing food as we know it.

Vegan Meat Brands

Livestock (except birds) account for 62% of the mammal biomass on planet Earth. Add another 34% of the human population and you only have a meager 4% of wild mammals [1].

To give you another perspective, each year approximately 80 billion land animals are slaughtered [2]. These staggering statistics drive home the scale of the global meat and dairy industry. The sad fact is that these billions of farm animals are raised solely for the purpose of slaughter.

Thankfully the following vegan meat brands are making significant dents into this inhumane industry.

Beyond Meat

Beyond Meat’s line of meat-free plant-based sausages, ground beef and even steak have been a massive hit over the last few years.

Their bloody Beyond Burger gained massive praise and they’ve followed it up with an even more awesome vegan product through their Beyond Steak line. Do follow their Instagram page for regular updates about their amazing new products!

MorningStar Farms

MorningStar Farms from Kellogg’s was originally vegetarian but thanks to the efforts of PETA, MorningStar Farms has successfully converted all their products to be 100% vegan!

Their line of bacon and sausages are certain things to excite any vegan. The bacon strips are easy to cook and make for a wonderfully traditional American breakfast!

Tofurky

Thanksgiving dinners are often a vegan’s nightmare because tradition dictates that a poor turkey be slaughtered for our celebration. However, thanks to Tofurky’s 100% vegan turkey alternative, we can celebrate the holidays without harming any of these innocent birds. Isn’t that the best way to celebrate Thanksgiving?

BOCA

BOCA offers great vegan fast foods, including a vegan All-American Burger and Chik’n nuggets.

For more vegan plant-based meat substitutes click here

Dairy-free Vegan Milk Brands

Dairy milk is not only derived from an abusive industry, but there doesn’t seem to be a necessity for human consumption. It is estimated that nearly 65% of the world’s population is lactose intolerant [3].

Non-dairy vegan milk brands continue to develop flavourful & economical products each day, appealing to the masses while increasing its market share.

Let us now take a look at a few wonderful vegan plant-based milk brands.

Ripple Foods

Ripple’s line of dairy-free milk is derived from nuts and peas, thus providing a healthy source of proteins for everyone. In addition to regular flavors, they even have milk for kids with enriched nutrients for growth.

Notco

Notco is a Chilean company that is reinventing our favorite foods. Their Not Milk vegan milk is made from a combination of peas, pineapple, and surprisingly, cabbage!

You would expect a weird taste from this combination of ingredients, but boy are you in for a delicious surprise when you sip this wonderful concoction. A must-have in any kitchen!

Edensoy

Edensoy from Eden Foods is a line of soymilk that is perfect for daily use and consumption. The unsweetened Edensoy milk is a great option for baking cakes and cookies, while their fortified soymilk is excellent for kids to help with their growth.

For more vegan plant-based milk click here

Non-dairy Vegan Cheese Brands

Cheese is one of the most common ingredients in American cuisine. A great dairy-free alternative is thus a wonderful innovation that disrupts this traditionally dairy-based industry.

Vevan

Vevan’s cheese shreds are ready to cook and insanely delicious. The best part about Vevan’s vegan cheese is the melt quality. After all, melting gooey cheese is one of those things that make any pizza or burger irresistible.

Don’t forget to try their P’jack-Shred! Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Violife

Violife’s line of cheese slices, shreds, and cream cheese are the perfect alternatives to any cheese cravings and recipe requirements that you may have in your kitchen. In addition, their ‘Just like Parmesan’ is enriched with vitamin B12, a vital necessity for all vegans.

For more vegan plant-based cheese click here

Vegan Ice Cream Brands

Yes, vegan ice creams are finally here and they are absolutely fabulous. Made from a variety of plant milk, these brands are giving the world their favorite treats cruelty-free.

JD’s Vegan

Jermain Dupri, the rapper has come out with his own line of amazing JD’s Vegan ice cream that is taking the country by storm. With all the favorite American flavors including key lemon pie, JD’s is a treat for the soul!

Oatly

Oatly is a vegan milk brand and their line of oat milk-based ice creams are well made and tasty. They come in 7 creamy flavors including, you guessed it, oat!

O’My Gelato

O’My Gelato is a vegan gelato brand that delivers across the US and Australia. Their line includes the incredibly innovative cake batter flavor which is a must-try. Oh, and it’s a women-owned brand too!

For more vegan plant-based ice cream brands click here

Vegan Egg Brands

Scrambled eggs and omelets have become a staple of any breakfast the world over. Eggs are also a key ingredient in baking which makes vegan eggs a godsend for us vegans and everyone in general.

Let us take a look at the vegan egg brands that are revolutionizing this industry.

Just Egg

Just Egg is a super innovative product that is the result of years of food research and development. Their egg replacer is ready to use for any menu. Just use it as you would use any egg and you are all set!

Vegg

Vegg is another super innovative company that has come up with the world’s first vegan egg yolk. It looks and tastes just like egg yolk which would be a pleasant surprise for many.

They also have other vegan egg alternatives including vegan egg scramble, cake mix, and baking mix.

Well, that brings us to the end of this list of wonderful vegan brands that are revolutionizing the food industry.

If you are someone pondering about turning vegan, check out these 6 convincing reasons why you must go vegan. For friends from India do check out my comprehensive Indian vegan brands guide.

What did you think? Any wonderful vegan brands that we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments below!

Few things we hope you can do:

Comment: If you need any help, have questions, or would like to share your thoughts, please leave a comment below. Your feedback inspires us and we would reply as soon as possible.

Share: “sharing is caring”, if you found this recipe to be useful, please share it by using social buttons on the left or bottom.

Subscribe: subscribe to our free newsletter and receive updates on latest articles, vegan news, recipes, health, and much more!

Follow: connect with us socially on Facebook (like), Pinterest (follow), Twitter (follow), or Instagram (follow)

References:

[1] https://ourworldindata.org/wild-mammals-birds-biomass

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_slaughter#cite_note-FAOSTAT-1

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532285/

Image credit: “Beyond Meat – Beyond Plant-Based Vegan Sausage” by Tony Webster (licensed under CC BY 2.0).

Best Almond Milk Brands Review

October 6, 2020 By Dishan Mendis and Cat Robinson Leave a Comment

Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just curious, almond milk is one of the most popular dairy substitutes for everything from cereals to coffee.

By opting for these vegan almond milk brands instead of dairy, you avoid saturated fat, cholesterol, (saturated fat & cholesterol may increase your risk of heart disease [1]), lactose (many adults have lactose intolerance [2]), risk of prostate cancer [3], antibiotic-resistance, hormones, other milk allergies and of course the animal exploitation & environmental impact you associate with the dairy industry.

What made us select these dairy-free almond milk brands for this review? Nutrition, taste, product quality, consumer ratings, and price.

In ranking these brands we have given more emphasis to nourishment considering that plant milk is something vegans would routinely use, especially the nutrients that one would think of missing when you ditch dairy such as calcium, vitamin D (a vital nutrient for bone health), B12 (a nutrient, vegans should not overlook), and vitamin B2 (riboflavin). Besides the nutrients we mentioned, these almond non-dairy milk substitutes are rich in vitamin E as well which is an essential antioxidant.

The two main nutrients that would be lacking in almond milk would be protein (though Orgain Organic Protein Almond Milk in this review has more protein than dairy) and vitamin D3 (most almond milk would have vitamin D2 and you can get free vitamin D3 from sunlight)

Almond milk is also a great weight loss milk alternative if you’re looking to limit gaining weight due to dairy.

Let’s check them out!

1) Silk Pure Almond Milk Brand Review

Silk Almond Vanilla Almond Milk

Silk Unsweetened Original Almond Milk

Ratings: 4.8 (from 2308 ratings)
Quality certificates: Non-GMO Project Verified
Price: Vanilla: $ 0.07 / Fl Oz (as of July 2020) / Unsweetened Original: $ 0.05 / Fl Oz (as of Oct 2020)
Made in USA

Nutrition:

Provides just 90 calories per serving (less than dairy milk), and is also one of the most nourishing plant-based milk brands out there. Boasts more calcium than dairy milk, besides being a rich source of:

Vitamin B12
Vitamin B2
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Vitamin A, and
Zinc

Silk Pure almond milk is free from dairy (and therefore lactose & casein), MSG, gluten, carrageenan, cholesterol, and artificial colours and flavours. It’s also free from soy, making it a good alternative if you have a soy allergy.

Intro

Since 1977, the Silk brand has been making delicious plant-based foods delighting their consumers for over 30 years, whilst striving towards reducing their carbon footprint.

Silk Pure is endorsed by top athletes like Michael Phelps, (widely considered one of the greatest athletes of all time with 23 Olympic gold medals to his name!) and Aly Raisman (6 Olympic medals). So it’s no surprise it is one of the most sought-after plant milk brands out there!

Taste Test & Serving Suggestions:

Great as a general-purpose milk replacement, and particularly tasty with coffee and in vegan baking! Let’s check out some of the popular Silk Pure almond milk varieties:

Vanilla

After keeping it chilled and giving it a few shakes (remember to give it a good shake before serving!) we poured into our glasses. It’s a bit darker in colour than regular milk. The sweet vanilla scent is immediately noticeable, and extremely pleasant.

Thoroughly enjoyed drinking it plain, and the taste is somewhat reminiscent of a vanilla shake! Features a nice creamy almond vanilla flavour with a fresh and smooth taste, combined with a perfect drinking texture and rich consistency.

Highly recommended for cereals, or oatmeal mixed with frozen berries where the vanilla flavour adds something extra special.

Use it to make shakes, smoothies, or even blend it with various fruits and freeze to make amazing sorbets. We love using this vanilla almond milk for baking (including cakes, brownies, cupcakes & muffins) or for anything sweet. Do note to use less sugar since it’s already sweetened.

Original Unsweetened

If you’re not a fan of sweet plant milks or trying to reduce your sugar intake, then this unsweetened version is perfect for you.

Although not the best tasting to drink on its own, Silk Pure Unsweetened Almond Milk is quite smooth and creamy, and makes a nice accompaniment for cereals which are already on the sweeter side.

Due to its neutral flavor it is also a good choice for savoury dishes such as mashed potatoes or ‘creamy’ pasta dishes and oven bakes.

Unlike dairy milk it’s low in calories at just 90 calories a cup which is 44% less compared to a cup of dairy milk which comes in at 161 calories. It’s also packed with vitamins and nutrients including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Vitamin E. Exceptional source of calcium, as it contains 50% more than dairy milk.

It is shelf-stable, and can be kept in the pantry until needed. Unopened Silk almond milk has a shelf life of about 12 months from the manufacturing date. We like to chill it before drinking, but we’ll leave that one up to you! Once it’s opened, it needs to be stored in the fridge and used within 7-10 days.

2) Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Almond Milk Review

Ratings: 4.2 (from 183 ratings)
Quality certificates: certified organic, non-GMO project verified
Price: Unsweetened vanilla: $ 0.12 / Fl Oz (as of July 2020) / Lightly sweetened vanilla: $ 0.12 / Fl Oz (as of July 2020)
Made in USA

Intro

Andrew, the founder of Orgain, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer when he was just 17. During chemo and radiation, he lost his appetite entirely and experienced an alarming weight loss.

His doctors recommended nutrition shakes to help him gain back some of the lost weight, but Andrew was concerned that the only options on the market were loaded with unhealthy and synthetic ingredients. So, he teamed up with his mom to start making their own range of organic shakes at home!

Soon, Andrew’s health was mending and he had been inspired to tap into the power of clean nutrition as he pursued a medical career. Soon he realised that he could actually help many more patients, and reach more people in need, by using his experience to create a genuinely healthy, organic nutrition shake. Thus, Orgain was born!

Nutrition:

Orgain Almond Milk provides 80 calories per serving and has no added sugar. If you’re looking for a plant milk which is rich in protein, then this should be your top choice supplying 10 grams of organic plant-based protein per serving (higher than dairy milk). It is also high in calcium, vitamin D, and iron.

Orgain is non-GMO, contains no artificial colours, flavours and preservatives, and is free from: soy, gluten, and carrageenan.

Taste Test & Serving Suggestions:

Orgain Lightly Sweetened Vanilla

While the colour is a little grey, the flavour was impressive! Significantly thicker than normal almond milk, but can still be used as a creamer for hot beverages, and can be used with smoothies!

Because of its thickness we got a slight feeling of a meal replacement. We assume that is due to its added protein making it quite a filling as a drink on its own.

Works well with cereals, and oats, but is a little too thick for use with other products like protein / weight loss shakes – unless you like them that way!

If you like, there’s no reason you can’t dilute your Orgain almond milk with a little water to get the consistency you’re used to, and the flavor should still be good even if you dilute it slightly.

The consistency makes it perfect for no-bake treats, carrot cake, or any baked products where you want something a little thicker than standard almond milk to prevent your mix getting too moist.

Orgain Unsweetened Vanilla

Because it’s unsweetened and quite thick and creamy, this variety isn’t ideal for drinking on its own. It has a slightly bitter taste, which could again be attributed to the extra protein (pea & brown rice protein) it contains, but the hint of vanilla gives you an option to mix it into smoothies.

Can also be used in baking and cooking, even in savoury dishes, and can be a good way to cut back on your sugar intake while still getting the vanilla flavour.

3) So Delicious Almond Milk Review

Ratings: 4.5 (from 143 ratings)
Certificates: certified vegan, certified gluten-free
Price: Unsweetened: $ 0.07 / Fl Oz (as of July 2020) / Vanilla: $ 0.11 / Fl Oz (as of July 2020)
Made in USA

Intro

With a 30-year old history, So Delicious has been a top vegan choice for frozen desserts, creamy yoghurt alternatives, decadent cheesy melts and of course plant-based dairy alternatives & creamers for decades. Here’s a little more about the company.

With an initial goal of expanding dairy-free options outside of just the milk aisle, So Delicious has quickly evolved into a brand that strives to do what’s good for people and the planet. As a member of the B Corp movement they’re proud to use their brand as a force for good.

Certified B Corporations must meet the highest standards of overall social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability, and must aspire to use the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.

Nutrition:

Only 25 calories per serving and no added sugar, so a good choice as a weight loss option. Carrageenan free, and contains more calcium than dairy milk. So Delicious is also a rich source of vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin A.

Taste Test & Serving Suggestions:

Unsweetened

Thanks to its clean and subtle nutty taste, So Delicious really outshines other products when used as a coffee creamer – so it’s a must for all the cafeholics out there!

Highly versatile, and recommended for everything from drinking straight to making creamy salad dressings. Great with granola, for use in baking, for making shakes and smoothies, or adding to your favourite hot beverage.

Makes an exceptionally good tea and coffee creamer, and is delicious with shakes, in smoothies, with oatmeal and in cereals.

Vanilla

The taste is really good compared to other vanilla almond milk brands, and makes this product great on its own or with smoothies, protein shakes or cereals.

4) Alpro Almond Unsweetened Drink Review (UK Brand)

Ratings: 4.5 (from 18 ratings)
Quality certificates: Non-GMO By Cert ID
Price: $0.18 / Fl Oz (as of July 2020)
Made in UK

Intro

Alpro started making plant-based foods way before it became trendy, and have definitely earned their rep as pioneers.

Their story starts in 1980, when the founders wondered if the goodness of soya could be turned into something useful for the planet’s population. Soon after, their first wholesome soya drink recipe was born, together with their appetite for many other plant-based goodies!

In 2012 they expanded their range to include both almond and hazelnut milks, and 2015 marked the publication of their first sustainability report. It featured their pledge to reduce their CO2 emissions and water usage, plus other great stuff like using sustainable natural resources, reducing their products’ sugar and fat content, and working towards local cultivation wherever possible.

In 2018 Alpro joined the ranks of B Corp Certified, joining a community of leaders using business as a force for good and also launched their first plant-based ice cream.

Nutrition:

Low in calories and comes with nourishing nutrients such as vitamin B12, B2, D, E, and calcium.

Taste Test & Serving Suggestions:

Alpro offers both a roasted and unroasted flavour of their almond milk, with each being suitable for different purposes.

We recommend the unroasted variety for drinking plain, or for use in mild drinks like tea or hot chocolate; while the roasted version can blend well with coffee, oats, porridge, or can be used with baking, smoothies, and desserts, or anywhere you want a little extra zest from your almond milk!

5) Almond Breeze Dairy Free Original Almond Milk Review

Ratings: 4.4 (from 471 ratings)
Quality certificates: Non-GMO Project Verified
Price: $0.10 / Fl Oz (as of July 2020)
Made in USA

Intro

When you see “Almond” in the brand name itself, you know you probably can’t talk about almond drinks without them!

After all, this is one of the most popular almond milk brands and they call themselves ‘The Almond People’, while having the credentials and experience to back it up.

As a brand, they support more than 3,000 almond growers, and have been pioneering the ways almonds can be enjoyed for over 100 years. From planting their first almond trees way back in 1850, they’ve been innovating and advancing the science of all things almond.

Even better, their products are certified by the Rainforest Alliance to be beneficial for the environment and local communities and growers.

Nutrition:

Low in calories, each serving provides you with 35% of your recommended daily intake of both calcium and vitamin E.

Almond Breeze is free from soy, gluten, cholesterol, and carrageenan.

Taste Test & Serving Suggestions:

Original

If you’re relatively new to vegan almond milk since you have been drinking high-fat dairy milk in the past and now seeking something closer to cow’s milk, then this is probably the closest you may find (though we always encourage you to appreciate the variety of plant milk flavors on its own merit without comparing it to dairy).

This is certainly a favorite among plant-based foodies, and we’re not surprised Almond Breeze offers a taste guarantee.

Creamy and with a pleasant, ultra-smooth consistency, you won’t get that almondy aftertaste you sometimes experience with other brands.

Works well with cereals, baking, and with tea, coffee, fruit smoothies, and protein shakes.

6) Califia Farms Barista Blend Almond Milk Review

Ratings: 4.5 (from 1449 ratings)
Quality certificates: Non-GMO Project Verified
Price: $0.12 / Fl Oz (as of July 2020)
Made in USA

Intro

Sustainability has been a core value of Califia Farms ever since they started, with over 80% of the almonds they use in their products grown and processed within a 20 mile (32 km) radius of their bottling facility.

In addition, they’re the founders of the exciting Plant Based Foods Association, and are continuously embarking on new initiatives to reduce their environmental footprint.

Nutrition:

Only 70 calories per serving, non-GMO, and higher in calcium than dairy.

Free from:

Cholesterol
Gluten
Carrageenan
Hydrogenated oils
Stabilizers
BPA, and
Artificial colourants

Taste Test & Serving Suggestions:

Original

Califia Farms Almond Milk has a very subtle almond flavour, and really shines when used in coffee, where it adds just a hint of sweetness without overpowering the coffee itself.

Its creamy texture means it blends very well, and doesn’t form any lumps when added to a hot beverage. Besides that, it froths extremely well – so if you’re into your latte art, then this is the almond milk for you!

Also works really well in smoothies, shakes, and desserts, and makes a superbly creamy-tasting oatmeal. Go on and spoil yourself with a decadent coffee cake or a loaded berry smoothie which this plant milk was born for!

All in all, if nourishment is your top priority we recommend Silk, Orgain Organic, So Delicious and Alpro, but if taste is what you’re after, then Almond Breeze, Silk, and Califia Farms are the brands that could serve your palate (taste is a subjective matter!).

Pinterest Pin:

Dairy-Free Vegan Milk Brands Review

October 11, 2017 By Dishan Mendis Leave a Comment

As much as you begin to love the taste of various non-dairy vegan milk brands, it is also a great way to complement your nutrition especially as a vegan or anyone who has ditched dairy. Vegan milk can be a source of vitamin B12, calcium, protein, vitamin D, etc.

Since these milk brands are plant-based, there are no concerns with hormones [1], antibiotics resistance [2] and GMO feed associated with dairy milk.

There is a wide range of flavors and sensations to appreciate and different types to use with certain meals and recipes when it comes to vegan milk.

With a bit of experimentaion we are confident you would realize which flavors or brands you would prefer the most and know the best combinations for your meals and recipes.

For this dairy-free vegan milk brands review, we have chosen some of the best brands and shows you consumer ratings while discussing taste, texture & consistency, quality, combinations to use them with, and nutrition.

Edensoy Organic Extra Vanilla Soymilk Review

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 (from 71 consumer ratings)

Edensoy Organic Extra Vanilla Soymilk is made with original vanilla extract. The quality nutrients that come with this fortified milk are valuable to vegans. It is also ideal for people with lactose intolerance/sensitive digestive system or anyone that has ditched dairy

Product Details

Non-GMO and certified organic
Provides beneficial nutrients for vegans such as protein, vitamin B12, calcium, vitamin D, omega 3 and antioxidants such as vitamin A & E!
Low fat and heart-healthy
Free from cholesterol, saturated fat, trans fat, and lactose
Recyclable packaging
Eden Foods was rated a top brand among sixty-two organic brands in a study carried out in North America [3]

Nutrition Per Serving (8oz/240ml)

Protein – 7g (14%)
Vitamin B12 – 50%
Calcium – 20%
Vitamin D – 10%
Omega 3 – 215mg
Omega 6 – 565mg
Omega 9 – 205mg
Vitamin A (antioxidant) – 30%
Vitamin E (antioxidant) – 25%
Iron – 6%
Zinc – 4%

Taste Test

Flavor: Extra Vanilla

As we noticed the color and consistency are quite similar to dairy milk. Compared to certain other soy brands the thickness and sweetness were just right and tempting.

It smells nice, delicious and refreshing, the amount of vanilla was spot on. This is not a surprise considering that it comes with pure vanilla extract from vanilla beans.

We tried with oatmeal as well and it complemented really well!

Recommended with:

Other than drinking it plain, can use with oatmeal, cereals, smoothies, and for baking

Silk Pure Almond Milk Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (from 2016 consumer ratings)

Enjoy this popular vegan milk brand which comes with smooth & creamy goodness of almond milk with a touch of vanilla and the nourishment of almond. You can simply chug it straight off the carton or add to your favorite breakfast cereals, or any other meal/recipes you fancy. To get the best taste of vanilla, chill it before serving.

Product Details

One of the most popular brands (15 years)
Good choice for vegans, followers of weight loss diets or ditched dairy
50% more calcium compared to dairy milk
Non-GMO* Project Verified
Good source of vitamin D, E
No cholesterol or saturated fat compared to dairy milk
Free of trans fat, artificial colors and flavors
No soy, lactose, gluten, and casein
Shelf-stable cartons (stays fresh kept in the refrigerator for 7-10 days, after opening)

Nutrition Per Serving 1 Cup (240ml)

Vitamin B12 – 50%
Calcium – 45%
Vitamin D – 25%
Iron – 2%
Vitamin A (antioxidant) – 10%
Vitamin E (antioxidant) – 20%

Taste Test

Flavor: Almondmilk Unsweetened Vanilla

The taste we got with the initial sips was somewhat alien to us. But once we got used to it, we started to develop a liking. Guess it’s only a different taste that we’re not accustomed to and nothing disagreeable or unpleasant about it.

The sweetness was well balanced with a hint of almond and subtle vanilla flavor. No artificial & bitter taste.

The consistency is not as creamy as dairy milk, but slightly thicker.

We also tried it with a smoothie, which was flavorful and filling! No spoiling of the original smoothie taste due to its unsweetened flavor.

Recommended with

Other than drinking it plain, can use with cereals, coffee, shakes, smoothies or even for sorbets

Pacific Foods Hemp Original Non-Dairy Milk Beverage Review

Rating: 4.4 out of 5 (from 169 consumer ratings)

This rich nutty-flavored Pacific Foods Hemp Milk is created with the goodness of hemp seeds and it’s a healthy choice for protein which comes with essential amino acids and omega 3 & 6 to boot. Shake well before using for best taste and refrigerate after opening that will last 7-10 days.

Product Details

Great nourishment with protein (with essential amino acids), calcium (more than almond or soy milk), vitamin B12, vitamin D, fiber plus omega 3 & 6 as well
Majority of the ingredients are certified organic
Non-GMO Project Verified
Good choice for vegans and those who have ditched dairy
Free of cholesterol, trans fat, gluten, lactose, soy, additives, and preservatives
Recyclable packaging

Nutrition Per Serving (8oz/240ml)

Calcium – 50%
Vitamin B12 – 25%
Protein – 3g
Iron – 6%
Vitamin D – 30%
Vitamin A (antioxidant) – 10%
Vitamin E (antioxidant) – 20%

Taste Test

Flavor: Original

No doubt, this hemp milk is the closest we’ve found to dairy milk in terms of texture, and consistency. Thicker than almond milk which gives its resemblance to dairy.

The ‘Original’ flavor is not overly sweet and has its own sweet nutty taste. The sweetness was enough to compliment cereals.

Overall, we liked it, the thicker consistency and the delicious nutty flavor with a hint of vanilla.

The only off-putting factor for some could be the slight earthy taste. In case if you don’t like it right off the bat, just give it a few more tries, and you may just get an acquired taste to it.

Recommended with

Other than drinking it plain, can use with cereals, and coffee.

Organic Original Enriched Rice Dream Rice Milk Drink Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (from 277 consumer ratings)

Organic Original Enriched Rice Dream Rice Milk has a tasty, light and fresh flavor with a hint of sweetness coming from brown rice. Fortified with many nutrients and whether you have it chilled or warm this plant milk will not disappoint you!

Product Details

USDA certified organic and Non-GMO Project Verified
Good source of calcium, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and vitamin A
Free of lactose, saturated & trans fat, cholesterol, artificial ingredients, preservatives, and soy
A lighter plant milk easier on your system and digestion
Shelf-stable cartons (stays fresh for 7-10 days after opening, kept in the refrigerator).

Nutrition Per Serving (8 oz / 240ml)

Calcium – 30%
Vitamin B12 – 25%
Vitamin D – 25%
Iron – 4%
Protein – 1g
Vitamin A (antioxidant) – 10%

Taste Test

Flavor: Enriched Original

Dream rice milk is certainly one of the sweetest vegan milk products.

The consistency is quite thin compared to other vegan milk beverages and we found it to be refreshing when it’s cold.

Though you can easily drink it alone, it compliments well when you combine it with cereals as well.

If you’re looking for a light & sweet non-dairy vegan milk then this is for you!

Recommended with

Other than having the plain goodness of a rice drink glass, can use with cereals, oatmeal, smoothies, sweet recipes, fruits, or for baking.

So Delicious Dairy Free Organic Coconut Milk Beverage Review

Rating: 4.2 out of 5 (from 890 consumer ratings)

So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Milk is made from organic coconuts and this vegan milk gives you an alternate plant milk experience altogether. Another brand that shows the diversity of plant milk available and it can go a long way with your other meals/recipes as well! Shake well before using.

Product Details

Certified vegan, certified organic, certified gluten-free, and non-GMO Project Verified
Good source of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), vitamin B12, vitamin D and fiber
Free of cholesterol, trans-fat, lactose, gluten, artificial flavors, colors, sodium, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts
Recyclable packaging
Ideal if you’re on a weight loss diet–low in calories (80 per serving) and carbohydrates (10g /3% RDI*)
Shelf-stable cartons (stays fresh for 7-10 days after opening, kept in the refrigerator)

*Recommended Daily Intake of Nutrients

Nutrition Per Serving 1 Cup (240ml)

Vitamin B12 – 50%
Calcium – 10%
Vitamin D – 30%
Vitamin A (antioxidant) – 10%
Zinc – 4%

Taste Test

Flavor: Unsweetened Original

As expected it has a coconut flavor but quite subtle and not overpowering at all. Therefore you don’t have to be afraid of mixing it with anything you fancy, since the original taste will not be spoiled. That’s one advantage you get with this So Delicious Coconut Milk.

Further, it has a balanced texture & consistency where the thickness is somewhere between almond milk and rice milk. The flavor is great whether you drink it alone or mix it with cereals, tea/coffee or smoothies!

Recommended with

Other than drinking it plain, can use with cereals, tea/coffee/lattes, smoothies and recipes

We hope this dairy-free vegan milk brands review helped you to know the top quality plant milk brands available and see the variety of options you’ve got. Keep trying different brands according to your taste, nutrition, meals, and recipe requirements!

Recommended Posts:

Vegan Brands That Are Revolutionizing Food!

References:

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16125328

[2] http://www.pcrm.org/health/diets/vegdiets/health-concerns-about-dairy-products

[3] https://www.edenfoods.com/articles/view.php?articles_id=130

Best Plant-Based Vegan Milk Brands and Consumer Guide – ‘Mooving’ Beyond Dairy!

June 30, 2017 By Dishan Mendis and Cat Robinson Leave a Comment

The rise of a broad variety of vegan milk substitutes has offered an impressive range of convenient and healthy dairy alternatives. Not only these substitutes provide a great option for vegans but it is ideally suited for those who have lactose intolerance or milk allergies.

Some of these plant milk brands are fortified with additional nutrients such as vitamin B12, protein (soy milk), calcium, vitamin D, etc. (we have mentioned the nutrition of each product below)

With so many different brands of non-dairy milk substitutes in many flavors, you’re sure to find your favorites!

Let’s find out the best vegan milk brands, discuss nutrition, taste and a few ways to incorporate them into your diet!

Vegan Milk Nutrition (Lactose-Free Milk)

Because there are many vegan milk brands fortified with additional nutrients, this is something you may want to consider apart from flavor to determine how you’re choosing to supplement your diet with vegan milk in terms of nutrition.

Fortified dairy milk alternatives can be a good source of additional calcium, vitamin B12, protein (soy milk & hemp milk), vitamin D, iron, and vitamin A, which can especially be useful in transitioning to a vegan diet.

Make sure to read labels carefully and look at their nutritional values per serving to assist you with selecting fortified lactose-free milk to meet your needs.

To get you started, we’ve discussed and listed some famous plant-based milk brands, along with the nutritional values below.

Minimal Processing

The healthiest vegan diet is one centered on foods which are as close to their natural form as possible.

Luckily there are many dairy-free milk options available for those that prefer products which have been minimally processed.

These vegan milk brands generally include only a few simple ingredients, as well as many which are certified organic. If you’re specifically looking for certified organic brands there are few we have mentioned below and also make sure to examine labels.

Taste

Because there are many different plant sources used for non-dairy milk, there’s equally a large range of flavors to experiment with! For example, coconut and soy milk are sweeter and creamier in consistency.

Almond milk, hemp, hazelnut and other nut-based milk have, well, a slightly nutty flavor to them! Rice milk tends to be thinner and slightly sweeter than nut milk.

Flavor may differ not just by product type, but may also by different brands of non-dairy milk. Many brands offer a variety of flavors, so treat each new experience with an open mind until you find what is pleasing to your taste buds!

Options for Recipes

How you pick which plant milk to use might also be decided by what you plan to do with it! While there are many plant milk options to substitute cow’s milk in a recipe, each of those varieties may impart a slightly different flavor or deliver a different result.

For example, almond, soy, hemp, coconut, and rice milk work especially well in baked goods. Due to the thicker, creamier consistency, hazelnut milk, soy, and coconut milk make good alternatives as cream in coffee. Soy and rice milk are particularly suited to use in soups and sauces.

As with so many things to do with food, it’s up to your taste to have the final say! Play around with different plant-based vegan milk substitutes for different occasions and have fun, finding your favorites.

Best Vegan Milk Brands with Nutrition

Eden Soy Extra by Eden Foods (OCIA Certified Organic, Non-GMO)

First developed in 1983, Edensoy has a well-deserved reputation for producing some of the best quality soy milk available on the market and remains a firm favorite among the vegan community.

Their exceptional quality standards make this a trusted brand, and it’s available in a variety of flavors, sure to keep everyone in the family happy. It’s also gluten-free, Non-GMO and certified organic!

Nutrition Facts:

• 50 percent of your daily vitamin B12 per serving
• 20 percent of your daily calcium per serving
• 10 percent of your daily Vitamin D per serving
• 7g of protein per serving
• 215mg omega 3 and 565mg of omega 6 per serving
• 30 percent of your daily Vitamin A per serving
• 25 percent of your daily Vitamin E per serving
• 15 percent of your daily iodine per serving

Silk Pure Almond Milk

This nut milk is a perfect accompaniment to breakfast cereals, for use in baking, or just for a nutritious glass of something special, that’s Non-GMO, free from gluten, eggs, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial colorants and flavorings. You’re also getting low calories with this delicious almond milk brand, with 90 calories per cup, it is still less than a glass of dairy milk!

Nutrition Facts:

• 50 percent of your daily vitamin B12 per serving
• 45 percent of your daily calcium per serving
• 25 percent of your daily Vitamin D per serving
• 1g of protein per serving
• 10 percent of your daily Vitamin A per serving
• 50 percent of your daily Vitamin E per serving
• 10 percent of your daily zinc per serving

Pacific Natural Original Hemp Milk

This appetizing vegan milk substitute, made from omega fatty acid rich hemp seeds, is ideal for baking and works like a charm for making light and fluffy pancakes or crumpets! Pacific Natural is also verified free from GMO ingredients, is certified Kosher Parve, and is free from gluten, soy, and yeast.

Nutrition Facts:

• 25 percent of your daily vitamin B12 per serving
• 50 percent of your daily calcium per serving
• 30 percent of your daily vitamin D per serving
• 3g of protein per serving
• Features a balance of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
• 10 percent of your daily vitamin A per serving
• 4 percent of your daily vitamin E per serving

Rice Dream Organic Rice Drink (USDA Certified Organic)

Made from partially milled brown rice, this vegan milk has a delicious natural sweetness. It works particularly well in smoothies, breakfast cereals, and would be the perfect addition to a vegan rice pudding! It’s also extremely low in fat, no gluten and certified organic.

Nutrition Facts:

• 25 percent of your daily vitamin B12 per serving
• 30 percent of your daily calcium per serving
• 25 percent of your daily Vitamin D per serving
• 1g of protein per serving
• 10 percent of your daily Vitamin A per serving

So Delicious Organic Coconut Milk (USDA Certified Organic)

Prepared from 100% organic coconuts, this plant milk is low in sodium and also contains no added sugar. It’s perfect for use in baking (think bread pudding), delicious creamy soups (cauliflower and creamy butternut) and as an addition to your favorite Thai Green curry. So Delicious is also certified organic, verified Non-GMO and no gluten.

Nutrition Facts:

• 50 percent of your daily vitamin B12 per serving
• 10 percent of your daily calcium per serving
• 30 percent of your daily Vitamin D per serving
• 10 percent of your daily Vitamin A per serving
• 50 percent of your daily Vitamin E per serving
• 4 percent of your daily zinc per serving
• 10 percent of your daily magnesium per serving

As we mentioned before, check the packaging carefully for the ingredient list and nutrition facts for most accurate and up-to-date information.

We hope the list above has inspired you to sample the options you have when it comes to replacing dairy milk with kinder & much better plant milk alternatives.

Related Posts: