Top 7 Milk Alternatives

For those struggling with lactose intolerance, it may be nice to know that there currently exist a multitude of alternatives to traditional dairy milk. While these products each have their own pros and cons associated with them, many lactose intolerant individuals find that their easiest treatment option is to simply substitute their milk consumption with one of these alternatives.

1. Soy milk is, by far, the most common replacement milk as it is rich, creamy, and actually offers more protein and calcium than cows milk, with lower calories. However, as soy is a common allergen, it is imperative that you be aware of whether a soy allergy exists as to avoid potentially worse problems than lactose intolerance.
2. Coconut milk is another common solution, readily available in both ready-to-drink and canned varieties. However, as with soy milk, there is a potential for allergic reaction that must not be ignored.
3. Almond milk is a tasty option that many pursue, but you may be surprised to find out that almond milk is relatively low in protein. If using it to replace the protein you are missing out on from not drinking dairy milk, you would do better to eat a handful of almonds by itself.
4. Rice milk is another option that has been around for a while. It is much thinner than the previously mentioned alternatives, and in a natural state has very little nutritional value, but commercially available brands are often fortified to compensate for the lacking nutrients.
5. Hemp milk is a bit harder to find than the previous alternatives, but it can be found at certain specialty retailers. Hemp milk has a relatively low allergen risk.
6. Potato milk can be purchased online, and has virtually zero risk of allergic response. Nutritionally it is similar to rice milk.
7. Lactaid milk is not a milk alternative, but rather a treated milk with the lactose sugars already broken down by lactase enzymes. It is quite a bit more expensive than regular milk, but far easier on the stomach.