10 Best Vegan Milk: Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives
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Vegan milk or plant-based milks are ethical and sustainable alternatives to traditional cow milk.
These non-dairy products are derived from various plants and nuts, so you’ll get to enjoy them without feeling guilty about the miserable condition of cows in cruel factory farms.
(Have you watched the MILKED documentary yet?)
And unlike the dairy industry which is a major source of greenhouse gas, farms for vegan milk help reduce air pollution and produce oxygen.
But we know what you’re thinking:
“Is vegan milk healthy? And is it tasty?”
Like cow milk, vegan milks are also nutritious and delicious.
You just have to find the right vegan milk for you.
Below are 10 of the best vegan milks that have the most nutrients, while taking into consideration different personal preferences on taste, and people with allergies to soy, nuts, and other ingredients.
Shall we take a look at your options?
Our Top 1 Pick
For Best Vegan Milks
Ripple Peas Vegan Milk
- Plant-based milk derived from organic peas
- Provides 50% more calcium than milk
- Dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free, gluten-free, lactose-free & non-GMO
- Containers made from 100% recycled plastic
Our Top 2 Pick
For Best Vegan Milks
Pacific Foods Hemp Plant-Based Milk
- Made from the hemp seed
- Lactose-free, cholesterol-free, soy-free, and carrageenan-free
- Shelf-stable and sustainably sourced
- Non-plastic, BPA-free carton
1. Ripple Pea Vegan Milk
This vegan milk option is perfect for people who are allergic to soy.
Ripple plant-based milk is derived from organic peas and free from dairy allergens.
The company proudly claims that their pea milk tastes better than almond, soy, oat and other plant-based milks.
More importantly, it provides 50% more calcium than milk with 50% less sugar.
This vegan milk will also shelf-stable and will survive long periods on store or home shelves without spoiling – the packaging is made from 100% recycled plastic.
Ripple is also a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) and a Certified B Corp company and is committed to high standards of sustainability, transparency and performance.
No wonder Ripple is among the most popular plant based milk brands today.
2. Pacific Foods Hemp Plant-Based Milk
Who would have thought that hemp is not only a source of eco-friendly clothing but even milk!
One of the most notable traits of hemp milk is that it contains calcium naturally.
Most of the other non-dairy milk substitutes like almond, oat, and soy had calcium added artificially.
Pacific Foods’ hemp milk is shelf-stable and made from sustainably sourced hemp.
It is also free from common dairy allergens, nuts, soys, and carrageenan.
While it is commonly found in dairy products, some evidence suggests that carrageenan triggers inflammation, damages your digestive system, and causes gastrointestinal ulcerations.
3. Silk Unsweetened Organic Soy Milk
QUICK OVERVIEW
- Certified organic soy milk
- Free of allergens and added sugar
- Non-GMO and vegan-friendly
- Aseptic cartons for convenient, non-refrigerated storage
Silk is a popular brand selling the best plant based milks in the market.
Silk’s soy milk is unsweetened and derived from organic soy.
It is deliciously wholesome and guaranteed free of dairy, lactose, casein, carrageenan, gluten, egg, peanut, or MSG.
If you’re looking for a soy milk that tastes great whether added to coffee or enjoyed on its own, this right here might be for you.
Consumers also claim that Silk soy milk is also one of the best vegan milk for smoothies and cereals.
4. Oatly Organic Oat Milk
QUICK OVERVIEW
- 100% plant-based milk made from oats
- Vegan, dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free, non-GMO & gluten-free
- Sustainable and ethical production chain
- Packaging made from renewable and recyclable materials
Oatly is a Swedish company that aims to provide the best possible oat-based products with both humans and our planet in mind.
Their entire inventory includes strictly oat-based products, and they are widely known to have one of the best oat milk there is.
Soy and oat milk are some of the most healthy non-dairy milk alternatives.
Oatly’s oat milk is derived from certified gluten-free oats sourced from sustainable farms all around the U.S.
It foams very well making it among the best vegan milk for coffee and for making lattes.
Also, Oatly is dead serious about taking care of our planet while providing consumers with healthy, vegan-friendly milk.
For instance, in 2020, the oat fiber residues from their Vlissingen production site went 100% to biogas.
Meanwhile, the oat fiber residues from their Millville production site went mainly to animal feed and for soil improvement.
5. So Delicious Dairy-Free Shelf-Stable Coconut Milk
QUICK OVERVIEW
- Derived from organic coconut milk
- Free of dairy, soy, gluten, carrageenan, BPA, and preservatives
- Certified vegan and non-GMO verified
- Available in aseptic packaging
So Delicious has been bringing dairy-free and plant-based beverages and creamers to families for over 30 years.
This non-soy vegan milk from them contains no artificial flavors or colors, hydrogenated oils, soy, added MSG, or trans fat.
It is made using organic coconut milk and sweetened with organic cane sugar.
Besides drinking, it is the perfect substitute for dairy milk in any recipe at a one-for-one ratio, making it the best vegan milk for cooking and for baking.
So Delicious’ organic coconut milk is available in aseptic packaging making it shelf-stable and convenient for non-refrigerated storage.
6. Orgain Organic Almond Plant-Based Milk
QUICK OVERVIEW
- USDA organic plant-based milk from almond
- Produced using organic farming practices
- Unsweetened, gluten-free, soy-free, non-GMO
- Kosher and vegan milk
A great dairy substitute to use for coffee, baking, and cooking, Orgain’s plant-based milk is made from almond nuts.
The ingredients used are derived from organic farms and it contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
It is also unsweetened with a mild vanilla flavor, with added pea protein making it thicker with a creamy texture.
7. Milkadamia Vegan & Keto-Friendly Macadamia Milk
QUICK OVERVIEW
- Vanilla flavored macadamia milk
- Dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, carrageenan-free, and non-GMO
- Kosher and vegan-friendly milk
- Produced from sustainable and regenerative farms
Milkadamia’s vegan milk is made in the USA using natural, raw, and unroasted macadamias.
It has a sweet hint of vanilla but unsweetened (contains 0g sugar).
This vegan milk is also Keto-approved, soy-free, gluten-free, carrageenan-free, non-GMO, and has low calories per serving.
It makes an excellent non-dairy milk alternative for coffee, smoothies, baking or straight up as a drink!
And in terms of sustainability, Milkadamia’s farm is regeneratively farmed and run as naturally as possible to reduce carbon footprint.
8. Sproud Non-Dairy Pea Milk
QUICK OVERVIEW
- Plant-based milk derived from peas
- Contains zero sugar and carbs
- Dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, Kosher Certified
- 365-day shelf life with eco-friendly packaging
“Where taste and sustainability come together”
Sproud’s vegan pea milk has a silky taste, creamy, and frothy.
It has a mild sweetness without added sugars, making it one of the best non-dairy milk for your tea, cereal or blended in your favorite smoothie.
For people with dairy allergies, it is non-GMO and contains no gluten, dairy, soy, or nuts.
You also don’t have to worry about early spoilage.
This pea milk has a 365 day shelf life and needs to be refrigerated only after opening.
Finally, it comes in an eco-friendly packaging that helps eliminate unnecessary wastage and reduces carbon footprint.
9. Mooala Organic Unsweetened Almond Milk
QUICK OVERVIEW
- Made with organic almonds and vanilla beans
- Guaranteed non-GMO, carrageenan-free, gluten-free, and soy-free
- Vegan, Keto and Whole30 friendly milk
- Texas Owned and Operated business
Mooala is a popular non-dairy milk brand in the US that uses real ingredients to make premium, USDA-Organic, dairy-free beverages and creamers.
This non-dairy milk from Mooala is made with real, organic and non-GMO roasted almonds and vanilla beans.
It contains no gluten, soy, and other allergens.
And guess what?
Each serving only has 40 calories, making it one of the best vegan milk for weight loss!
You can pour it over your favorite bowl of cereal, add it to your morning smoothies or protein shakes, or drink it straight out of a glass.
10. Elmhurst Unsweetened Cashew Milk
QUICK OVERVIEW
- Made from just cashews and water
- Crafted with HydroRelease method
- Free of gums or emulsifiers, carrageenan, soy, and Non-GMO
- Contains ONLY 2 ingredients (zero fillers)
Elmhurst is a leading non-dairy milk brand that produces deliciously simple plant milks and creamers crafted with natural nuts and grains.
Elmhurst’s unsweetened cashew milk is made using only two ingredients: just cashews and water.
It is totally free of gums or emulsifiers, added sugars, carrageenan-free, Kosher, Non-GMO Project Verified, and shelf stable until opened.
And don’t let the “lack” of extra ingredients and additives fool you.
This plant-based milk is creamy, delicious, and nutritious.
You can enjoy it with coffee, cereal, oatmeal and smoothies and can also be used as a dairy-alternative in sauces, soups and baking recipes.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for the best vegan milk for your coffee, morning bowl of oatmeal, smoothie or for baking, we hope this list has helped you out.
But we would like to hear from you too!
In your opinion, what is the best vegan milk?
Which of the vegan milk above do you like best?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Frequently Asked Questions on Vegan Milks
Which vegan milk is the healthiest?
The truth is, it is quite difficult to name a single vegan milk as the healthiest.
For instance, based on the data from Medical News Today, vegan milks like hemp and almond might be low on calories but soy and oat milk have the highest calcium content.
And if you consider the fact that every person have different preference on taste, and others are allergic to soy and nuts, there is not one vegan milk that can be named as the healthiest.
The same way that there is not a single vegan milk variety that is ideal for everyone.
What vegan milk tastes the most like milk?
According to a well-recognized food blog Food & Wine, almond, soy, and oat milk are among the popular vegan milks that tastes most like cow milk.
Which non-dairy milk is best?
It really depends on what you are looking for in a non-dairy milk. Every person has different personal preference on taste and texture, not to mention some people are allergic to various ingredients like soy, nuts, and gluten.