So instead I trick myself, and this dairy-loving baby, with dairy-free milk alternatives.\u00a0 Thankfully there are a few to go around! \u00a0 The question is, which dairy-free milk is the best for us? \u00a0Let’s take a peek!<\/p>\n
![\"Dairy-free](\"http:\/\/www.daniellebinns.com\/stagingsite\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/bigstock-147310247-1024x1024.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
6 Dairy-Free Milk Alternatives to Cow’s Milk<\/h1>\n![\"Dairy-Free](\"http:\/\/www.daniellebinns.com\/stagingsite\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/soy-milk-2263942_640.jpg\")
<\/h2>\nSoy Milk<\/span><\/h2>\nWhen reviewing a client’s food journal I get goosebumps every time I see “soy milk” jotted down with their cereal, or in their smoothies, or…anywhere else. \u00a0From a macronutrient perspective, soy milk<\/strong> is the closest to cow’s milk; however it has its disadvantages. \u00a0Chris Kresser talks about the dangers of soy in detail here<\/a>, but at a glance here’s what you should know:<\/p>\n\n- Most soy is genetically modified<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- It is one of the most heavily sprayed<\/strong> crops with high levels of pesticides<\/li>\n
- The phytoestrogens in soy may cause hormonal\u00a0changes<\/strong>.\u00a0One study illustrates that some\u00a0phytoestrogens have been linked to\u00a0problematic stimulation of the reproductive systems of animals and humans. \u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
- It is a common<\/strong> allergen<\/strong>, so if choosing an alternate milk due to allergy concerns, soy is not a good idea (about half of the children who react to cow’s milk also react to soy).<\/li>\n
- Phytates<\/strong> (enzyme inhibitors) found in some soy protein and other nuts\/legumes,\u00a0can interfere with the absorption of essential minerals including zinc and iron.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
![\"Dairy-Free](\"http:\/\/www.daniellebinns.com\/stagingsite\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/coconut-1501334_640.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Coconut Milk<\/span><\/h2>\nAnother option would be coconut milk\u00a0<\/strong>because of the healthy fats\u00a0it contains. \u00a0And it’s creamy deliciousness! \u00a0However, I’m a little weary about using the canned variety due to the use of BPA in the lining<\/strong> of most canned products. \u00a0With a high-fat product like coconut milk, the fat leaches toxins into the milk and no one wants that!<\/p>\nYou’re better off using a brand like Aroy-D <\/a>which uses as a BPA-free lining free of\u00a0Titanium Dioxide<\/strong>\u00a0(used as a replacement for BPA-free liners which comes with a list of negative news<\/a>):<\/p>\n\n- Titanium Dioxide is linked<\/a> to Crohn’s\u00a0Disease.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- It has been shown to cause inflammation in the small intestine\u2026hello leaky gut<\/a><\/strong>!. (source<\/a>).<\/li>\n
- Titanium dioxide is classified as \u201cpossibly carcinogenic<\/strong>\u201d to humans, (source<\/a>).<\/li>\n
- Titanium Dioxide was approved for food use in 1969 based on weak evidence. Current research shows it accumulates in organs and cause physiological changes<\/strong>, (source<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Coconut milk in the carton is not a great option either because it is watered down, diluting the nutrients per serving. \u00a0The best alternative is to make your own with a homemade coconut milk recipe like this.<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Dairy-Free](\"http:\/\/www.daniellebinns.com\/stagingsite\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/rice-2294365_640.jpg\")
<\/h2>\nRice Milk<\/span><\/h2>\nRice milk has become as ubiquitous as almond milk these days. \u00a0It’s inexpensive, dairy-free and has a decent taste. \u00a0Some choose to make a similar non-dairy drink with rice milk<\/strong> which I recommend avoiding for two main reasons.<\/p>\n\n- Rice contains arsenic<\/strong>.\u00a0 The FDA is currently studying the health effects <\/a>from consuming rice products over the long-term.<\/li>\n
- Rice is heavy on\u00a0carbohydrates<\/strong> with too little fat and protein<\/strong> for us. \u00a0While adults can supplement our diet with these missing macronutrients, our little ones (especially the picky eaters in our home) are limited in their options. \u00a0So choosing a quality milk source becomes more important.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
![\"Dairy-Free](\"http:\/\/www.daniellebinns.com\/stagingsite\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/oats-701299_640.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Oat Milk<\/span><\/h2>\nThere’s also an option to make milk from various grains, with oat milk<\/strong> being the most common.\u00a0 The benefit of oat milk is the fiber<\/strong> it contains and that it’s more calorically dense<\/strong> than other milks; however oats offer\u00a0very little fat<\/strong>.<\/p>\n![\"Dairy-Free](\"http:\/\/www.daniellebinns.com\/stagingsite\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Dairy-free-milk-options-1024x1024.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Almond Milk<\/span><\/h2>\nAlmond milk<\/strong> is another popular choice for parents, but with the nut allergy epidemic and nut ban in some schools, it can be limiting.\u00a0 Nutritionally, almond milk lacks the fat<\/strong> that our little ones require (the brain made up of 60% fat and are growing at rapid rates in the early years).\u00a0 Also, nut milks in general\u00a0have insufficient protein<\/strong> and are deficient in Vitamin D\/B12<\/strong>.\u00a0 While some brands fortify their packaged milk with vitamins\/minerals they may not be the best or most absorbable versions.\u00a0 Making your own almond milk and supplementing\u00a0with Vitamin D, etc yourself\u00a0is a better option.<\/p>\nAlso from an environmental perspective, almonds require a ton of water<\/strong>\u00a0which is a dwindling resource (and a sacred one for those in California).<\/p>\nCalifornia\u2019s drought-stricken Central Valley churns out 80 percent of the globe\u2019s almonds<\/a>, and since each nut takes a gallon of water to produce, they account for close to 10 percent<\/a> of the state\u2019s annual agricultural water use\u2014or more than what the entire population of Los Angeles and San Francisco use in a year. – Source<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n![\"Dairy-Free](\"http:\/\/www.daniellebinns.com\/stagingsite\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/sesame-1273412_640.jpg\")
<\/h2>\nSesame Milk<\/span><\/h2>\nAnother non-dairy alternative that has been in the spotlight in recent years is sesame milk. Sesame seeds contain several nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc.<\/strong>\u00a0 Sesame seeds contain 88 mg of calcium in just one tablespoon (the DRI for adults is 1000 mg of calcium and toddlers need 700 mg). \u00a0Hence they are one of the richest seed sources of calcium.<\/p>\nEven though sesame seeds have all these amazing minerals, they also contain anti-nutrients<\/strong> (oxalic acid) that bind and block the minerals from getting absorbed sufficiently. – Source<\/a>\u00a0 While we want to ensure our little ones are absorbing all the benefits of they are taking in, we face this challenge with many foods. \u00a0So the best thing to do is include variety and switch things up.<\/p>\nI’ve yet to see a packaged brand of sesame milk, but you can easily make your own (soaking to help release those anti-nutrients and improve absorption). \u00a0Try this sesame milk recipe<\/a>.<\/p>\nBONUS: Hemp Milk<\/span><\/h2>\nHow could I forget about my trusty hemp milk. \u00a0It was the primary source of liquid nutrition for my eldest daughter. \u00a0Especially during the days of her extreme picky eating, and when she preferred to drink her meals. \u00a0Thankfully she loved my nutrient-dense\u00a0hemp milk formula<\/a>. \u00a0And I felt better about the fact that this “milk” was a primary source of nutrition.<\/p>\n
<\/h2>\nSoy Milk<\/span><\/h2>\nWhen reviewing a client’s food journal I get goosebumps every time I see “soy milk” jotted down with their cereal, or in their smoothies, or…anywhere else. \u00a0From a macronutrient perspective, soy milk<\/strong> is the closest to cow’s milk; however it has its disadvantages. \u00a0Chris Kresser talks about the dangers of soy in detail here<\/a>, but at a glance here’s what you should know:<\/p>\n\n- Most soy is genetically modified<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- It is one of the most heavily sprayed<\/strong> crops with high levels of pesticides<\/li>\n
- The phytoestrogens in soy may cause hormonal\u00a0changes<\/strong>.\u00a0One study illustrates that some\u00a0phytoestrogens have been linked to\u00a0problematic stimulation of the reproductive systems of animals and humans. \u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
- It is a common<\/strong> allergen<\/strong>, so if choosing an alternate milk due to allergy concerns, soy is not a good idea (about half of the children who react to cow’s milk also react to soy).<\/li>\n
- Phytates<\/strong> (enzyme inhibitors) found in some soy protein and other nuts\/legumes,\u00a0can interfere with the absorption of essential minerals including zinc and iron.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
<\/p>\n
Coconut Milk<\/span><\/h2>\nAnother option would be coconut milk\u00a0<\/strong>because of the healthy fats\u00a0it contains. \u00a0And it’s creamy deliciousness! \u00a0However, I’m a little weary about using the canned variety due to the use of BPA in the lining<\/strong> of most canned products. \u00a0With a high-fat product like coconut milk, the fat leaches toxins into the milk and no one wants that!<\/p>\nYou’re better off using a brand like Aroy-D <\/a>which uses as a BPA-free lining free of\u00a0Titanium Dioxide<\/strong>\u00a0(used as a replacement for BPA-free liners which comes with a list of negative news<\/a>):<\/p>\n\n- Titanium Dioxide is linked<\/a> to Crohn’s\u00a0Disease.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- It has been shown to cause inflammation in the small intestine\u2026hello leaky gut<\/a><\/strong>!. (source<\/a>).<\/li>\n
- Titanium dioxide is classified as \u201cpossibly carcinogenic<\/strong>\u201d to humans, (source<\/a>).<\/li>\n
- Titanium Dioxide was approved for food use in 1969 based on weak evidence. Current research shows it accumulates in organs and cause physiological changes<\/strong>, (source<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Coconut milk in the carton is not a great option either because it is watered down, diluting the nutrients per serving. \u00a0The best alternative is to make your own with a homemade coconut milk recipe like this.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/h2>\nRice Milk<\/span><\/h2>\nRice milk has become as ubiquitous as almond milk these days. \u00a0It’s inexpensive, dairy-free and has a decent taste. \u00a0Some choose to make a similar non-dairy drink with rice milk<\/strong> which I recommend avoiding for two main reasons.<\/p>\n\n- Rice contains arsenic<\/strong>.\u00a0 The FDA is currently studying the health effects <\/a>from consuming rice products over the long-term.<\/li>\n
- Rice is heavy on\u00a0carbohydrates<\/strong> with too little fat and protein<\/strong> for us. \u00a0While adults can supplement our diet with these missing macronutrients, our little ones (especially the picky eaters in our home) are limited in their options. \u00a0So choosing a quality milk source becomes more important.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
<\/p>\n
Oat Milk<\/span><\/h2>\nThere’s also an option to make milk from various grains, with oat milk<\/strong> being the most common.\u00a0 The benefit of oat milk is the fiber<\/strong> it contains and that it’s more calorically dense<\/strong> than other milks; however oats offer\u00a0very little fat<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Almond Milk<\/span><\/h2>\nAlmond milk<\/strong> is another popular choice for parents, but with the nut allergy epidemic and nut ban in some schools, it can be limiting.\u00a0 Nutritionally, almond milk lacks the fat<\/strong> that our little ones require (the brain made up of 60% fat and are growing at rapid rates in the early years).\u00a0 Also, nut milks in general\u00a0have insufficient protein<\/strong> and are deficient in Vitamin D\/B12<\/strong>.\u00a0 While some brands fortify their packaged milk with vitamins\/minerals they may not be the best or most absorbable versions.\u00a0 Making your own almond milk and supplementing\u00a0with Vitamin D, etc yourself\u00a0is a better option.<\/p>\nAlso from an environmental perspective, almonds require a ton of water<\/strong>\u00a0which is a dwindling resource (and a sacred one for those in California).<\/p>\nCalifornia\u2019s drought-stricken Central Valley churns out 80 percent of the globe\u2019s almonds<\/a>, and since each nut takes a gallon of water to produce, they account for close to 10 percent<\/a> of the state\u2019s annual agricultural water use\u2014or more than what the entire population of Los Angeles and San Francisco use in a year. – Source<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/h2>\nSesame Milk<\/span><\/h2>\nAnother non-dairy alternative that has been in the spotlight in recent years is sesame milk. Sesame seeds contain several nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc.<\/strong>\u00a0 Sesame seeds contain 88 mg of calcium in just one tablespoon (the DRI for adults is 1000 mg of calcium and toddlers need 700 mg). \u00a0Hence they are one of the richest seed sources of calcium.<\/p>\nEven though sesame seeds have all these amazing minerals, they also contain anti-nutrients<\/strong> (oxalic acid) that bind and block the minerals from getting absorbed sufficiently. – Source<\/a>\u00a0 While we want to ensure our little ones are absorbing all the benefits of they are taking in, we face this challenge with many foods. \u00a0So the best thing to do is include variety and switch things up.<\/p>\nI’ve yet to see a packaged brand of sesame milk, but you can easily make your own (soaking to help release those anti-nutrients and improve absorption). \u00a0Try this sesame milk recipe<\/a>.<\/p>\nBONUS: Hemp Milk<\/span><\/h2>\nHow could I forget about my trusty hemp milk. \u00a0It was the primary source of liquid nutrition for my eldest daughter. \u00a0Especially during the days of her extreme picky eating, and when she preferred to drink her meals. \u00a0Thankfully she loved my nutrient-dense\u00a0hemp milk formula<\/a>. \u00a0And I felt better about the fact that this “milk” was a primary source of nutrition.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Most soy is genetically modified<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- It is one of the most heavily sprayed<\/strong> crops with high levels of pesticides<\/li>\n
- The phytoestrogens in soy may cause hormonal\u00a0changes<\/strong>.\u00a0One study illustrates that some\u00a0phytoestrogens have been linked to\u00a0problematic stimulation of the reproductive systems of animals and humans. \u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
- It is a common<\/strong> allergen<\/strong>, so if choosing an alternate milk due to allergy concerns, soy is not a good idea (about half of the children who react to cow’s milk also react to soy).<\/li>\n
- Phytates<\/strong> (enzyme inhibitors) found in some soy protein and other nuts\/legumes,\u00a0can interfere with the absorption of essential minerals including zinc and iron.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
<\/p>\nCoconut Milk<\/span><\/h2>\n
Another option would be coconut milk\u00a0<\/strong>because of the healthy fats\u00a0it contains. \u00a0And it’s creamy deliciousness! \u00a0However, I’m a little weary about using the canned variety due to the use of BPA in the lining<\/strong> of most canned products. \u00a0With a high-fat product like coconut milk, the fat leaches toxins into the milk and no one wants that!<\/p>\n
You’re better off using a brand like Aroy-D <\/a>which uses as a BPA-free lining free of\u00a0Titanium Dioxide<\/strong>\u00a0(used as a replacement for BPA-free liners which comes with a list of negative news<\/a>):<\/p>\n
- \n
- Titanium Dioxide is linked<\/a> to Crohn’s\u00a0Disease.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- It has been shown to cause inflammation in the small intestine\u2026hello leaky gut<\/a><\/strong>!. (source<\/a>).<\/li>\n
- Titanium dioxide is classified as \u201cpossibly carcinogenic<\/strong>\u201d to humans, (source<\/a>).<\/li>\n
- Titanium Dioxide was approved for food use in 1969 based on weak evidence. Current research shows it accumulates in organs and cause physiological changes<\/strong>, (source<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Coconut milk in the carton is not a great option either because it is watered down, diluting the nutrients per serving. \u00a0The best alternative is to make your own with a homemade coconut milk recipe like this.<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/h2>\nRice Milk<\/span><\/h2>\n
Rice milk has become as ubiquitous as almond milk these days. \u00a0It’s inexpensive, dairy-free and has a decent taste. \u00a0Some choose to make a similar non-dairy drink with rice milk<\/strong> which I recommend avoiding for two main reasons.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Rice contains arsenic<\/strong>.\u00a0 The FDA is currently studying the health effects <\/a>from consuming rice products over the long-term.<\/li>\n
- Rice is heavy on\u00a0carbohydrates<\/strong> with too little fat and protein<\/strong> for us. \u00a0While adults can supplement our diet with these missing macronutrients, our little ones (especially the picky eaters in our home) are limited in their options. \u00a0So choosing a quality milk source becomes more important.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
<\/p>\nOat Milk<\/span><\/h2>\n
There’s also an option to make milk from various grains, with oat milk<\/strong> being the most common.\u00a0 The benefit of oat milk is the fiber<\/strong> it contains and that it’s more calorically dense<\/strong> than other milks; however oats offer\u00a0very little fat<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nAlmond Milk<\/span><\/h2>\n
Almond milk<\/strong> is another popular choice for parents, but with the nut allergy epidemic and nut ban in some schools, it can be limiting.\u00a0 Nutritionally, almond milk lacks the fat<\/strong> that our little ones require (the brain made up of 60% fat and are growing at rapid rates in the early years).\u00a0 Also, nut milks in general\u00a0have insufficient protein<\/strong> and are deficient in Vitamin D\/B12<\/strong>.\u00a0 While some brands fortify their packaged milk with vitamins\/minerals they may not be the best or most absorbable versions.\u00a0 Making your own almond milk and supplementing\u00a0with Vitamin D, etc yourself\u00a0is a better option.<\/p>\n
Also from an environmental perspective, almonds require a ton of water<\/strong>\u00a0which is a dwindling resource (and a sacred one for those in California).<\/p>\n
California\u2019s drought-stricken Central Valley churns out 80 percent of the globe\u2019s almonds<\/a>, and since each nut takes a gallon of water to produce, they account for close to 10 percent<\/a> of the state\u2019s annual agricultural water use\u2014or more than what the entire population of Los Angeles and San Francisco use in a year. – Source<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
<\/h2>\nSesame Milk<\/span><\/h2>\n
Another non-dairy alternative that has been in the spotlight in recent years is sesame milk. Sesame seeds contain several nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc.<\/strong>\u00a0 Sesame seeds contain 88 mg of calcium in just one tablespoon (the DRI for adults is 1000 mg of calcium and toddlers need 700 mg). \u00a0Hence they are one of the richest seed sources of calcium.<\/p>\n
Even though sesame seeds have all these amazing minerals, they also contain anti-nutrients<\/strong> (oxalic acid) that bind and block the minerals from getting absorbed sufficiently. – Source<\/a>\u00a0 While we want to ensure our little ones are absorbing all the benefits of they are taking in, we face this challenge with many foods. \u00a0So the best thing to do is include variety and switch things up.<\/p>\n
I’ve yet to see a packaged brand of sesame milk, but you can easily make your own (soaking to help release those anti-nutrients and improve absorption). \u00a0Try this sesame milk recipe<\/a>.<\/p>\n
BONUS: Hemp Milk<\/span><\/h2>\n
How could I forget about my trusty hemp milk. \u00a0It was the primary source of liquid nutrition for my eldest daughter. \u00a0Especially during the days of her extreme picky eating, and when she preferred to drink her meals. \u00a0Thankfully she loved my nutrient-dense\u00a0hemp milk formula<\/a>. \u00a0And I felt better about the fact that this “milk” was a primary source of nutrition.<\/p>\n
- Rice is heavy on\u00a0carbohydrates<\/strong> with too little fat and protein<\/strong> for us. \u00a0While adults can supplement our diet with these missing macronutrients, our little ones (especially the picky eaters in our home) are limited in their options. \u00a0So choosing a quality milk source becomes more important.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
- It has been shown to cause inflammation in the small intestine\u2026hello leaky gut<\/a><\/strong>!. (source<\/a>).<\/li>\n
- It is one of the most heavily sprayed<\/strong> crops with high levels of pesticides<\/li>\n