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Looking for a dairy-free alternative to mix in with your morning coffee? You’re in luck. There are a host of plant-based options available, each of which comes with its own benefits.
There are many reasons why people may opt for plant-based milk alternatives, from being lactose intolerant to wanting a vegan option to fit their lifestyle. If you’re wondering what all the fuss is, check out our handy guide.
Oat milk
Made from a mixture of oats and water, oat milk is naturally sweet and mild in flavour. It is wonderfully creamy and tastes amazing in coffee, cereal and smoothies.
Compared to cow’s milk, oat milk has a similar amount of calories, about double the carbohydrates and half the protein and fat. It is also high in total fibre and beta-glucan, which helps to lower cholesterol levels.
Visit Kleinksky’s Delicattesan for a delicious oat milk latte of note.
Soy milk
This milk alternative is made out of either soybeans or soy protein isolate and is often mixed with thickeners and vegetable oils for a better taste and consistency.
Soy milk has a creamy flavour and texture, with a very subtle bean-like aftertaste. It is a great option for those who like their coffee a certain colour, as its creaminess and fullness easily mimics the look and feel of normal cow milk.
Soy milk is the most protein-heavy of the alternatives and provides all the essential amino acids our bodies cannot produce. In fact, it is the closest non-dairy substitute for cows milk as it contains a similar amount of proteins but with about half the calories, fats and carbohydrates. Many brands also fortify their soy milk with calcium and vitamin D.
Where to get it: Head to your local Bootleggers and ask for soy milk in your flat white for a sweet treat.
Almond milk:
Almond milk is a non-dairy alternative made from either whole almonds or almond butter and water. It offers a sweet, nutty flavour and is light in texture. This alternative is perfect for smoothies, desserts and baked goods.
Almond milk contains less than a quarter of the calories and half the fat of cow’s milk and is great for those wanting to cut down on the amount of calories they consume. It is also a natural source of vitamin E.
However, this substitute is much lower in protein and carbohydrates and is a much less concentrated source of fibre and healthy fats because it is mostly made of water. Most brands blanch and remove the skin of almonds before using them, which reduces its fibre, protein, vitamin and mineral content. Made sure to look out for brands with a higher content of almonds to get the best health benefits, around 7-15% is ideal.
Swing by Origin in De Waterkant for a delicious almond milk latte you’ll love.
Coconut milk
This dairy alternative is made from water and the white flesh of brown coconuts. It is a diluted version of the usual coconut milk sold in cans, often used in Southeast Asian and Indian cuisines. Coconut milk is deliciously creamy with a sweet and subtle coconut flavour.
Coconut milk contains half the fat and about a third of the calories of cow’s milk, making it a good alternative for those wanting to cut down. However, it offers the lowest protein and carbohydrate content of all the alternatives.
About 90% of the calories in this alternative come from saturated fat, including one known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which may help reduce appetite, assist with weight loss and improve blood cholesterol levels.
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