Milk Substitutes: The 7 Best Alternatives to Cow's Milk

There are numerous reasons why people avoid animal milk from cows, goats or sheep. Many nutrition experts recommend plant-based alternatives, which can now be bought in most supermarkets.

In fact, according to the EU regulation on the protection of the designation, these may not be called "milk". Instead, they bear the designations "drink" or "beverage". Only coconut milk can be called "milk" because it was already on the market before the regulation.

Almond milk

Almond milk can be used wherever cow's milk was previously used. It tastes mild, slightly nutty and quite sweet, which is why it goes perfectly with muesli and in shakes. The vegan substitute contains protein, calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. In addition, it is an ideal source of dietary fiber and unsaturated fatty acids. Almond milk is easily digestible and is now available in a number of supermarkets. But you can also easily make almond milk yourself.

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coconut milk

Coconut milk always has an exotic aftertaste. It is suitable for cooking and baking, especially for rice dishes and desserts, but also as a basis for cocktails and shakes. Coconut milk has a significantly higher fat content than many other plant-based substitutes - even if they are healthy, unsaturated fatty acids. It is also rich in protein, potassium, calcium, magnesium and folic acid. If you want to try it, you can get the milk substitute in discounters, supermarkets and health food stores.

hemp milk

Hemp milk is high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, iron, and calcium. In fact, it already provides the recommended daily dose of unsaturated fatty acids. Since this milk alternative has a nutty flavor, it is best suited for cooking and baking. You can find it in organic markets and health food stores.

soy milk

Soy milk offers the perfect substitute as it can completely replace cow's milk. Whether in coffee, in muesli, for baking or cooking: it can be used in many different ways and can even be foamed. Assuming you like the taste of the grain. Soy products contain a lot of protein and have about the same protein content as cow's milk. Since soy milk has a significantly lower fat content than cow's milk, it is ideal for a calorie-reduced diet. It's now available in almost all supermarkets.

hazelnut milk

Hazelnut milk has - what a surprise - a very nutty aroma. Depending on the manufacturer, the vegan milk alternative can even be frothed up and enjoyed with coffee, but hazelnut milk tastes best as an ingredient in desserts. Another plus: hazelnut milk contains a lot of calcium, manganese, selenium, zinc and iron. get in the mood? It is already part of the standard repertoire in organic markets, drugstores and supermarkets.

rice milk

Rice milk is particularly valued by vegans and people with milk white allergies or lactose intolerance, as it has the lowest allergies of all milk substitutes. Since it has a very sweet taste, it is particularly suitable for desserts or for cooking exotic dishes. Found in drugstores and supermarkets.

oat milk