More millennials consume dairy alternatives than any other generation (double those in Gen X!), suggests recent research from Comax Flavors, a world leader in flavor technology. That means the trend toward plant-based milks is only bound to grow, with options becoming tastier, healthier and more creative. Already, you’ll find base ingredients, such as pea and quinoa, that weren’t available even a few years ago. Here are some of our favorites.
See also What is a Plant-Based Lifestyle?
PEA
Our pick:
Why we like it:
This smooth, pea-based beverage is nutritionally fairly similar to dairy milk. Peas are naturally high in protein, so each cup delivers 8 grams. Plus, it’s fortified with 45% of your RDA of calcium and 30% RDA of vitamin D per serving. The flavor is mildly sweet (6 grams of sugar), with just the faintest hint of peas.
Our tasters say: “Creamy, not chalky.”
Bonus points for: B Corp, Gluten-free, Kosher, Non-GMO, Nut-free, Soy-free
Also try:
ALMOND
Our pick:
Califia Farms Vanilla Almondmilk
Why we like it: Using a mere 3 grams of sugar per serving, this milk offers just the right amount of sweet to complement its slightly nutty taste. It’s also fortified with 50% more calcium than you’ll find in a serving of cow’s milk. Bonus: Its package is BPA-free.
Our tasters say:
“Very subtle almond flavor.”
Bonus points for: Gluten-free, Kosher, Non-GMO, Soy-free
Also try:
Silk Vanilla Unsweetened Almond
FLAXSEED
Our pick:
Good Karma Unsweetened Flaxmilk
Why we like it:
The major selling point: 1,200 mg of omega-3s per serving! It’s also fortified with 30% of your daily calcium, 25% of vitamin D and 25% of vitamin B12, making it a great choice for vegans. Also, only 25 calories and 0grams of sugar per serving.
Our tasters say:
“I would drink this plain.”
Bonus points for:
Gluten-free, Kosher, Non-GMO, Nut-free, Soy-free
Also try:
RICE
Dream Blends Original Rice and Quinoa
Why we like it:
With an impressive 50% RDA of vitamin B12, 35% of vitamin E and 30% of calcium, this beverage delivers key nutrients for plant-based eaters. Its 7 grams of sugar per serving provide a pleasantly sweet flavor without too much guilt.
Our tasters say:
“Earthy, subtly nutty.”
Bonus points for:
Gluten-free, Kosher, Non-GMO, Organic
Also try:
Rice Dream Organic Original Enriched Rice Drink
SOY
Our pick:
Why we like it:
Soy milk is a longtime-favorite dairy alternative, because soy is one of the few non-animal sources of complete proteins. This drink contains 7 grams of heart-healthy soy protein per serving, along with 50% of your daily B12 needs and 45% of calcium. Best of all, it has none of the aftertaste that you get with some soy milks.
Our tasters say:
“Agreeable and mild flavor; smooth.”
Bonus points for:
Gluten-free, Non-GMO
Also Try:
COCONUT
Our pick:
So Delicious Organic Coconut Milk Unsweetened
Why we like it:
A coconut-cream base backs up the “delicious” claim, while fortifications of 50% RDA of vitamin B12, 30% of vitamin D and 10% of magnesium makes it nutritious as well. Your taste buds will enjoy it, too.
Our tasters say:
“Just a touch of the tropics—yum!”
Bonus points for:
Gluten-free, Kosher, Non-GMO, Organic
Also try:
LABEL CHECK
Although we call dairy alternatives “milk,” most don’t naturally have much in common nutritionally with cows’ milk. If you use milk as a protein source, pea or soy beverages are a good bet. For calcium or vitamin D, look for fortified products. Some brands, such as Silk, are even adding prebiotics to select products. You may want to opt for unsweetened varieties to minimize added sugars, but the resulting flavors are often bland.
SO GREEN
The new So Delicious line of Organic Almondmilk with Cashew is available in custom-designed, recyclable bottles that are at least 80 percent plant-based.