What exactly is plant-based milk ?

Plant-based milks are milk substitutes made from nuts, seeds or legumes. Most of them are obtained by soaking the nut, seed or legume in water, grinding it and straining the fiber from the liquid. 

Why should you switch to plant-based milk ?

There are plenty of reasons to switch from cow milk to plant-based milk. Plant-based milks can be life savers if you’re lactose intolerant or a vegan. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals and don’t contain cholesterol. Last but not least, they are also better for the environment than cow milk as they require less land to produce and lower CO2 emissions involved in raising cows. 

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Every type of plant-based milk comes with its specificities. Find out what are the key benefits of each milk :

Almond Milk

Thanks to its creamy texture and its mild taste, almond milk is probably the most popular plant-based milk. It is quite low in carbs compared to other plant-based milks but high in fat and protein. It is also rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant helping you to fight inflammation in your body. 
What we recommend it for : As it is naturally creamy, almond milk is perfect for your smoothies and milkshakes.

Cashew Milk

You might not find it in your regular grocery store but cashew milk does have a lot to offer. It contains fatty acids which support brain health and cognitive functions as well as loads of magnesium.
What we recommend it for : As it doesn’t contain pulp, cashew milk will be a great ally for soups and sauces.

Hazelnut Milk

Let’s be honest, hazelnut milk is one of those milks that we actually pick for their taste. But that sweet nutty flavor does come with some interesting benefits. Hazelnut milk is packed with many essential vitamins and minerals including folic acid, vitamins B and E and omega-3 fatty acids.

What we recommend it for : Hazelnut milk is your go-to for ice coffee. You will thank us later.

Oat Milk

A classic. Oat milk is rich in vitamin D and calcium which are both good for the health and strength of your bones. 

What we recommend it for : Oat milk is a great alternative to cow milk when it comes to beverages : coffee, smoothies…

Walnut Milk

Walnut milk is often compared to almond milk as they’re very similar both in taste and benefits. Like almond milk, walnut milk is low in carbs while still being high in fat and in protein and is also rich in antioxidants.

What we recommend it for : As it doesn’t taste as strong as most other milks, walnut milk works well with cereal.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is known for its ability to strengthen the immune system thanks to one of its main components : lauric acid. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

What we recommend it for : As it naturally has a tasty flavor, coconut milk is mostly used for specific recipes such as currys.

Macadamia Milk

Not many of us have had the chance to try macadamia milk but we could definitely use it as it contains monounsaturated fats which are said to help reduce stress. It is also low in carbs.

What we recommend it for : Its extra creaminess makes it the milk of choice to use in coffee or tea.

Soy Milk

Soy milk might not have the most pleasant taste but it is an incredibly rich source of protein.

What we recommend it for : As it is quite bitter, soy milk is usually used not alone but as an ingredient when cooking or baking.

Rice Milk

Probably the easiest to digest, rice milk contains more manganese and selenium - powerful antioxidants - than any other milks.

What we recommend it for : It is quite neutral in flavor, making it a good alternative to cow milk for baking or breakfast recipes.

Our last tip : to truly enjoy the benefits of your plant-based milk, make sure to choose it unsweetened ! We hope this article will make it easier for you to pick your milk at the grocery store and as always, the best alternative might be to do it yourself !

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