Vegan Dairy Substitutes
Although I am naming some specific brands in this article, I want to be clear that there are other products out there and more and more are appearing each year. The ones named here are ones I’ve personally tried and enjoyed, though that does not mean they are the best or that they are the best for you, your tastes, and your needs.
Milk
There are a wide variety of vegan milk alternatives on the market these days, often available in the local grocery store. The vast majority of these are fortified with calcium and Vitamin D, providing as much (and sometimes more) of these nutrients as cow's milk.
Most vegan milks are made from soy, but there are also rice, almond, oat, hemp, coconut, and other milks. Within these categories, you will find plain, vanilla, and chocolate flavors.
As New Year approaches, vegan egg nog may even make an appearance!
Most vegan milks are made from soy, but there are also rice, almond, oat, hemp, coconut, and other milks. Within these categories, you will find plain, vanilla, and chocolate flavors.
As New Year approaches, vegan egg nog may even make an appearance!
Check the labels – different milk varieties have different nutritional values and amounts of fat. Choose whatever suits your needs, testing out different brands to discover which taste you prefer. (They do have different tastes!)
All vegan milks can be used for baking! Just use the same amount as the recipe indicates for cow's milk.
All vegan milks can be used for baking! Just use the same amount as the recipe indicates for cow's milk.
Cheese
There are a handful of non-dairy “cheeses” available. But BEWARE! Many of them are made with casein or caseinate – milk proteins that ARE NOT VEGAN. There are two truly vegan brands that are very popular: Follow Your Heart Vegan Gourmet and Daiya.
These are both EXCELLENT, particularly when melted, and work spectacularly well for pizza, quesadillas, grilled cheese, and the like.
Daiya comes already shredded in a bag; Vegan Gourmet is sold as a square “brick,” which you then need to cut or slice. You pay for convenience; Daiya is typically at least twice the price. Both brands feature two or three styles – mozzarella, jack, and cheddar.
There is also a book called The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook by Joanne Stepaniak that has oodles of recipes for making your own “uncheeses.”
These are both EXCELLENT, particularly when melted, and work spectacularly well for pizza, quesadillas, grilled cheese, and the like.
Daiya comes already shredded in a bag; Vegan Gourmet is sold as a square “brick,” which you then need to cut or slice. You pay for convenience; Daiya is typically at least twice the price. Both brands feature two or three styles – mozzarella, jack, and cheddar.
There is also a book called The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook by Joanne Stepaniak that has oodles of recipes for making your own “uncheeses.”
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Butter
Some butters are labeled “vegan,” but if not, it’s best to check to make sure there is no whey or other animal-derived ingredients. Earth Balance has a variety of butters (both in tub and stick form), as well as other products.
Frozen Desserts
Tofutti has a terrific line of frozen desserts, including ice cream and ice cream sandwiches. There are other brands that are equally amazing, among them Rice Dream, Coconut Bliss, and So Delicious.
If you’re looking for popsicles, many products sold in the regular supermarkets are fine, but you do need to check the labels to be sure, since some of them do contain animal-derived ingredients.
If you’re looking for popsicles, many products sold in the regular supermarkets are fine, but you do need to check the labels to be sure, since some of them do contain animal-derived ingredients.
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One amazing option that shouldn't be overlooked is making your own vegan ice cream!
For more information, please see The Ice Cream Maker: Vegan, Dairy-free Ice Cream Is Easy to Make at Home! |
Yogurt
As with other non-dairy dairy products, you need to read the labels carefully, since many soy yogurts are not completely vegan. Whole Soy is a vegan brand and is mighty good, too!
Non-dairy Creamers
BEWARE! Many non-dairy creamers actually have some dairy in them! Silk has vegan creamers and other vegan products. There are probably other vegan creamers around, but Silk is the one I tend to see in the supermarket.
Other Products
Tofutti has a lot of fantastic soy analogs, including Better Than Cream Cheese and Better Than Sour Cream.
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