Food Facts: The 5 Healthiest Milk Options

For many, cow’s milk is the gold standard and still tops the list as being a healthy milk option. It’s packed with protein, carbs, fats, and even Vitamin D. However, if cow’s milk is not your cup of tea, there are other healthy milk options on the market.

In fact, the milk aisle has undergone a stunning transformation in the last few years. There are so many milk alternatives available now that we’re truly spoiled for choice when it comes to this breakfast staple.

Of course, not all milk is made equal. So, here are five of the healthiest (and tastiest) milk options to nourish your body:

• Almond Milk

If you drink milk because of the way it tastes, then you can’t go wrong with almond milk.  The nutty, refreshing taste of almond milk is undeniably delicious, yet it’s far lighter than cow’s milk and most other plant milk varieties.

Almond milk tends to be significantly low in calories, protein, carbs, and fat, with only three grams of fat per serving. So, if you’re after a rich and creamy mouthfeel, you may prefer some of the styles below. 

• Coconut Milk

Coconut is another delicious and healthy milk option to consider. However, just like almond milk, coconut milk tends to be low in calories. It also doesn’t have that much protein. But for people who are allergic to nuts, it’s an excellent option in terms of taste and nutrition.

Certain manufacturers will add vitamin B12 and vitamin D to it, making it an even healthier beverage for the whole family. Coconut milk is great to cook with and is a staple in Indian and Asian cuisine. You can also add coconut milk to cocktails and smoothies or even use it to make vegan ice cream.

• Hemp Milk

Have you heard about hemp milk? It’s made from hemp seeds which, when ground and soaked, give you access to the protein-rich nutrients within. Compared to other plant-based milk types, hemp milk contains more nutrients and protein. 

It has about four grams of protein per serving and is a rich source of saturated fats, including Omega 3 and Omega 6. When shopping for hemp milk, make sure to go for the carb-free version, as some brands use artificial sweeteners to bump up the carb content.

• Oat Milk

Oat milk is one of the sweetest milk options out there. It’s also high in carbs and has soluble fibers that make it creamy and delicious. Oat milk has also been shown to be effective at reducing cholesterol levels, making it a heart-healthy beverage.

Oat milk goes well in smoothies, overnight oats, and cereal. And let’s be honest – who can say no to a decadently creamy oat milk latte? Just whip up a brew using your favorite specialty coffee beans, and you’re in for a heavenly treat. 

• Soy Milk

Another plant-based milk alternative is soy milk. It’s one of the most popular milk alternatives on the market and has been around for a long time.

Soy milk is known for having a high protein content and contains nutrients such as calcium, potassium, and vitamin B12. Flavored soy milk is likely to have more carbohydrates, so you’ll want to avoid it if you’re on a low-carb diet.

You can drink soy milk daily and use it in the same way that you would regular milk.

You don’t need to be allergic to dairy to start exploring all of the other fantastic milks out there. Find a few favorites, and then switch between them to get some variety in terms of taste, texture, and nutrient content.

Featured image courtesy of Albert Bogo / Unsplash.