With lots of healthy milk alternatives to choose from, which one should you buy? Dairy milk? Soymilk? Almond milk? Or one of the others?
Here is a synopsis of 5 popular milk choices prepared by Lisa Lillien:
1. Dairy Milk
Fat-free — a.k.a. skim — milk is great if you’re watching your calories, and especially if you’re watching your fat intake. The taste is mild, and it’s extremely versatile. Plus, it has a solid amount of calcium and an impressive protein count.
Conclusion: relatively high in calories, and some people are allergic to dairy products (lactose intolerant).
2. Soymilk
Made from ground soybeans mixed with water … packs just as much calcium as regular milk, although not quite as much protein. As far as texture goes, it’s pretty creamy — definitely richer than skim milk.
Choose vanilla varieties for added flavor, “light” options for lower calories, unsweetened types for less sugar (but higher calories).
3. Almond milk
Super low in calories and high in deliciousness, unsweetened vanilla almond milk is my favorite milk swap. It has a slightly nutty flavor, but overall it’s pretty mild. Almond milk is a great choice for anyone who’s sensitive to both dairy and soy. And like soymilk, it’s creamier than fat-free dairy milk.
Relatively low in calcium and protein unless these nutrients have been added.
Go to the next page for 2 more milk choices …