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Whether you've given up milk for an allergy, lactose intolerance, ethical reasons, dietary preferences, or personal choice a simple truth remains…
Almond Milk
and
Cow's Milk
are NOT the same
Dairy foods are an excellent protein source and provide several important nutrients.
For many Americans, dairy foods are the leading source of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus in their diet.
While milk alternatives offer some of these nutrients, they aren't all created equal.
Many brands do offer ENRICHED or FORTIFIED products that replace nutrients lost during processing or add in nutrients not found naturally in the product.
If dairy is not part of your diet, choose options that are enriched or fortified.
Check out the following nutrient comparisons of dairy to some common non-dairy milk alternatives.
HOW ALTERNATIVES STACK UP AGAINST DAIRY
Overall, soymilk is the best option for a non-dairy alternative.
Almond and rice milk products that are not fortified/enriched with nutrients rank poorest as an alternative to milk.
When choosing products that do not offer these vital nutrients, it's important to make them up elsewhere in your diet.
Big takeaway: Not all alternatives are created equal. Look for non-dairy milk alternatives that have been fortified or enriched with nutrients or make up for nutrients you’re missing out on elsewhere in your diet.
Also, if you’re lactose intolerant, try lactose free milk products like Fairlife.
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