Are you trying to live a dairy-free lifestyle? Maybe you have a dairy allergy. Or, maybe you want to try a dairy-free diet to reach your health goals. No matter what’s inspiring you to steer clear of dairy, going dairy-free is now simple thanks to plant-based milk alternatives.
Those who go dairy-free have many reasons for doing so. For example, many people choose a dairy-free lifestyle to avoid the side effects of a milk allergy or sensitivity. Others choose to go dairy-free for the sake of our environment since dairy cows are known to increase the amount of greenhouse gasses within our atmosphere.
Whether you must go dairy-free for health reasons or simply wish to give it a try, there are plenty of tips for going dairy-free you can use to simplify the process.
One of the easiest things you can do to start eliminating dairy from your diet is to start substituting your milk with a plant-based alternative. For example, you can choose from a wide range of non-dairy milks such as:
These beverages are perfect substitutes for wherever you use milk. For example, use almond milk in your morning coffee or substitute soy milk in your favorite recipe.
Other substitutions are available too, including dairy-free butter and yogurt (more on this a bit later).
When shopping for dairy-free products, make sure to check the ingredients list for hidden dairy such as whey and casein.
Going dairy-free is a process. And at times, you may feel as if you’re being deprived of your favorite foods such as cheese and milk. The trick is to remind yourself often about what you can have versus what you can’t.
Luckily, many of your favorite snack foods such as veggies, nuts, and popcorn are dairy-free. So, allow yourself to indulge in your favorite snacks as you make the switch.
Good news—fresh veggies and fruit are already dairy-free. You can enjoy as much as you want of these delicious products. When planning your dairy-free meals, try to prioritize recipes that feature veggies or fruit as the main ingredient.
For example, take advantage of delicious salads and dairy-free smoothies. This should help you avoid dairy while getting all of the nutrients your body needs to thrive.
Learning what to cook when going dairy-free can be a challenge. However, there’s an endless supply of inspiration available in the form of cookbooks and online recipes. To get you started, here are a few guides we’ve put together that can help:
As we mentioned earlier, it’s easy to swap out your milk for plant-based beverages. However, there are plenty of other easy substitutions you can make when preparing meals.
Butter is a key ingredient in virtually every recipe. Luckily, dairy-free options are available at your grocery store. In fact, you can find dairy-free butter in various forms, including sticks, spreads, and even oils.
Many dairy-free beginners tend to miss one thing: cheese. Over the past few years, many dairy-free cheese alternatives have hit the grocery store shelves. Some options are made using cashews and others are a combination of potatos and nutritional yeast. Regardless, dairy-free cheese is a yummy alternative and easy to use in your favorite recipes.
Yogurt is one of the most versatile food products out there. For example, it’s the perfect afternoon snack or breakfast. And it’s easy to add to your favorite recipes for a creamy boost.
You may think yogurt is a no-go on a dairy-free diet. However, there are dairy-free yogurt options you can use as a substitute. Dairy-free yogurt is made using ingredients such as almond milk and coconut.
The simple answer is this: anything that does not include milk or milk-based products. For example, you can chow down on all of your favorite veggies, fruits, meats, nuts, soy-based products, and whole grains.
Of course, you can also eat products labeled as “dairy-free” that would typically include dairies such as yogurt, milk, and butter. Just remember to check the label for hidden dairy.
While eggs and dairy are both animal products, eggs are not dairy products. This means you are free to enjoy as many eggs as you like while on a dairy-free diet.
Yes. Plant-based milk is developed using other non-dairy ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and water. Plant-based milk is a great alternative to cow’s milk and other mammal milk products.
Looking for dairy-free alternatives to your favorite milk? Look no further than Pacific Foods. We offer a variety of dairy-free products to choose from. Shop today!