The Best Dairy-Free Milk Alternatives (Plus How To Make Them at Home)
If you’re thinking about switching to a dairy-free milk option, you’re in luck — there are so many delicious choices available today! Whether you’re looking for something creamy for your morning latte, a splash for your cereal, or a liquid base for your smoothies, I’ve got you covered. Here are my top dairy-free milk recommendations, plus tips for making your own at home.
1. Soy Milk
Taste & Texture: Mild, creamy
Flavors: Plain, vanilla, chocolate
Nutrition: 8g protein, 4.3g fat per cup
Best For: Lattes (steams beautifully), smoothies, oatmeal, cereal
Favorite Brands: Silk (refrigerated), Westsoy (shelf-stable)
Homemade Tip: Soak and grind whole soybeans. A little more effort, but worth it!
2. Oat Milk
Taste & Texture: Mildly sweet, creamy with a subtle oat flavor
Flavors: Plain, vanilla, chocolate
Nutrition: 2-4g protein, ~5g fat per cup
Best For: Lattes (especially the full-fat versions), smoothies, oatmeal, cereal
Favorite Brand: Oatly
Homemade Tip: Blend oats with water, salt, and optional vanilla or maple syrup. Strain well.
3. Cashew Milk
Taste & Texture: Mild, creamy, slightly sweet with a nutty undertone
Flavors: Plain unsweetened, sweetened, vanilla
Nutrition: 1g protein, 2g fat per cup
Best For: Smoothies, oatmeal, cereal
Favorite Brand: Silk
Homemade Tip: Blend soaked cashews with water, salt, and optional vanilla or maple syrup.
4. Almond Milk
Taste & Texture: Watery with a light nutty flavor
Flavors: Plain, vanilla, chocolate
Nutrition: 1g protein, 2.5g fat per cup
Best For: Smoothies, oatmeal, cereal
Favorite Brand: Silk
Homemade Tip: Blend almonds with water, salt, and optional vanilla or maple syrup. Strain through a mesh bag.
5. Coconut Milk
Taste & Texture: Mild with a subtle coconut flavor and hint of sweetness
Flavors: Unsweetened, sweetened, vanilla
Nutrition: 0g protein, 4.5g fat per cup
Best For: Smoothies, oatmeal, cereal
Favorite Brand: So Delicious
Homemade Tip: Blend dried coconut with water, salt, and optional vanilla or maple syrup. Strain well.
6. Rice Milk
Taste & Texture: Light, creamy, naturally sweet
Flavors: Plain unsweetened, vanilla unsweetened
Nutrition: 0g protein, 2.5g fat per cup
Best For: Smoothies, oatmeal, cereal
Favorite Brand: Dream (shelf-stable)
Homemade Tip: Blend soaked rice with water, salt, and optional vanilla or maple syrup.
Bonus: Other Dairy-Free Milks to Try
Pistachio, walnut, and hazelnut milks are also fantastic, especially from brands like Elmhurst.
Great for smoothies, oatmeal, or a splash in your coffee!
No matter what your taste or dietary needs are, there’s a plant-based milk option for you. Experiment with different types until you find your favorites — or get creative and try making your own!