The Best Non-Dairy Milks You Should Be Buying In 2022
Anna Puzatykh/Shutterstock By Allie Miller/Oct. 30, 2022 1:00 pm EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Non-dairy milk is now a constant in many fridges. According to Morning Consult, one in three Americans drink non-dairy milk weekly. Closer to 70% of them have tried it. Alternative milk’s growing popularity has been driven by several factors. Environmental concerns amid growing climate change threats are one. As The Guardian reports, dairy milk production creates three times more greenhouse gas emissions than plant-based milk. Health concerns associated with dairy are another. When around 36% of American adults are said to be lactose intolerant, you can see why people might need a dairy-free milk option. Some people even prefer the taste of plant-based milk.
Between alternative milk drinkers, there is a lot of division over which type is best. Almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk remain top contenders. But it seems that new forms of plant-based milk are emerging constantly. Now, it’s not uncommon to see beverages like cashew milk, pistachio milk, and macadamia milk at the grocery store. With so many types of milk entering the market, it can be hard to choose the right one for you. If you consider a few key features of your desired non-dairy milk, you’ll probably end up satisfied. Taste is one of the most important features, of course. Then, there’s the issue of usage. Some people want non-dairy milk that can be used in coffee, others want one that can be used for baking. Health certifications and nutritional information are some other features you should consider.
How we selected the products
Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock
To pick out the best non-dairy milks of 2022, we took these things to heart. Multiple forms of research were used to do so. Previous press coverage — about different alternative milk types, brands, or products — was one form of research. User reviews, especially concerning the taste and appropriate usage of certain milks, were another. General popularity also influenced our selections. The more people that drank each milk, the more feedback we could look into. This feedback makes it easier to identify common issues or even positive recommendations for products.
In general, there are a few constants about non-dairy milk. For one, most plant-based milk is made from nuts. Almond milk, pistachio milk, cashew milk, and macadamia milk are all nut milks (via MasterClass). This means they won’t be well-suited for people with nut allergies (obviously). As far as other possible allergens to consider, there’s the issue of gluten in oat milk. Oats themselves are gluten-free, but during production they often come into contact with gluten, making some oat milk brands not suitable for celiac or gluten-sensitive people. However, some oat milk brands, such as Oatly, Califia Farms, and Chobani are gluten-free, according to MeaningfulEats.
Best splurge non-dairy milk
Táche
If you want to treat yourself to a more expensive dairy-free beverage, check out Táche. The non-dairy milk brand specializes in drinks made from pistachios. The rich and slightly sweet flavor of these nuts makes them well-suited for nut milk. However, anyone who’s ever tried to purchase a bag of these nuts knows that pistachios are expensive. Now, imagine milk made from pistachios. That’s going to be pricey. Per Táche’s website, just one container of its milk costs eight dollars.
Despite high prices, you will get an item of quality. The brand’s Original Unsweetened Pistachio Milk is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO verified, and kosher. This product also claims to be better than popular brands such as Oatly and Califia Almond. Táche says its milk is better because it’s lower in carbs, calories, and sugar; better when enjoyed alone; made without vegetable oil; has a smaller water footprint; and steams better in espresso drinks. On Táche’s website, customers raved about this non-dairy milk. “Amazing ‘milk’ taste and rich froth for lattes just like milk,” said one person. “I dabble in most non-dairy milks and I have to say that this one is one of my favorites,” wrote another buyer.
You can buy a 6-pack of Táche’s Original Unsweetened Pistachio Milk on the brand’s website for $48.
The Best Non-Dairy Milks You Should Be Buying In 2022
Anna Puzatykh/Shutterstock
By Allie Miller/Oct. 30, 2022 1:00 pm EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Non-dairy milk is now a constant in many fridges. According to Morning Consult, one in three Americans drink non-dairy milk weekly. Closer to 70% of them have tried it. Alternative milk’s growing popularity has been driven by several factors. Environmental concerns amid growing climate change threats are one. As The Guardian reports, dairy milk production creates three times more greenhouse gas emissions than plant-based milk. Health concerns associated with dairy are another. When around 36% of American adults are said to be lactose intolerant, you can see why people might need a dairy-free milk option. Some people even prefer the taste of plant-based milk.
Between alternative milk drinkers, there is a lot of division over which type is best. Almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk remain top contenders. But it seems that new forms of plant-based milk are emerging constantly. Now, it’s not uncommon to see beverages like cashew milk, pistachio milk, and macadamia milk at the grocery store. With so many types of milk entering the market, it can be hard to choose the right one for you. If you consider a few key features of your desired non-dairy milk, you’ll probably end up satisfied. Taste is one of the most important features, of course. Then, there’s the issue of usage. Some people want non-dairy milk that can be used in coffee, others want one that can be used for baking. Health certifications and nutritional information are some other features you should consider.
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
Between alternative milk drinkers, there is a lot of division over which type is best. Almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk remain top contenders. But it seems that new forms of plant-based milk are emerging constantly. Now, it’s not uncommon to see beverages like cashew milk, pistachio milk, and macadamia milk at the grocery store. With so many types of milk entering the market, it can be hard to choose the right one for you.
If you consider a few key features of your desired non-dairy milk, you’ll probably end up satisfied. Taste is one of the most important features, of course. Then, there’s the issue of usage. Some people want non-dairy milk that can be used in coffee, others want one that can be used for baking. Health certifications and nutritional information are some other features you should consider.
How we selected the products
Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock
To pick out the best non-dairy milks of 2022, we took these things to heart. Multiple forms of research were used to do so. Previous press coverage — about different alternative milk types, brands, or products — was one form of research. User reviews, especially concerning the taste and appropriate usage of certain milks, were another. General popularity also influenced our selections. The more people that drank each milk, the more feedback we could look into. This feedback makes it easier to identify common issues or even positive recommendations for products.
In general, there are a few constants about non-dairy milk. For one, most plant-based milk is made from nuts. Almond milk, pistachio milk, cashew milk, and macadamia milk are all nut milks (via MasterClass). This means they won’t be well-suited for people with nut allergies (obviously). As far as other possible allergens to consider, there’s the issue of gluten in oat milk. Oats themselves are gluten-free, but during production they often come into contact with gluten, making some oat milk brands not suitable for celiac or gluten-sensitive people. However, some oat milk brands, such as Oatly, Califia Farms, and Chobani are gluten-free, according to MeaningfulEats.
In general, there are a few constants about non-dairy milk. For one, most plant-based milk is made from nuts. Almond milk, pistachio milk, cashew milk, and macadamia milk are all nut milks (via MasterClass). This means they won’t be well-suited for people with nut allergies (obviously). As far as other possible allergens to consider, there’s the issue of gluten in oat milk. Oats themselves are gluten-free, but during production they often come into contact with gluten, making some oat milk brands not suitable for celiac or gluten-sensitive people. However, some oat milk brands, such as Oatly, Califia Farms, and Chobani are gluten-free, according to MeaningfulEats.
Best overall non-dairy milk
Califia Farms
Per Califia Farms, this oat milk is vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and BPA-free. Also, there aren’t as many ingredients used in making this product, compared to other plant-based milk products. According to the nutrition label, water, oats, sunflower oil, some minerals, and sea salt are the only things in it. Each serving also comes with a healthy dose of your daily recommended amount of calcium and potassium.
Best budget non-dairy milk
Blue Diamond Dairy
Best splurge non-dairy milk
Táche
If you want to treat yourself to a more expensive dairy-free beverage, check out Táche. The non-dairy milk brand specializes in drinks made from pistachios. The rich and slightly sweet flavor of these nuts makes them well-suited for nut milk. However, anyone who’s ever tried to purchase a bag of these nuts knows that pistachios are expensive. Now, imagine milk made from pistachios. That’s going to be pricey. Per Táche’s website, just one container of its milk costs eight dollars.
Despite high prices, you will get an item of quality. The brand’s Original Unsweetened Pistachio Milk is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO verified, and kosher. This product also claims to be better than popular brands such as Oatly and Califia Almond. Táche says its milk is better because it’s lower in carbs, calories, and sugar; better when enjoyed alone; made without vegetable oil; has a smaller water footprint; and steams better in espresso drinks. On Táche’s website, customers raved about this non-dairy milk. “Amazing ‘milk’ taste and rich froth for lattes just like milk,” said one person. “I dabble in most non-dairy milks and I have to say that this one is one of my favorites,” wrote another buyer.
You can buy a 6-pack of Táche’s Original Unsweetened Pistachio Milk on the brand’s website for $48.
Despite high prices, you will get an item of quality. The brand’s Original Unsweetened Pistachio Milk is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO verified, and kosher. This product also claims to be better than popular brands such as Oatly and Califia Almond. Táche says its milk is better because it’s lower in carbs, calories, and sugar; better when enjoyed alone; made without vegetable oil; has a smaller water footprint; and steams better in espresso drinks.
On Táche’s website, customers raved about this non-dairy milk. “Amazing ‘milk’ taste and rich froth for lattes just like milk,” said one person. “I dabble in most non-dairy milks and I have to say that this one is one of my favorites,” wrote another buyer.
You can buy a 6-pack of Táche’s Original Unsweetened Pistachio Milk on the brand’s website for $48.
Best non-dairy milk for coffee
Chobani
Best cashew milk
Elmhurst
One of the best features of this product is that it only contains two ingredients. In each bottle of cashew milk, there is only water and cashews. To some customers, this makes it much healthier than other plant-based milk. On top of the short ingredients list, there are added benefits to Elmhurst’s brand of cashew milk. It’s shelf-stable until opened, vegan, dairy-free, and free from artificial ingredients. By drinking just 8 ounces of the stuff, you’ll ingest some of your daily recommended dose of calcium, Iron, and potassium.
Best oat milk
Oatly
Best almond milk
According to Califia Farms, there are 0 grams of sugar and only 35 calories in each serving. That’s much lower than some competitors’ non-dairy milks. Also, it’s vegan, soy-free, BPA-free, and kosher. Almond milk has a reputation for separating in hot coffee (via Roasty Coffee). Luckily, this product usually curdles less than its fellow almond-based milks. Customers confirmed this in reviews of Califia Farms’ Unsweetened Almondmilk. “There’s not as much separation as there are in some other brands,” said one person.
Best coconut milk
SO DELICIOUS
This vanilla coconut milk has fewer reviews than its non-vanilla counterpart. But it has more positive ones than other So Delicious products. “I love this coconut milk so much, it is my absolute favorite,” said one person on the website of So Delicious. “This is by far the best-tasting coconut milk! It is smooth and sweet and refreshing,” wrote another user. If you like sweetness and coconut flavor, you can take their word for it. It’s also USDA-certified organic and dairy-free.
Best macadamia milk
Milkadamia
According to the company, milkadamia is dedicated to promoting regenerative agriculture, producing goods completely free of dairy, and avoiding the use of palm oil. Its unsweetened product has an attractively short ingredients list, on top of that. The top two ingredients for milkadamia’s Unsweetened Macadamia Milk are filtered water and raw unroasted macadamia nuts. It also utilized pea protein, an up-and-coming ingredient in the world of non-dairy milks. To top it all off, gluten-free and vegan people can all enjoy this nut milk beverage.
Best flax milk
Good Karma
This milk is made from pea protein, as well as flax seeds. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, pea protein is a powerful protein supplement often used by vegans and vegetarians because it is free from animal byproducts. In Good Karma’s vanilla Flax Milk, there are 8 grams of protein provided by peas. As for other nutritional benefits, this product has 1,200 milligrams of Omega-3s in each serving.
Best hemp milk
Pacific Food
Per Pacific Foods, this hemp milk drink is nutty, creamy, and smooth. It’s suitable for dairy-free, soy-free, or vegan people. The brand even recommends using its Unsweetened Original Hemp Milk for recipes like broccoli potato soup, strawberry pancakes, or tahini-hemp dressing.
Best soy milk
Silk
According to the company, this Silk product comes with no added sugar, 7 grams of protein per serving, some of your daily recommended dose of calcium, and a NON-GMO project verification. It’s also vegan and dairy free. Of course, it’s not soy-free, so people with soy allergies should steer clear. That means if eating miso soup, edamame, tofu, or tempeh causes you intestinal discomfort, you shouldn’t be drinking soy milk.
Best rice milk
Dream Blends