Also worth noting: Many products on the market are fortified with nutrients that are often lacking in plant-based diets (calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, just to name a few), so if you know you need help covering your bases, they can also be a good way to address gaps in your diet, especially if you’re just starting the transition to that style of eating. With all nondairy milks, go for unsweetened varieties to save yourself the negative effects of the added sugar. mbg pick: Ripple Nutritious Pea Milk, which comes in four varieties and boasts a thick, creamy texture and tons of protein and calcium. And FYI: No, you won’t get high from it. mbg pick: Make your own! It takes just seconds and doesn’t require soaking time. Here’s an easy recipe; we love the always organic Hemp Seeds from Navitas Organics as a base. mbg pick: So Delicious just released a line of Organic Almond Milks that are carrageenan-free, with only six ingredients in each bottle (and no weird fillers!). While all three flavors are great, the Original variety is very lightly sweetened with toasted coconut sugar and tastes exactly like cereal milk or cookie dough milk—the perfect healthy-ish treat. mbg pick: Oatly is the brand of choice in stores, although some people object to its small amount of canola oil—if you’re concerned, it’s super easy to make your own! mbg pick: Trader Joe’s makes a great canned coconut milk with no gums or emulsifiers; Thrive Market’s is also a great additive-free choice. Cashew milk is popular for its rich taste and thicker, creamy texture. This one is super-easy to make it home, so save your hard-earned dollars, as it tends to be very expensive. Macadamia nut milk is a popular option for lattes and similar milky coffee drinks. Also low in protein (unless it’s been fortified with pea protein), this one is great for adding to a hot drink or using as a base for something else where you’ll get the protein you need from another source. Hazelnut milk provides a flavor that many people find warm and pleasing that can be a great change of pace in beverages and baked goods. mbg pick: Malk makes a super-clean cashew milk, and Milkadamia makes macadamia nut milks that don’t even need to be refrigerated! mbg pick: Silk’s Organic Soy Milk is one of the best choices in the soy category. They use the whole soy bean, are GMO-free and has a rich, creamy texture that tasters rave about! mbg pick: Kirkland Organic Signature Rice Milk has one of the cleanest ingredient lists on shelves today and a great price point, to boot! At the end of the day, the best choice is the nondairy milk that satisfies you and makes you feel well. Read labels to check for additives, thickeners, and added sweeteners. You can also use this easy hack to make your own nut milk in under five minutes!
