Should you make the switch to non-dairy milk?
You are standing in line at your favorite coffee shop and wondering if you should switch out cow’s milk for a non-dairy alternative. Some coffee shops are even removing the upcharge. But is it a healthy swap?
“Non-dairy milks tend to be lower in saturated fat compared to whole fat dairy milk,” says Chelsea Tauer, a registered dietitian at Aurora Health Care. “They are great alternatives for people with milk allergies or sensitivities to dairy proteins and provide an option for those following a vegan or plant-based diet.”
Popular non-dairy milks:
- Soy
- Oat
- Almond
- Cashew
- Rice
- Pea
“There are also various dairy-based, lactose-free milk options,” Tauer adds. “Some people who avoid cow’s milk have lactose intolerance or simply prefer the taste of non-dairy milk.”
Some benefits of non-dairy milk alternatives include:
- No hormones
- Lower in fat and calories
- Higher water content
- More environmentally friendly. Less water is required during production.
However, not all non-dairy milks are the same. It may take trial and error to find one that fits your desired taste, texture, nutritional content and budget.
When selecting a non-dairy milk, Tauer suggests:
- Choose an unsweetened, original variety to limit unnecessary ingredients.
- Pay attention to the milk’s sugar content. Many non-dairy milks are flavored and sweetened with added sugars.
- Consider a fortified non-dairy milk that contains added nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D.
“I wouldn’t recommend making a switch to non-dairy milk unless there is a reason, such as lactose intolerance or dietary preference. There are some nutrients in cow’s milk that cannot be replaced by non-dairy milk options,” she says.
Are you trying to lose weight? Take a quiz to learn your healthy weight range.
In the past I could make a future reservation at Acl through their website. Now I need to go through your app. I tried on November 27 in the evening but reservation our not available at this time. Not sure if the system is down or if you can only make a same day reservation
Hi Keith, ACL Laboratory Services’ “get in line” fuction is only for same day or next day appointments.
Recent news that avian flu has been found in cow’s milk (not just raw milk) is cause for concern. Also, almonds are heavily sprayed with many pesticides, so organic would be the healthy choice, in my opinion.