7 of the Best Plant-Based Milk Alternatives

It’s time to break it off and end your relationship with dairy milk. With the abundance of alternative, plant-based milks on the market and in all your favourite cafes, there is simply no reason to still be drinking dairy. The dairy industry poses a huge problem for our society, with grave health, environmental and ethical issues, so swapping out our dairy is an easy switch that makes a big difference. Whilst there is much debate about which non-dairy milk is best for you, unfortunately there is no simple answer – it really depends on your taste preferences and your nutritional needs.

However, there are a few ways for us to check which milks are good for us and which are just water, sugar and a whole bunch of additives. Choosing milks that have been fortified with calcium, are unsweetened, have few additives and are made from a whole foods source is a great way to start. Here are some of my favourite milk alternatives that you can confidently add to your shopping basket:

Soy Milk
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Many studies have found soy milk to be one of the best milk alternatives in terms of nutrition. Additionally, it contains phytoestrogens, natural compounds that imitate the body’s own natural oestrogen and can provide a bunch of health benefits. Initially, some people thought that phytoestrogens could increase the risk of breast cancer and hyperthyroidism, but this has since been disproved. A study from 2019 concluded that consuming soy is more beneficial than harmful. Just make sure you’re purchasing soy milk made from ‘whole soy beans’.

My Top Picks:
Bonsoy 
Bonsoy is a great, reliable option, especially for the coffee drinkers out there. It froths up deliciously and tastes really creamy. The only downfall is that Bonsoy isn’t made in Australia.

Vitasoy Calcium Plus
Vitasoy is one of the best staple milks on the market. They take whole Australian almonds or soy beans, then blend them with a few other ingredients to make a smooth and yummy milk. This option is a super versatile and pocket friendly choice.

Oat Milk
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Oat milk wins the award for a great all-rounder. It’s definitely making the most of its time in the spotlight these days, with many people preferring it to soy or almond. The texture is creamy and it has a low-allergen profile. Just make sure to keep in mind where the milk is produced. 

My Top Picks: 
Oatly 
Easily the most popular oat milk, Oatly was one of the first brands to kickstart the oat milk movement. This is my favourite oat milk for coffees – it is naturally sweet, with no added sugars, and is delightfully creamy.

Alt Dairy Co.
This is an Australian made oat milk that is made with Aussie-grown oats and simple ingredients. Alt Dairy Co is a super versatile choice and is a popular option for cafes.

Rice Milk
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Rice milk is an excellent option for people who suffer from nut or soy allergies, or for those on an elimination diet.

My Top Pick:
Australian Own Rice Milk
This organic rice milk has no added sugars and is boosted with an additional 300mg of calcium. It is made with just filtered water, 10% rice flour, sunflower oil, calcium and salt. And best of all? It’s Aussie made.

Almond Milk
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Almond milk is a favourite of mine, and the one I have ordered most consistently for the last many years. It is an excellent and natural source of vitamin E, is low in both calories and sugar, and is often fortified with calcium and vitamin D too. 

My Top Picks:
Pure Harvest Unsweetened Almond Milk
Pure Harvest is free from artificial sweeteners and is made from 8% almonds (most brands use only 2-3%).  It contains no oil and is flavoured with salt and almond essence. It also tastes great!

Milk Lab
Milk Lab is my milk of choice for my coffee. They are an Australian owned roastery based in SA, and the taste is incredibly rich and creamy. I’ve also found that this brand rarely burns or curdles – a massive win!