Check Out These Whole Milk Substitute Options

There are a number of reasons to incorporate a whole milk substitute into your diet. Maybe you’re trying to cut down on calories or consume lower-fat foods. Or perhaps you’ve just found out that you’re lactose intolerant.

In any case, there are plenty of whole milk substitute options available on the market today. The right one for you just depends on your diet and preferences. In this post, we will discuss a handful of the most popular alternatives to whole milk so you can make the right choice for your needs.

Dairy-free whole milk substitute

Trying to eliminate dairy from your diet but still need a dash of cream in your coffee? In that case, your best bet is a non-dairy milk substitute like almond, oak, or soy milk.

For years, these whole milk substitutes have been popular with vegans and lactose-intolerant individuals. As more people adopt dairy-free diets, alternative milk options are becoming easier to find in supermarkets and coffee shops.

Low-fat or skim milk

If you enjoy the taste of traditional milk but looking to lower your caloric or fat intake, then low-fat or skim milk is the best choice for you. At the grocery store, you’ll find it in the same section as the whole milk, so you’ll barely have to adjust your shopping habits.

As you might expect, using one of these types of milk as a whole milk substitute is very easy. Whether you’re adding it to coffee, baked goods, creamy sauces, or just drinking it, simply swap it in using the same amount of whole milk you’d normally use.

Powdered milk

If you’re an avid baker but don’t drink a ton of milk, it’s a smart idea to keep a container of powdered milk in your cupboard. Powdered milk has a much longer shelf life than fresh milk, and you can easily use it as a whole milk substitute in cakes, cookies, and other baked treats.

You’ll need to follow the specific instructions on your package of powdered milk to transform it into a liquid. But generally, all you need to do is mix it with a bit of water before combining it with your other ingredients.

Evaporated milk

Like powdered milk, evaporated milk is another whole milk substitute that lasts much longer than its refrigerated counterpart. It does have a slightly different taste than regular milk, so it’s best-suited for baking and cooking, rather than adding to your coffee or tea.

Instead of adding whole milk to your dish, you can just add the same quantity of evaporated milk to get a creamy taste and texture. But if you’re looking for a more subtle taste, you should mix it with water, as directed on your can of evaporated milk.

With so many tasty alternatives available, giving up whole milk doesn’t have to be difficult. These days, there’s something to suit just about any taste or dietary preference, from dairy-free milk alternatives to shelf-stable options.

For more cooking swaps and ideas, check out the Tastessence blog.