Pick A Straw!

Non-dairy alternatives are one of the newest food trends. As a lover of milk, [yet lactose intolerant], non-dairy alternatives are a gift from the food heavens.

I'm a traditional lover of whole milk. Lately, I've been discovering different kinds of milks for my morning smoothies and favorite food dishes.

There's a few blends of milk that have expanded my taste palette. Not to mention, each milk type brings tasty healthy benefits to your morning table.

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Almond Milk

One day, I accidentally picked up the wrong latte at my favorite coffee shop. As I tastefully process the first sip, my taste buds had special attention on the dairy blended in the unknown latte.

I read the coffee label to find out it was a latte made with almond milk. For the first time tasting almond milk [blindly] was pretty good.

Almond milk possess a nutty flavor with a creamy texture - similar to regular flavor. The tasty blend of almonds and water is popular for vegans and lactose intolerant dairy lovers.

One cup of almond milk is equal to one cup of skim milk.

Almond milk has a low source of nutrients. The trendy non-dairy alternative does not contain sugar. It's not recommended as a suitable dairy replacement.

On the other hand, almond milk is rich in vitamin E and protein. Phytic acid, an antioxidant that reduces the absorption of iron, zinc and magnesium, is found in almond milk.

Though almond milk doesn't supply sufficient calcium, the vitamin D found in almond milk may strengthen bones. The vitamin E present in almond milk contains healthy fats, reduce the risk of heart disease and repairs cell damage.

Whether you enjoy eating almonds as a snack or sip in your beverages, your cholesterol receives love too!

One study proved eating almonds or [consuming almond milk] for six weeks can reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol by 6% and triglycerides by 14%. Almond milk can increase "good" HDL cholesterol by 6%.

Here's my recommendation of almond milk. I like to add a dash of Stella Bistro Foods Autumn Flair Sultry Spice to my almond milk to elevate the taste and nutty flavor.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is made from the flesh of coconuts.

I use coconut milk to make my curry chicken - that's about it.

I'm more of a lover of lactose free milk, but coconut milk offers my Caribbean dish to have a creamier texture.

Coconut milk is an excellent source of vitamin B12 and E. Coconut milk contains saturated fat.

Medium-chain triglycerides, also known as MCTs, are found in coconut milk. Medium-chain triglycerides create energy with heat production. Heat production aids in weight loss by helping to burn extra calories. MCTs help balance gut microbiota and lauric acid.

Coconuts has anti-microbal and anti-inflammatory properties that prevent the maturity of issues found in the upper respiratory tract. The powerful antioxidant properties reduces cell damage and cancerous cells.

Here's the coconut milk brand I use with my Stella Bistro Foods Tasty Turmeric Sultry Spice to make my signature curry chicken.

Goat Milk

I've tasted goat milk at my local farmer's market, but I haven't tried goat milk with any recipes - yet.

I like goat milk because it's less bothersome than cow's milk. According to Healthline, goat milk has 12% less lactose. The carbohydrates found in goat milk naturally have lactose. Lactose found in goat milk is classified as glucose and galatose which makes it easier to digest.

Goat milk is higher in prebiotic carbohydrates. Prebiotic carbohydrates are good for gut health. Prebiotic carbohydrates are beneficial bacteria living in the gut.

The rich and creamy milk contain oligosaccharides, a carbohydrate found in breast milk. Oligosaccharides help support the good bacteria in baby digestive trait.

Diet lifestyles like Paleo and Atkins recommend goat milk because it's good for calcium, phosphorus and riboflavin. Goat milk is high in Vitamin A which improves skin pigment and promote glowing skin. Vitamins and minerals found in goat milk [such as phosphorus, magnesium and iron] are easier to digest.

Soy Milk

Soy milk is one of the popular plant based and non-dairy alternative for milk lovers.

Soy milk has many benefits because of the omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoids, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective properties. The plant based alternative is rich in protein and isoflavones and phytoestrogens.

Some studies show soy milk can reduce the risk of cancer and osteoporosis and menopausal symptoms.

Another study published in The Journal of Nutrition stated nearly 50 participants who consumed soy beans for six weeks lowered their LDL cholesterol by almost 5%.

Which non-dairy alternative do you like to use in your coffees, smoothies and favorite food dishes? Comment, list and share below!