Healthy milk substitutes?
xMiracat
Posts: 67 Member
I'm trying to find a healthy milk substitute but I'm not sure which kind or brand to buy lol.
I can't have almond milk though because of allergies.
But I do love soy and coconut milk but how do I find the healthiest kind? Should I buy the canned or the carton kind? lol What about the vanilla soy is that healthier or is that too much added sugar?
Also if I were to buy regular dairy milk is it better to get whole fat, 2% fat, etc.?
Thanks!
I can't have almond milk though because of allergies.
But I do love soy and coconut milk but how do I find the healthiest kind? Should I buy the canned or the carton kind? lol What about the vanilla soy is that healthier or is that too much added sugar?
Also if I were to buy regular dairy milk is it better to get whole fat, 2% fat, etc.?
Thanks!
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Replies
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What is unhealthy about milk?
So you could try rice milk, soy milk, hemp milk, coconut milk, and the list likely goes on. All of them are just attempts to simulate milk, nothing is intrinsically healthier about them although they tend to be lower calorie.2 -
"Healthy" really all depends on what your goals are and how it fits into your overall day. Read the labels and pick what fits best. If you like vanilla and it doesn't put you over your sugar limit in context of everything else you eat, then go for it. There are also several unsweetened vanilla flavors out there.
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rileysowner wrote: »What is unhealthy about milk?
So you could try rice milk, soy milk, hemp milk, coconut milk, and the list likely goes on. All of them are just attempts to simulate milk, nothing is intrinsically healthier about them although they tend to be lower calorie.
Some people told me that regular dairy milk is high in fat and calories so if I substitute milk with soy or coconut milk instead they say I'm saving my calories and my fat content0 -
There is no substitute. It's not essential (no food is), but milk has a solid nutritional profile. Are you allergic to it?0
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rileysowner wrote: »What is unhealthy about milk?
So you could try rice milk, soy milk, hemp milk, coconut milk, and the list likely goes on. All of them are just attempts to simulate milk, nothing is intrinsically healthier about them although they tend to be lower calorie.
Some people told me that regular dairy milk is high in fat and calories so if I substitute milk with soy or coconut milk instead they say I'm saving my calories and my fat content
I suggest you look at the nutrition label instead of listening to what "some people" tell you. Compare regular and skim with optional substitutes, and see which fits better into your diet. And take into account what you actually like, because sometimes a few extra calories is worth it.4 -
if you're not lactose intolerant, semi-skimmed or skim milk is perfectly good for you. if not, an unsweetened alternative is okay (soy/almond etc), though not as nutritious0
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rileysowner wrote: »What is unhealthy about milk?
So you could try rice milk, soy milk, hemp milk, coconut milk, and the list likely goes on. All of them are just attempts to simulate milk, nothing is intrinsically healthier about them although they tend to be lower calorie.
Some people told me that regular dairy milk is high in fat and calories so if I substitute milk with soy or coconut milk instead they say I'm saving my calories and my fat content
Fat in itself is not bad. Fat does not make you fat, too many calories do. Your body needs it in particular for the production of various hormones. Where fat is an issue is in terms of the number of calories it has (9 calories/gram when carbs and protein are 4 calories/gram). That is why 2%, 1%, and skim milk have less calories than full fat milk. Basically they remove cream by skimming it off, and that reduces the fat.
If you like the taste and mouth feel of milk, none of the substitutes I have used have ever matched it. I just figure the calories into my daily calorie goal and learn moderation just like I have to do with everything.1 -
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rileysowner wrote: »What is unhealthy about milk?
So you could try rice milk, soy milk, hemp milk, coconut milk, and the list likely goes on. All of them are just attempts to simulate milk, nothing is intrinsically healthier about them although they tend to be lower calorie.
Some people told me that regular dairy milk is high in fat and calories so if I substitute milk with soy or coconut milk instead they say I'm saving my calories and my fat content
Milk is perfectly healthy. Dietary fat is essential...not to mention milk comes in a variety of fat content...I prefer 1%. Also, calories don't have anything to do with how healthy something is or isn't.
Look at the nutrition labels and do comparisons...but you should ultimately drink what you want to drink...there's nothing inherently healthier about any of the milk substitutes unless you are lactose intolerant.1 -
rileysowner wrote: »What is unhealthy about milk?
So you could try rice milk, soy milk, hemp milk, coconut milk, and the list likely goes on. All of them are just attempts to simulate milk, nothing is intrinsically healthier about them although they tend to be lower calorie.
Some people told me that regular dairy milk is high in fat and calories so if I substitute milk with soy or coconut milk instead they say I'm saving my calories and my fat content
I wouldn't say that makes milk unhealthy. It is higher in calories and fat than many substitutes but that isn't an "unhealthy" thing. "Fat" isn't the enemy here as long as you are staying within reasonable amounts for your goals. If you enjoy cow's milk than just consume it in moderation.
I personally don't consume dairy because I find the treatment of dairy cow's horrible in a lot of ways. If you want to stop consuming dairy, just find a coconut/soy/cashew milk that you think tastes great and is affordable. I don't think there is a "healthiest" option here as long as the rest of your diet is balanced.1 -
We do 2% although I think I would prefer full fat, it is just more expensive. If we got the little farm we always wanted, I would probably get a small milking cow and go with full milk, make my own butter and cheese as well.1
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This won't be an answer to everything you're concerned about, but we sometimes buy Fairlife ultrafiltered milk. We usually buy the 2%. It does have 120 calories per 1 cup, but it also has 13 grams of protein, 40% of your daily calcium needs, and is miraculously lactose free. They also make fatfree, whole, and 2% chocolate. And it's DELICIOUS! So velvety and creamy. MMMMMMM. http://fairlife.com/0
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SoDamnHungry wrote: »rileysowner wrote: »What is unhealthy about milk?
So you could try rice milk, soy milk, hemp milk, coconut milk, and the list likely goes on. All of them are just attempts to simulate milk, nothing is intrinsically healthier about them although they tend to be lower calorie.
Some people told me that regular dairy milk is high in fat and calories so if I substitute milk with soy or coconut milk instead they say I'm saving my calories and my fat content
I suggest you look at the nutrition label instead of listening to what "some people" tell you. Compare regular and skim with optional substitutes, and see which fits better into your diet. And take into account what you actually like, because sometimes a few extra calories is worth it.
Is regular milk considered ''unclean''? or processed? I'm trying to go for a clean diet overall0 -
SoDamnHungry wrote: »rileysowner wrote: »What is unhealthy about milk?
So you could try rice milk, soy milk, hemp milk, coconut milk, and the list likely goes on. All of them are just attempts to simulate milk, nothing is intrinsically healthier about them although they tend to be lower calorie.
Some people told me that regular dairy milk is high in fat and calories so if I substitute milk with soy or coconut milk instead they say I'm saving my calories and my fat content
I suggest you look at the nutrition label instead of listening to what "some people" tell you. Compare regular and skim with optional substitutes, and see which fits better into your diet. And take into account what you actually like, because sometimes a few extra calories is worth it.
Is regular milk considered ''unclean''? or processed? I'm trying to go for a clean diet overall
If you can bathe in it then it is clean. Ergo, milk and the blood of thine enemies are clean.4 -
sunnybeaches105 wrote: »SoDamnHungry wrote: »rileysowner wrote: »What is unhealthy about milk?
So you could try rice milk, soy milk, hemp milk, coconut milk, and the list likely goes on. All of them are just attempts to simulate milk, nothing is intrinsically healthier about them although they tend to be lower calorie.
Some people told me that regular dairy milk is high in fat and calories so if I substitute milk with soy or coconut milk instead they say I'm saving my calories and my fat content
I suggest you look at the nutrition label instead of listening to what "some people" tell you. Compare regular and skim with optional substitutes, and see which fits better into your diet. And take into account what you actually like, because sometimes a few extra calories is worth it.
Is regular milk considered ''unclean''? or processed? I'm trying to go for a clean diet overall
If you can bathe in it then it is clean. Ergo, milk and the blood of thine enemies are clean.
um what?? lol1 -
SoDamnHungry wrote: »rileysowner wrote: »What is unhealthy about milk?
So you could try rice milk, soy milk, hemp milk, coconut milk, and the list likely goes on. All of them are just attempts to simulate milk, nothing is intrinsically healthier about them although they tend to be lower calorie.
Some people told me that regular dairy milk is high in fat and calories so if I substitute milk with soy or coconut milk instead they say I'm saving my calories and my fat content
I suggest you look at the nutrition label instead of listening to what "some people" tell you. Compare regular and skim with optional substitutes, and see which fits better into your diet. And take into account what you actually like, because sometimes a few extra calories is worth it.
Is regular milk considered ''unclean''? or processed? I'm trying to go for a clean diet overall
In that case, stay far away from any non-dairy "milk" product.2 -
SoDamnHungry wrote: »rileysowner wrote: »What is unhealthy about milk?
So you could try rice milk, soy milk, hemp milk, coconut milk, and the list likely goes on. All of them are just attempts to simulate milk, nothing is intrinsically healthier about them although they tend to be lower calorie.
Some people told me that regular dairy milk is high in fat and calories so if I substitute milk with soy or coconut milk instead they say I'm saving my calories and my fat content
I suggest you look at the nutrition label instead of listening to what "some people" tell you. Compare regular and skim with optional substitutes, and see which fits better into your diet. And take into account what you actually like, because sometimes a few extra calories is worth it.
Is regular milk considered ''unclean''? or processed? I'm trying to go for a clean diet overall
It is milk. The only processing is pasteurization and skimming off the cream to get the various fat percentages. I would consider it clean, but then I don't eat clean and have no intention of doing so.1 -
I'm focusing on getting enough protein, and soy milk is higher in protein compared to many of the other non-dairy milks. That's the biggest reason why I prefer soy over other options. However, there are a lot of options, and you might prefer the taste of one of the others.
My favorite soy milk depends on what I'm using it for. I usually get unsweetened, because it's versatile; I can throw it in savory things as well as sweet. I'm not particularly stuck on any one brand. Silk makes a few "light" soy milk options if you're looking for something with fewer calories and less fat. Shelf stable cartons are nice to have around in case you run out or the electricity goes out, but I don't think they're significantly better or worse nutrition-wise than refrigerated options.
If you're looking at coconut milk, I think of the one in the can (that you usually find in the Asian section of the store) as meant for cooking. Maybe that's just me, though. It's generally much thicker (and higher in calories/fat) than coconut milk in a carton that's meant for drinking on its own.
Last time I checked, Silk, So Delicious, and Westsoy had coupons available on their websites, which might make it more affordable to try a few. Other brands probably offer coupons too. If you have a Trader Joe's, they have a variety of shelf-stable plant milks that are probably cheaper than many other brands.0 -
SoDamnHungry wrote: »rileysowner wrote: »What is unhealthy about milk?
So you could try rice milk, soy milk, hemp milk, coconut milk, and the list likely goes on. All of them are just attempts to simulate milk, nothing is intrinsically healthier about them although they tend to be lower calorie.
Some people told me that regular dairy milk is high in fat and calories so if I substitute milk with soy or coconut milk instead they say I'm saving my calories and my fat content
I suggest you look at the nutrition label instead of listening to what "some people" tell you. Compare regular and skim with optional substitutes, and see which fits better into your diet. And take into account what you actually like, because sometimes a few extra calories is worth it.
Is regular milk considered ''unclean''? or processed? I'm trying to go for a clean diet overall
Milk is minimally processed...milk substitutes or more processed...just eat a healthy, balanced diet..."clean" is arbitrary and everyone has their own definition. I would personally consider milk to be "clean"...but many would not.0 -
sunnybeaches105 wrote: »SoDamnHungry wrote: »rileysowner wrote: »What is unhealthy about milk?
So you could try rice milk, soy milk, hemp milk, coconut milk, and the list likely goes on. All of them are just attempts to simulate milk, nothing is intrinsically healthier about them although they tend to be lower calorie.
Some people told me that regular dairy milk is high in fat and calories so if I substitute milk with soy or coconut milk instead they say I'm saving my calories and my fat content
I suggest you look at the nutrition label instead of listening to what "some people" tell you. Compare regular and skim with optional substitutes, and see which fits better into your diet. And take into account what you actually like, because sometimes a few extra calories is worth it.
Is regular milk considered ''unclean''? or processed? I'm trying to go for a clean diet overall
If you can bathe in it then it is clean. Ergo, milk and the blood of thine enemies are clean.
um what?? lol
Oh. Was that a serious question? My bad.1 -
rileysowner wrote: »SoDamnHungry wrote: »rileysowner wrote: »What is unhealthy about milk?
So you could try rice milk, soy milk, hemp milk, coconut milk, and the list likely goes on. All of them are just attempts to simulate milk, nothing is intrinsically healthier about them although they tend to be lower calorie.
Some people told me that regular dairy milk is high in fat and calories so if I substitute milk with soy or coconut milk instead they say I'm saving my calories and my fat content
I suggest you look at the nutrition label instead of listening to what "some people" tell you. Compare regular and skim with optional substitutes, and see which fits better into your diet. And take into account what you actually like, because sometimes a few extra calories is worth it.
Is regular milk considered ''unclean''? or processed? I'm trying to go for a clean diet overall
It is milk. The only processing is pasteurization and skimming off the cream to get the various fat percentages. I would consider it clean, but then I don't eat clean and have no intention of doing so.
may i ask how do you lose weight without eating clean?? Research I've done from trainers and youtube videos etc. they all say you will not lose weight unless you eat clean.0 -
I'm focusing on getting enough protein, and soy milk is higher in protein compared to many of the other non-dairy milks. That's the biggest reason why I prefer soy over other options. However, there are a lot of options, and you might prefer the taste of one of the others.
My favorite soy milk depends on what I'm using it for. I usually get unsweetened, because it's versatile; I can throw it in savory things as well as sweet. I'm not particularly stuck on any one brand. Silk makes a few "light" soy milk options if you're looking for something with fewer calories and less fat. Shelf stable cartons are nice to have around in case you run out or the electricity goes out, but I don't think they're significantly better or worse nutrition-wise than refrigerated options.
If you're looking at coconut milk, I think of the one in the can (that you usually find in the Asian section of the store) as meant for cooking. Maybe that's just me, though. It's generally much thicker (and higher in calories/fat) than coconut milk in a carton that's meant for drinking on its own.
Last time I checked, Silk, So Delicious, and Westsoy had coupons available on their websites, which might make it more affordable to try a few. Other brands probably offer coupons too. If you have a Trader Joe's, they have a variety of shelf-stable plant milks that are probably cheaper than many other brands.
This is really helpful! Thank you!!0 -
rileysowner wrote: »SoDamnHungry wrote: »rileysowner wrote: »What is unhealthy about milk?
So you could try rice milk, soy milk, hemp milk, coconut milk, and the list likely goes on. All of them are just attempts to simulate milk, nothing is intrinsically healthier about them although they tend to be lower calorie.
Some people told me that regular dairy milk is high in fat and calories so if I substitute milk with soy or coconut milk instead they say I'm saving my calories and my fat content
I suggest you look at the nutrition label instead of listening to what "some people" tell you. Compare regular and skim with optional substitutes, and see which fits better into your diet. And take into account what you actually like, because sometimes a few extra calories is worth it.
Is regular milk considered ''unclean''? or processed? I'm trying to go for a clean diet overall
It is milk. The only processing is pasteurization and skimming off the cream to get the various fat percentages. I would consider it clean, but then I don't eat clean and have no intention of doing so.
may i ask how do you lose weight without eating clean?? Research I've done from trainers and youtube videos etc. they all say you will not lose weight unless you eat clean.
Most of us lose weight by eating fewer calories than we need to maintain our weight. I don't eat "clean"; I eat the same foods as I have also eaten, but in smaller portions.2 -
geneticsteacher wrote: »rileysowner wrote: »SoDamnHungry wrote: »rileysowner wrote: »What is unhealthy about milk?
So you could try rice milk, soy milk, hemp milk, coconut milk, and the list likely goes on. All of them are just attempts to simulate milk, nothing is intrinsically healthier about them although they tend to be lower calorie.
Some people told me that regular dairy milk is high in fat and calories so if I substitute milk with soy or coconut milk instead they say I'm saving my calories and my fat content
I suggest you look at the nutrition label instead of listening to what "some people" tell you. Compare regular and skim with optional substitutes, and see which fits better into your diet. And take into account what you actually like, because sometimes a few extra calories is worth it.
Is regular milk considered ''unclean''? or processed? I'm trying to go for a clean diet overall
It is milk. The only processing is pasteurization and skimming off the cream to get the various fat percentages. I would consider it clean, but then I don't eat clean and have no intention of doing so.
may i ask how do you lose weight without eating clean?? Research I've done from trainers and youtube videos etc. they all say you will not lose weight unless you eat clean.
Most of us lose weight by eating fewer calories than we need to maintain our weight. I don't eat "clean"; I eat the same foods as I have also eaten, but in smaller portions.
but i thought a calories isnt just a calorie? like if you only eat 200 calories in lets say french fries and 200 calories in veggies, you will lose weight witht he veggies cause the calories in the fries are bad and make you gain weight0 -
geneticsteacher wrote: »rileysowner wrote: »SoDamnHungry wrote: »rileysowner wrote: »What is unhealthy about milk?
So you could try rice milk, soy milk, hemp milk, coconut milk, and the list likely goes on. All of them are just attempts to simulate milk, nothing is intrinsically healthier about them although they tend to be lower calorie.
Some people told me that regular dairy milk is high in fat and calories so if I substitute milk with soy or coconut milk instead they say I'm saving my calories and my fat content
I suggest you look at the nutrition label instead of listening to what "some people" tell you. Compare regular and skim with optional substitutes, and see which fits better into your diet. And take into account what you actually like, because sometimes a few extra calories is worth it.
Is regular milk considered ''unclean''? or processed? I'm trying to go for a clean diet overall
It is milk. The only processing is pasteurization and skimming off the cream to get the various fat percentages. I would consider it clean, but then I don't eat clean and have no intention of doing so.
may i ask how do you lose weight without eating clean?? Research I've done from trainers and youtube videos etc. they all say you will not lose weight unless you eat clean.
Most of us lose weight by eating fewer calories than we need to maintain our weight. I don't eat "clean"; I eat the same foods as I have also eaten, but in smaller portions.
but i thought a calories isnt just a calorie? like if you only eat 200 calories in lets say french fries and 200 calories in veggies, you will lose weight witht he veggies cause the calories in the fries are bad and make you gain weight
No that's not true0 -
No, 200 calories of anything = 200 calories of anything, as far as weight loss goes. I do not label any foods as bad. The difference between fries and vegetables is a difference in nutrition - more fat in the fries, more fiber in the vegetables, etc. If either fits into your calorie allowance, either is fine, depending on your nutritional goals. If I were low in fat for the day and had already met my fiber/vitamin/whatever allowance, I say eat the fries.3
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geneticsteacher wrote: »No, 200 calories of anything = 200 calories of anything, as far as weight loss goes. I do not label any foods as bad. The difference between fries and vegetables is a difference in nutrition - more fat in the fries, more fiber in the vegetables, etc. If either fits into your calorie allowance, either is fine, depending on your nutritional goals. If I were low in fat for the day and had already met my fiber/vitamin/whatever allowance, I say eat the fries.
Please tell me you really are a teacher and being this logical in class.1 -
SoDamnHungry wrote: »rileysowner wrote: »What is unhealthy about milk?
So you could try rice milk, soy milk, hemp milk, coconut milk, and the list likely goes on. All of them are just attempts to simulate milk, nothing is intrinsically healthier about them although they tend to be lower calorie.
Some people told me that regular dairy milk is high in fat and calories so if I substitute milk with soy or coconut milk instead they say I'm saving my calories and my fat content
I suggest you look at the nutrition label instead of listening to what "some people" tell you. Compare regular and skim with optional substitutes, and see which fits better into your diet. And take into account what you actually like, because sometimes a few extra calories is worth it.
Is regular milk considered ''unclean''? or processed? I'm trying to go for a clean diet overall
In that case, stay far away from any non-dairy "milk" product.
This. ....you want to swap out milk for something that is processed within an inch of its life.....the mind boggles.0 -
sunnybeaches105 wrote: »geneticsteacher wrote: »No, 200 calories of anything = 200 calories of anything, as far as weight loss goes. I do not label any foods as bad. The difference between fries and vegetables is a difference in nutrition - more fat in the fries, more fiber in the vegetables, etc. If either fits into your calorie allowance, either is fine, depending on your nutritional goals. If I were low in fat for the day and had already met my fiber/vitamin/whatever allowance, I say eat the fries.
Please tell me you really are a teacher and being this logical in class.
Haha! Yes, I really am a teacher - genetics, chemistry, clinical chemistry, and nutrition in an RN to BSN program.4 -
geneticsteacher wrote: »sunnybeaches105 wrote: »geneticsteacher wrote: »No, 200 calories of anything = 200 calories of anything, as far as weight loss goes. I do not label any foods as bad. The difference between fries and vegetables is a difference in nutrition - more fat in the fries, more fiber in the vegetables, etc. If either fits into your calorie allowance, either is fine, depending on your nutritional goals. If I were low in fat for the day and had already met my fiber/vitamin/whatever allowance, I say eat the fries.
Please tell me you really are a teacher and being this logical in class.
Haha! Yes, I really am a teacher - genetics, chemistry, clinical chemistry, and nutrition in an RN to BSN program.
Somehow I knew you weren't teaching high school!0
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