Milk Alternatives

peterson_jessica
peterson_jessica Posts: 119 Member
edited October 4 in Food and Nutrition
Hey Everyone! I need some opinions. I have never been much of a milk drinker because it has always made my stomach a little uncomfortable. Lately, though, I've been trying to drink more milk with cereal, coffee, etc. simply for the protein and calcium. I have had absolutely horrible stomach problems which are also lactose intolerance symptoms. I've been having bloating, gas, distended stomach... yuck! Anyways, I am going to try a lactose free milk to see if my symptoms let up. I'm not sure if I should go with soy, rice or almond. I'm used to drinking skim milk so I'm worried that all of them will be too thick for me. I'm also concerned with the amount of calcium and protein in them as well as calories and fat of course. Any suggestions are very much appreciated since I am totally new to this whole milk thing.

Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • shovav91
    shovav91 Posts: 2,335 Member
    Almond breeze unsweetened vanilla or unsweetened original. Amazingly tasty and it fortified with healthy things to the point where it is better for you than milk, and at only 40 calories a cup! :D
  • stresco
    stresco Posts: 354 Member
    I use Vanilla Silk in my coffee.
  • sundancer1966
    sundancer1966 Posts: 478 Member
    I love almond milk! I get the unsweetened, but here are other flavors also.
  • CaptainAmerica1970
    CaptainAmerica1970 Posts: 435
    Almond breeze unsweetened vanilla or unsweetened original.
  • ManicMelody
    ManicMelody Posts: 85
    Vanilla Silk is wonderful!
  • ickybella
    ickybella Posts: 1,438 Member
    Almond milk is the best!
  • chuckyp
    chuckyp Posts: 693 Member
    Another vote for almond milk. I have just been getting the Kroger brand plain. Great by itself or with cereal.
  • Punkedpoetess
    Punkedpoetess Posts: 633 Member
    Almond breeze unsweetened vanilla or unsweetened original. Amazingly tasty and it fortified with healthy things to the point where it is better for you than milk, and at only 40 calories a cup! :D

    ^^^^ Another Almond Breeze Unsweetened fan. I am also lactose intolerant and this is my favorite non-dairy milk as well. I use it almost everyday. For a protein boost I also like Silk's light vanilla or plain soymilk in my cereal, smoothies, or oatmeal sometimes.
  • sunkisses
    sunkisses Posts: 2,365 Member
    I can actually have 4-5oz of regular milk before I become what professionals call "a hot *kitten* mess." So I can have a coffee without it tasting any differently than I like it. But I've gotten used to non-dairy creamer powders like Coffeemate.

    I use almond milk (orignal, sweetened but no additional flavoring like vanilla) in my cereal.

    I use the generic Target version of Lactaid when I want to have ice cream or a big glass of milk. It works. It's wonderful. I'm so glad it exists. It just provides you with the enzymes you need to digest milk.

    There is also kefir. Google it and see if it sounds like something you want to use. I can't afford to buy it even though it sounds great and very healthful.

    Clearly, I have a range of things I use so that I can get around without feeling like my life is utterly altered. I have to say, the idea of ice cream does not make me smile, though. Really. I'm kinda traumatized by the amount of pain I'm in after having dairy products.

    Tips:
    Sherbet does have dairy in it. Don't be fooled by the fruity flavor. A bowl of that woke me up from my sleep that night and had me curled in a ball for hours.

    Greek yogurt loves you. It really does. Add honey and you're good to go.
  • Misiaxcore
    Misiaxcore Posts: 659 Member
    I love coconut milk in vanilla and almond milk !
  • skinnylizzard
    skinnylizzard Posts: 460 Member
    Me too! I love almond milk!
  • lisasays
    lisasays Posts: 142 Member
    Blue Diamond Almond is my favorite. I would avoid soy except in moderation. For baking, Hemp milk works really well.
  • janetb21
    janetb21 Posts: 182 Member
    I really like the Trader Joe's unsweetened vanilla almond milk.
  • nkziv
    nkziv Posts: 161 Member
    Don't do rice milk. it has 0 nutritional value. Try Coconut milk!!! It has vitamin D, Calcium, and Magnesium for optimum bone health :)

    SoDelicious makes a really yummy vanilla coconut milk that you can use in place of milk for anything!
  • peterson_jessica
    peterson_jessica Posts: 119 Member
    Thanks so much everyone! I think I will try the Almond unsweetened first and see how that goes. I'm nervous! Haha.. anything has got to be better than a bloated belly and gas, though :)
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    I think you should tyr the various options available and see which you like best!

    I'm a big soy fan - unsweetened. But other peopleprefer the rice and almond varieties .
  • khua0808
    khua0808 Posts: 95
    Rice milk is best tasting, yet highest calories.
    Almond milk and soy can be low carb and low sugar, but don't taste as good.

    I personally like the 60 calories light silk (brand name, its a soy milk) which tastes kind of good
  • anotheryearolder
    anotheryearolder Posts: 385 Member
    I have tried soy milk, it's okay but I LOVE unsweetened coconut milk. I hadn't eaten Wheaties with milk for 20+ years. They are now back on the menu. :happy: Great for smoothies too.
  • Grandee47
    Grandee47 Posts: 261 Member
    I've heard they've come out with flax milk but I haven't found it yet. I'm interested because it's a great source of omega 3s. I can't swallow the fish oil pills due to swallowing difficulties. I love vanilla unsweetened Almond Milk and use it frequently.:smile:
  • Mmmary212
    Mmmary212 Posts: 410 Member
    I like vanilla almond milk, but dont buy it cause I'll drink it all in one big gulp. So I just don't drink "milk" of any fashion. However I love to indulge in coconut cream...it's my 'heavy whipping cream' replacement. It's fantastic.
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