A Simple Guide to Buying and Making Delicious Dairy-Free Alternatives

Whether you're lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking to reduce your dairy consumption, there's never been a better time to explore dairy-free alternatives. The market has exploded with options in recent years, making it easier than ever to find delicious plant-based substitutes for all your favorite dairy products. In this guide, I'll walk you through store-bought options and simple homemade recipes that will revolutionize your dairy-free journey.

Plant Milks: The Foundation of Dairy-Free Living

Plant-based milks have come a long way and now offer incredible variety to suit different needs and preferences:

Store-Bought Options:

• Almond and Cashew Milk: Great everyday options for cereals and smoothies. Look for unsweetened varieties for maximum versatility in both sweet and savory recipes.

• Oat Milk: Perfect for coffee lovers! The "barista blends" offer exceptional creaminess that mimics full-fat dairy milk, making them ideal for lattes and cappuccinos.

• Other Options: Soy milk offers higher protein content, while coconut milk provides richness for cooking.

DIY Option: Easy Hemp Milk

Hemp milk is incredibly nutritious and takes literally seconds to make:

• 2 tablespoons hulled hemp seeds

• 1 cup water

• Optional: Sweetener of choice, chia seeds for thickness

  
  

Simply blend for 30-60 seconds with no soaking or straining required! This nutrient-dense milk provides about 7-8 grams of protein per cup and has a pleasant frothy texture that works well in coffee drinks.

Vegan Butter and Cream Cheese

Store-Bought Options:

• Miyoko's Cultured Vegan Butter: Made primarily from coconut oil and cashew milk, this offers the closest texture and flavor to traditional butter.

• Kite Hill Cream Cheese: Almond-based with an authentic tangy flavor and creamy texture.

DIY Tip:

A simple vegan butter can be made with soaked raw sunflower seeds, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, nutritional yeast, plant milk and sea salt. The apple cider vinegar provides that subtle fermented flavor characteristic of dairy products.

Yogurt Alternatives

Store-Bought Options:

• So Delicious: Coconut-based yogurts widely available in mainstream grocery stores.

• Coco June: A more artisanal, small-batch coconut yogurt with clean ingredients.

• Kite Hill: Almond-based yogurts with a wonderful tangy flavor and thick, creamy texture.

  
  

Don't worry if you're not a coconut fan. These yogurts generally have a mild flavor that doesn't overwhelm.

Cheese Alternatives

The dairy-free cheese market has exploded with options:

Store-Bought Options:

• Daiya: Offers a wide variety of slices in flavors like provolone, gouda, and cheddar.

• Follow Your Heart: Another excellent brand for sliced cheeses.

• So Delicious: Their shredded cheddar uses potato protein rather than nuts, making it a good option for those with nut allergies.

• Bitchin' Sauce: An almond-based sauce with a cheesy flavor that works beautifully as a dip, dressing, or sauce.

DIY Mozzarella Cheese Sauce

This versatile sauce is perfect for pizza, pasta, and lasagna:

• 1/2 cup plain unsweetened vegan yogurt (like Kite Hill)

• 1/2 cup soaked raw cashews (soaked 4-5 hours)

• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• 2 teaspoons tapioca starch

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 cup unsweetened plant milk

  
  

Blend until smooth, then heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. This creates a stretchy, meltable cheese perfect for dishes where you want that gooey texture.

DIY Vegan Parmesan

This simple sprinkle takes seconds to make:

• 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  
  

Pulse in a food processor until it reaches a crumbly texture. Sprinkle on pasta, salads, or roasted vegetables!

Whipped Cream and Other Toppings

Store-Bought Options:

• Gaelia Coconut Whipped Topping: Available in a spray can for easy serving.

• Ready Whip: Offers both almond and coconut-based vegan options.

• Coco Whip: Available in a tub similar to Cool Whip.

DIY Tip:

For homemade whipped cream, refrigerate a can of full-fat coconut cream overnight. Place a metal bowl inside a larger bowl filled with ice water, add the chilled coconut cream, and whip until fluffy. Add 1-2 tablespoons of agave nectar for sweetness.

Creamy Dressings and Sauces

DIY Ranch Dressing

This protein-packed, lower-fat option is delicious:

• 1 cup cooked white beans (cannellini or navy)

• 1/2 tablespoon nutritional yeast

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 3/4-1 cup unsweetened plant milk

  
  

Blend until smooth and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Key Ingredients for Your Dairy-Free Pantry

If you want to make your own dairy-free alternatives, keep these essentials on hand:

1. Nutritional yeast: Provides that cheesy, nutty flavor

2. Raw cashews: The base for many creamy sauces

3. Sunflower seeds: A more affordable alternative to cashews

4. Coconut cream: Perfect for whipped cream and rich desserts

5. Apple cider vinegar: Adds that tangy, fermented flavor

6. Tapioca starch: Creates stretch and melt in vegan cheeses

7. Hemp seeds: For quick, protein-rich milk

Where to Shop

Many of these products are becoming increasingly available at:

• Grocery stores (look in the refrigerated section near dairy)

• Natural food stores and co-ops

• Online retailers

  
  

The world of dairy-free alternatives has never been more exciting or delicious. Whether you choose store-bought products or make your own at home, you'll find that living dairy-free doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or texture. With a little experimentation, you might even discover new favorites that you prefer to traditional dairy products!

Want to see in-depth tutorials for the recipes featured in this article? Check out our Dairy-Free Grocery Showcase on YouTube: