6 Best Non-Dairy Milk in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian

Soy milk, which comes from either soybeans or soy protein isolate, is one of the most popular dairy milk alternatives. That may be because, in terms of nutrition, soy milk is most similar to cow’s milk. Soy milk also has a mild and creamy flavor, is high in protein, and low in calories.

Scientific studies even suggest that soy foods reduce the risk of developing increased cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Other than its health benefits, soy milk is also affordable and easily accessible.

Oat milk is made from oats and water. It is smooth, creamy, and naturally sweet. And in terms of nutritional value, oat milk contains half the amount of fat and protein but the same number of calories as cow’s milk, with double the amount of carbohydrates.

Studies have shown that this plant-based milk is known to reduce blood sugar levels and cholesterol— making it the ideal milk for people watching their sugar intake and those at risk for coronary heart disease.

Nut milk is another popular dairy milk alternative because of its light texture and subtly sweet and nutty flavor. It is often used in making coffee, tea, desserts, and smoothies. You can choose from different nut milk like almond, hazelnut, cashew, macadamia, pistachio, and peanut.

This plant-based milk is a natural source of vitamin E and contains less fat than its dairy counterpart. However, almond milk is a less concentrated source of protein, but it is low in calories. That is why this is ideal for individuals who want to lose weight.

Rice milk is made from water and milled brown or white rice, is naturally sweet and has a slightly watery consistency. Rice milk is also low in fat and has the same amount of calories as dairy milk.

However, this plant-based milk isn't advisable for children and people with high blood sugar because of its low protein content and high glycemic levels. But it is the least allergenic of all non-dairy milk, making it the ideal option for individuals who are intolerant of soy, nuts, or gluten.

If you have a diet that is high in fat, you should check out hemp milk and coconut milk. Hemp milk comes from soaked hemp seeds, but note that this does not contain the psychoactive component of the Cannabis sativa plant. This milk is high in omega-3 and omega-6.

on the other hand, coconut milk comes from the white flesh of a coconut, which is then squeezed. Coconut milk does not contain much protein but is high in fats, specifically MCT or medium-chain triglycerides that is linked to benefits like heart health and weight loss.

Non-dairy milk isn't as sweet as its dairy counterparts. So if you are an individual with a sweet tooth, we suggest purchasing non-dairy milk like rice, almond, and hazelnut because these plant-based kinds of milk are more flavorful than the other dairy alternatives.

Almond and hazelnut milk also has a subtle, nutty taste that makes them a top choice for non-dairy drinkers. And rice milk is mild in taste and naturally sweet in flavor. But for a more sugary drink, purchase the kind of non-dairy milk that says sweetened on its label.

If you made the conscious health choice to drink non-dairy milk because of dietary restrictions and other health concerns like diabetes, we suggest purchasing plain, unsweetened non-dairy milk.

The majority of non-dairy milk is low in sugar. But for those who are strict about their sugar intake, steer away from rice milk because rice milk has a high glycemic index, which means that it is quickly absorbed in the gut and rapidly raises blood sugar levels.

Among the non-dairy alternatives, oat milk is one of the best kinds of milk to drink for individuals with diabetes. Not only is oat milk affordable and easy to make at home, but it also contains a beta-glucan that helps lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.