19 Jun The Healthiest Dairy Milk Alternatives

Did you know that roughly 65% of the human population has trouble digesting lactose, the natural sugar found in cow’s milk? Lactose intolerance is usually caused by a lack of the enzyme lactase in the small intestine, and those with the condition find that ingesting milk (or other dairy products) will cause unpleasant symptoms like breakouts, bloating or an upset stomach. Luckily, there are many tasty, nourishing dairy milk alternatives on the market today – but which one is the best for you? Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of our three popular milk substitutes; hemp, quinoa and almond milks.

Hemp Milk

---

Pros

• Lactose-free & dairy-free
• Soya-free & nut-free; suitable for those with soy or nut allergies
• A great source of omegas 3, 6 & 9
• Hemp is a highly sustainable crop
• Low in saturated fats
• Easy to digest
• Higher in iron than dairy milk or soy milk

Cons

• Lower in protein than dairy milk or soy milk
• Hemp is imported & therefor more expensive than other milks

Quinoa Milk

---

Pros

• Gluten-free
• Lactose-free
• Cholesterol-free
• Low in fat
• Suitable for vegans
• Suitable for those with lactose intolerance
• Suitable for those with soy allergies

Cons

• Grain milks are higher in carbs & sugar than nut milks or other milks

Almond Milk

---

Pros

• Naturally low in saturated fat
• No dietary cholesterol
• Naturally rich in calcium
• Source of vitamin E
• Source of magnesium, potassium, copper & selenium
• Suitable for vegans
• Suitable for those with soy allergies
• Suitable for those with lactose intolerance or casein allergies

Cons

• Not suitable for those with tree nut allergies
• Not suitable for infants; may cause tree nut allergies to develop
• Contains carrageenan, an edible seaweed extract, as a thickening agent, which may not be suitable for young or sensitive stomachs

Choosing Your Milk Alternative

Whichever dairy alternative you choose, remember that natural an organic options are always best. Steer clear of brands that add sugar and sweeteners, artificial preservatives and synthetic flavouring. Check out our range of healthy, natural and organic dairy milk alternatives online.