Gone are the days of having one or two vegan milk options.
Nowadays, you’ve got to pick between different brands, flavours and levels of sweetness which is great for people who have been vegan for many years.
But, it can make choosing plant-based milk quite difficult if you’ve never tried any before – and that’s where we come in.
In this article, we’ll go through
- How we chose the best milk alternatives
- 11 of the best dairy-free milk
- Difference between vegan and plant-based milk
- The lowdown on vegan milk
How we picked the best vegan milk
Before we dive into the best dairy-free milk, we wanted to share how we chose the best.
There were a few factors we had to consider, like allergies, sugar contents, whether they’re organic, different flavours, different price points and some well-known customer favourites
11 of the best dairy-free milk
Read on for our top dairy-free milk picks...
When it comes to vegan milk alternatives, you can’t beat a bit of soya milk.
And this one is the vegan cream of the crop as it’s made from organic soya beans and is sweetened with organic apple concentrate.
But it doesn’t end there. this non-dairy milk is enriched with naturally sourced calcium and protein for added nutrients.
Never had soya milk before? If you’re wondering what it tastes like, you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised as it has a subtle mild and creamy flavour – great for a cup of tea!
Key features
- Ethically sourced and produced
- Added calcium and protein
- Organic
- Naturally sweetened
- Suitable for vegans
- Gluten-free
- CO2 neutral
Nutritional information
Per 100ml
| Energy / Calories | 188kj / 45kcal |
| Fat | 2.1g |
| Of which saturates | 0.4g |
| Of which mono-unsaturates | 0.4g |
| Of which poly-unsaturates | 1.3g |
| Carbohydrates | 2.4g |
| Of which sugars | 2.4g |
| Fibre | 0.6g |
| Protein | 3.7g |
| Salt | 0.15g |
What our customers say
Sol20 – 5/5 stars - Best soy milk!
“Best soy milk, great source of calcium, very low in sugar, doesn't curdle on heat, perfect for making all sorts of hot beverages.”
Phid – 5/5 stars - Nice dairy replacement
“Enjoy this a lot. Use it instead of milk in tea and great for cereals. A little sweet but means less sugar used so is not a problem. Full price is a little expensive but H and B have plenty of offers which make it good value. Have tried others but this is the best for me.”
If you can’t choose between oat, coconut or cashew milk – then this is the one for you.
A delicious blend of plants makes up Mylk from Rebel Kitchen, making it the perfect option for the indecisive among us.
This one has been crafted to give off a ‘semi-skimmed’ vibe which means it’s ideal for most types of uses – from porridge to coffee.
Key features
- 100% CO2 neutral
- Gluten free
- Suitable for vegans
- No refined sugars
- Certified organic
Nutritional information
Per 100ml
| Energy / Calories | 124kj / 30kcal |
| Fat | 1.4g |
| Of which saturates | 0.9g |
| Carbohydrates | 4.0g |
| Of which sugars | 2.5g |
| Fibre | 0.1g |
| Protein | 0.3g |
| Salt | 0.13g |
What our customers say
Dzusta25 – 5/5 stars - Good milk alternative
“Good product, without the distinctive taste, which is good for drinking in coffee. Creamy texture.”
Keeks – 5/5 stars – Tastes like milk
“This had a great creamy taste that went really well in my tea, and on cereal later in the day. Can't fault it!”
Another great alternative to dairy milk, is this Brown Rice Drink from Rude Health.
Although brown rice sounds like an unusual choice for making milk, you just have to trust us on this one.
Made using organic Italian brown rice, this velvety and naturally sweet dairy-free milk is ideal for popping in your morning cuppa.
Key features
- Unsweetened
- Soil Association Organic Food Awards Winner 2013 – Gold
- Wholegrain
- Free from thickeners
- Suitable for vegans
Nutritional information
Per 100ml
| Energy / Calories | 247kj / 59kcal |
| Fat | 0.9g |
| Of which saturates | 0.9g |
| Carbohydrates | 11.0g |
| Of which sugars | 5.0g |
| Lactose | 0.0g |
| Fibre | 0.7g |
| Protein | 0.3g |
| Salt | 0.1g |
What our customers say
Alkhestis – 5/5 stars - My favourite rice milk
“This is my favourite rice milk - and I've tried them all!! It doesn't have the weird taste I usually get with other alternative milks. Flavour and texture don't change when heated up in the microwave.”
Georgina_41 – 5/5 stars - Best milk alternative
“Best alternative to milk I've tried and love the natural sweetness to it. It's lovely in coffee and I only need half the amount of sugar that I had with cow's milk.”
Another top pick from Rude Health is their Coconut Drink. Perfect for lovers of anything coconut flavoured, this vegan milk alternative is super creamy and refreshing, making it the perfect accompaniment to your breakfast cereal or porridge.
Key features
- Unsweetened
- Gluten free
- Suitable for vegans
- Made from organic ingredients
Nutritional information
Per 100ml
| Energy / Calories | 223kj / 53kcal |
| Fat | 1.2g |
| Of which saturates | 1.0g |
| Carbohydrates | 10.4g |
| Of which sugars | 4.2g |
| Fibre | 0.7g |
| Protein | 0.1g |
| Salt | 0.1g |
What our customers say
Joya Sarkar – 5/5 stars - Absolutely delicious - delighted to discover this
“What a great find. I am allergic to dairy and have been enjoying soya in tea, but I do not like soya in porridge/cocoa. This coconut drink is rich and creamy and makes porridge/cocoa drinks absolutely delicious, rather than merely tolerating soya in these.”
M Zarrar – 5/5 stars - Best Coconut Milk
“After trying all the brands of coconut milk type products, I found Rude Health Coconut Drink to be by far the best coconut milk for coffee or drinking straight from the carton. And only natural ingredients! Highly recommended.”
The second soya milk to feature in our list is our very own, but this one is for those who like their milk unsweetened.
Made with organic soya beans, this milk alternative is low in saturated fat and contains no artificial additives – win win!
Key features
- Certified Soil Association Organic
- Unsweetened
- Low in saturated fat
- Non GMO soya beans
- Gluten free
- Suitable for vegans
Nutritional information
Per 100ml
| Energy / Calories | 147kj / 35kcal |
| Fat | 2.2g |
| Carbohydrates | 0.1g |
| Of which sugars | 0.1g |
| Fibre | 0.6g |
| Protein | 3.7g |
| Sodium | 0.01g |
What our customers say
MrsPoss – 5/5 stars - Simple and no added ingredients
“Just soya beans and water. No preservatives, no gums, just the good stuff. I have started becoming more aware of additives and trying to make better choices with food.
As a coffee drinker who uses Soya milk, it was important for me to find a better alternative than Alpro and I've found it. It froths nicely in my coffee machine though does lack the sweetness of other milks (due to having no added sugar).
I soon got used to this though. The pricing is also superb.”
Honeybun28 – 5/5 stars - Great alternative to Alpro.
“Great Soya drink, I would say as good as the leading brands such as Alpro. We use it mainly for tea and cereal and it warms up nicely without curdling.”
Haven’t switched the milk in your coffee to oat milk yet? Where have you been? We’re kidding.
But there is a reason why so many people, even non-vegans, have done just this.
Oat milk is super smooth, creamy and even a little foamy – making it the perfect milk alternative for your favourite coffee.
Key features
- Great Taste Award Winner 2020
- Added Calcium, Vitamin D, B2 & B12
- Not from concentrate
- Unsweetened
- Suitable for vegans
Nutritional information
Per 100ml
| Energy / Calories | 256kj / 62kcal |
| Fat | 2.8g |
| Of which saturates | 0.2g |
| Carbohydrates | 7.8g |
| Of which sugars | 3.5g |
| Fibre | 0.8g |
| Protein | 1.0g |
| Salt | 0.1g |
What our customers say
Guyh – 5/5 stars – Best oat milk ever
“This milk is amazing, it's like being in a coffee house, but at home. Best oat milk I have tasted....ever!”
Ranis74 – 5/5 stars - Great alternative to the main barista oat milk
“Have been looking for an alternative to the most popular barista oat milk for my coffee. Plus I wanted something from the UK, as local as possible.
I have found it! This tastes great in coffee, no bitterness, acidity or sourness. It makes a really good coffee. My new go to oat milk now!”
Now while this isn’t strictly a direct milk alternative, it is a plant-based milk drink that we just couldn’t leave out.
Rude Health has made a Chocolate and Hazelnut flavoured vegan milk for those who can’t get enough of the taste of chocolate, but don’t want to consume a lot of sugar, then this is the drink for you.
Key features
- No added sugar
- Gluten free
- Made with organic ingredients
- Suitable for vegans
Nutritional information
Per 100ml
| Energy / Calories | 117kj / 28kcal |
| Fat | 2.1g |
| Of which saturates | 0.4g |
| Carbohydrates | 9.9g |
| Of which sugars | 5.3g |
| Fibre | 1.0g |
| Protein | 0.8g |
| Salt | 0.05g |
What our customers say
Kumquat – 5/5 stars - Get what you pay for.
“This drink is divine. No sugar yet tastes like a sweet chocolate milkshake with notes of hazelnut. Spring water used rather than just water like with many other health drinks and all organic ingredients. Quite pricey but a real treat for the taste buds.”
Anonymous – 5/5 stars – Favourite chocolate milk
“A refreshing hazelnut chocolate drink. Not too sweet or creamy. Delicious hot or cold. Can also be used in coffee instead of milk. Wouldn’t be without it.”
I know we’ve already listed oat milk for you to try, but we just couldn’t continue without adding this one too.
A fan favourite in the vegan community, the Minor Figures Oat M*lk has been specially formulated to work fabulously in your tea, coffee, smoothies and cereal – who doesn’t love an all-rounder?
Key features
- No added sugar
- Barista standard
- Low fat
- Semi-skimmed style formula
- Suitable for vegans
Nutritional information
Per 100ml
| Energy / Calories | 204kj / 48kcal |
| Fat | 2.1g |
| Of which saturates | 0.2g |
| Carbohydrates | 9.5g |
| Of which sugars | 4.5g |
| Fibre | 0.0g |
| Protein | 0.1g |
| Salt | 0.05g |
What our customers say
Pebs – 5/5 stars – Great with coffee
“I have tried multiple products and thrown away many but this is the best one I've tried. It actually taste like my old coffee did.”
Thelifeofgeorgiaphelps – 5/5 stars - My first ever oat milk!
“This is the first time I’ve ever tried oat milk and I wish I’d tried it sooner! It’s lovely! Sweet without being overpowering and tastes beautiful with everything.”
Another great alternative to dairy milk if you’re not a fan of oat or soya is cashew milk.
And this one from Rude Health has to be your go-to.
Naturally soft, creamy and ever so slightly nutty, this vegan milk alternative is ideal for adding to your smoothies, hot chocolate or even a creamy curry.
Key features
- Made with organic ingredients
- Gluten free
- No refined sugars
- Suitable for vegans
Nutritional information
Per 100ml
| Energy / Calories | 117kj / 28kcal |
| Fat | 2.1g |
| Of which saturates | 0.4g |
| Carbohydrates | 1.4g |
| Of which sugars | 0.3g |
| Fibre | 0.2g |
| Protein | 0.9g |
| Salt | 0.1g |
What our customers say
Baleikth – 5/5 stars – LOVE IT!
“Recently I have been opting for more plant-based products but my main concern was finding an alternative for full fat milk for my daily cup of tea. After reading a few of these reviews I was a little dubious but thought that I would give it a try.
It did not disappoint! Yes it does have a very slight nutty taste when you drink it by itself, but with tea/coffee you can hardly tell and really, I was looking more for the liquid consistency/colour as I WANT to be able to taste the tea/coffee flavour.
So, although it is more expensive than other milk options it is definitely worth a try!”
MargoJ – 5/5 stars – Will never stop buying
“Cashew milk is unique and delicious in coffee, porridge, etc.. This brand is GREAT!”
Another one for the fans of nut milk, this Organic Unsweetened Almond Milk from Alpro is a classic.
Free from anything artificial and naturally rich and creamy, you can’t go wrong with this vegan milk alternative.
Key features
- Made with organic ingredients
- Gluten free
- No added sugars
- Suitable for vegans
Nutritional information
Per 100ml
| Energy / Calories | 61kj / 15kcal |
| Fat | 1.2g |
| Of which saturates | 0.1g |
| Carbohydrates | 0.3g |
| Of which sugars | 0.1g |
| Fibre | 0.2g |
| Protein | 0.5g |
| Salt | 0.14g |
What our customers say
HmlS – 5/5 stars – Super taste
“Alpro Organic Unsweetened is a must have in my household. The taste is just amazing and easy to mix with anything.”
AnitaSalty – 5/5 stars – Love it!
“I have been drinking this milk for a couple of years now, every single day. I love it and nothing else compares, in my opinion.”
And finally we have a slightly more unique alternative to cow’s milk - and it happens to come from peas!
Mighty Pea has created an unsweetened pea ‘M.lk’ that is packed with protein and suitable for those who can’t have anything dairy, soya or nuts.
Key features
- High in protein
- Free from nuts
- No added sugar
- Fortified with Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and Iodine
- Suitable for vegans
Nutritional information
Per 100ml
| Energy / Calories | 113kj / 27kcal |
| Fat | 1.9g |
| Of which saturates | 0.3g |
| Carbohydrates | 0.1g |
| Of which sugars | 0.1g |
| Fibre | 0.1g |
| Protein | 2.4g |
| Salt | 0.2g |
What our customers say
Chris Bn – 5/5 stars - Move over New kid on the block for non-dairy milk.
“Love this milk. Deserves to be more popular than it yet is. Perhaps just early days and the secret is not out? Fab flavour, love this for my overnight oats - gives them a comforting baked feeling about them, slightly nutty flavour.”
Roisin – 5/5 stars – Lovely taste, great nutrition
“Lovely taste, great nutrition, perfect for our daughter who has so many intolerances”
How to use vegan milk alternatives
If you’re completely new to the world of vegan milks, you might be wondering just how to use them. So here’s a rundown on how to use them for a couple of common scenarios:
1
Hot drinks
If you want to reduce the risk of your milk curdling, add it before you pour in your tea or coffee as this will help to temper the milk first.
2
Sauces
If you want to give a vegan creamy sauce a go, you’ll probably use some plant-based milk.
Be sure to use low heat and stir regularly to avoid sticking or sedimentation.
Difference between vegan and plant-based milk
Generally speaking, vegan and plant-based milk are the same thing.
However, one tricky ingredient to watch out for is honey, as some plant-based products and recipes include this ingredient, whereas vegan milk definitely wouldn’t.
The lowdown on vegan milk alternatives
- Best alternative milk for tea: Provamel Organic Soya Drink Sweetened 1l
- Best vegan milk for coffee: MOMA Barista Oat Drink 1L
- Best plant-based milk for porridge: Rude Health Cashew Drink 1L
- Best milk alternative for cereal: Holland & Barrett Organic Soya Drink Unsweetened 1l
- Best vegan milk for pancakes: Rude Health Organic Coconut Drink 1 Litre
- Best dairy-free milk for baking: Mighty Pea Unsweetened M.lk 1l
The final say
We hope you’re feeling a bit more clued up on all things vegan milk now.
Whether you’re looking for the best alternative milk for tea or the best dairy-free milk for baking, just refer back to our top picks and you won’t be disappointed
The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Last updated: 7 December 2021
