What's the deal with all these non-cow milks on the shelves? (diet, healthier)

[Jkgourmet]

Walnut milk. Almond milk (sweetened, unsweetened, flavored for coffee, etc). Oat milk. Soy milk. Flax milk. Etc.

I get that some people are lactose intolerant; and there have been milks without lactose for years. I get that some people are allergic - that's been true fir years as well.

So what's causing this rather recent proliferation of this stuff? Vegans? Plant based diet fans?

[Ohiogirl81]

Variety is the spice of life. If you don't like a product, you don't have to use it.

[hertfordshire]

Lactose intolerance, casein intolerance, personal preference, and just a desire to use healthier options.

[evening sun]

I sometimes buy almond milk, I like it on my cereal, moreso than cows milk. I also like the shelf stable aspect, so I can have on in the pantry in case of a sudden urge. I do use cow milk sometimes, it's better for baking or cooking. I think more choice is great.

[DubbleT]

Lactose intolerance, I'm more intolerant of dairy as I age, and we ARE an aging population so I'm fairly certain it's a growing health issue.
Flavor, I've never cared much for cow's milk. Almond milk (any kind), and probably other plant milks, simply tastes better straight out of the carton IMO. I also think that almond milk is alright for baking, but I don't like it in regular cooking, I prefer cow's milk for gravy and mashed potatoes, etc.

[vision33r]

Well, cow's milk was meant for cows not for humans. I have no problems drinking milk but it's not necessary and hardly nutritious.

Why do people say you have to drink cow's milk when it doesn't contain any natural minerals? It is loaded with artificial fortified minerals.

You can drink any vegan milk and get the same benefits without the lactose issue. I prefer coconut milk because it has MCT oil.

[steiconi]

Coconut milk. Mmmmmmmm, delicious.

Dairy is not really good for you, despite ads from the Milk Advisory Board.
Non dairy milks can be delicious and healthy at the same time.

I've been drinking nut milks for so long, dairy milk tastes like cow. Ugh.

Eat what YOU like.

[VTsnowbird]

I use non-dairy milks for cereal but I haven't found a good sub for H&H in my coffee. BTW, some people in the dairy industry get quite offended when you call them "milks" - they want you to say beverages.

I prefer non-dairy due to fat/cholesterol.

[Mightyqueen801]

Originally Posted by Jkgourmet

Walnut milk. Almond milk (sweetened, unsweetened, flavored for coffee, etc). Oat milk. Soy milk. Flax milk. Etc.

I get that some people are lactose intolerant; and there have been milks without lactose for years. I get that some people are allergic - that's been true fir years as well.

So what's causing this rather recent proliferation of this stuff? Vegans? Plant based diet fans?

A lot of it is because of people looking for alternates to dairy for all of the above reasons: Lactose intolerance, veganism/plant-based meals, desire to eat more healthfully.

There is also a calorie issue. A cup of unsweetened almond milk is 30 or 40 calories. A cup of even reduced-fat 2% milk is 120 calories.

[Mightyqueen801]

Originally Posted by VTsnowbird

I use non-dairy milks for cereal but I haven't found a good sub for H&H in my coffee. BTW, some people in the dairy industry get quite offended when you call them "milks" - they want you to say beverages.

I prefer non-dairy due to fat/cholesterol.

Same here. I've tried the coconut creamers. They are OK, but there's nothing like half and half in coffee.

I use almond milk for cereal and for cooking oatmeal, and I've used oat and coconut as well.