Are you looking to transition to a dairy-free lifestyle but unsure where to begin? Maybe you’ve already embarked on the journey but find yourself missing indulgences like ice cream or cheese. With a plethora of dairy-free alternatives available, choosing the right ones can seem challenging. That’s why we’ve curated the ultimate list of dairy-free alternatives to support your dietary shift while still enjoying your favorite flavors. Explore our tips below, jot down a few products you’re willing to try, and get back to savoring your morning cup of coffee with a splash of non-dairy creamer.
So much of what we choose to eat is subconscious, especially with foods we’ve normalized and habitually consumed. Dairy lurks in a myriad of everyday items—from beverages and baked goods to soups, dressings, and an abundance of packaged products. When striving to identify foods to avoid and substitute with dairy-free options, it’s crucial to look beyond the obvious suspects like milk, ice cream, yogurt, and cheese. Have you ever considered what’s in that post-workout smoothie from your gym’s health bar? Does it have milk, Greek yogurt, or whey protein in it? Even seemingly innocent choices like pesto spread on your favorite grilled veggie sandwich may contain dairy. This isn’t meant to overwhelm, but rather to raise awareness about the dairy content in familiar foods. Take stock of what’s in your meal and compile a list of ingredients that require dairy-free alternatives.
It’s perfectly acceptable to inquire politely when dining out. Don’t hesitate to ask your server about dairy content in menu items; a courteous approach goes a long way. Servers might recommend plant-based dishes or substitutes. You might be pleasantly surprised to discover vegan alternatives like dairy-free cheese, increasingly available in pizza joints nationwide, whether big chains or local gems. While some menus indicate such options, they’re easy to overlook. Craving something sweet? Many ice cream parlors offer non-dairy flavors, ranging from mango to dark chocolate and raspberry to coconut. Just ask, then enjoy sampling your favorites!
Plenty of high-quality plant-based products are available both online and in stores. Here are just some of our top dairy-free alternatives to satisfy any craving. (Note: While we’ve highlighted our personal favorites, there are numerous other brands and options worth exploring. For additional insights into these and more, visit our Dairy Alternatives page.)
Oatly (oat milk), Silk (soy, cashew, almond), Almond Breeze, Califia (almond, oat, and coconut milk), Forager Project (cashew, oat), Ripple (pea milk), Milkadamia (macadamia milk), Good Karma (flax milk)
Check out the best uses for dairy-free milk here.
Califia Farms Barista Blend (almond milk), Pacifica (soy milk), Elmhurst Barista Edition (almond and oat milk), Oatly (oat milk)
Silk Soy Creamer (both Original and Vanilla), Califia Farms Almond milk Creamer, Wildwood Organic Soymilk Creamer
Your cheese addiction may be real, but these options will more than satisfy your cravings.
Follow Your Heart Shreds & Slices, Miyoko’s Vegan Mozzarella and Liquid Cheese Spread (great for pizza), Field Roast Chao Creamery, Good Planet
Miyoko’s, Treeline, Kite Hill, SriMu, Yvonne’s Vegan Goatless Cheese, Vromage, Rebel Cheese, your local vegan cheese purveyor (check your farmer’s market or local health food store – there are tons of stellar small-batch, dairy-free cheesemongers out there!)
Miyoko’s, Daiya, Kite Hill, Treeline, Tofutti (for baking)
Kite Hill (both European and Greek styles), Chobani Oat, Silk, Forager Project, CocoYo, The Coconut Collaborative, So Delicious, Oatly, Trader Joe’s Cashew Yogurt
Miyoko’s Vegan Butter, Earth Balance Original (Or you could make your own butter! Learn how here.)
House Party Cheesy Dip, Follow Your Heart (various dressings, sauces, and mayonnaise), Miyoko’s Roadhouse Cheese Spread, Victoria Vegan Alfredo Sauce, Daiya (dressings and sauces)
So Delicious CocoWhip!, Reddi-wip Non-dairy Whipped Cream (almond and coconut varieties), 365 Plant-based Whipped Topping
So Delicious (cashew milk ice cream pints and bars), NadaMoo!, Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy, Haagen Dazs Non-Dairy, Arctic Zero Non-Dairy, Whole Foods Non-Dairy, Talenti Sorbetto, Sorbabes, McConnell’s Dairy-Free, Oatly, Cado
Cocoa Parlor (dark chocolate varieties), Hu, Enjoy Life, Hotel Chocolat (dark chocolate varieties), Dandelion Chocolate, Yes Cacao
*There are countless brands of dedicated dairy-free chocolate companies, but most pure dark chocolate bars are also dairy-free. Check the label for milk, milkfat, whey, or other milk derivatives to be sure.
All the dairy substitutes mentioned earlier can also be crafted at home. While some, like homemade ricotta or parmesan, are quick and straightforward, others may require patience and specific kitchen utensils. There are thousands of free recipes for dairy alternatives on the web, but you can also look into a few essential cookbooks if you truly enjoy making meals from scratch. We recommend “This Cheese is Nuts!” by Julie Piatt and “Simple Happy Kitchen” by Miki Mottes to start. Ready to dive into making dairy-free milk and cheese? Check out these simple recipes to whip up a few kitchen staples:
Parmesan – 5 Minute Vegan Parmesan
Ricotta – Quick Vegan Tofu Ricotta
Feta – Dairy-Free Feta, Tomato, And Cucumber Salad
Basic Cheese Sauce – Easy Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce
Oat Milk – Easy Yummy Homemade Recipe
Ice Cream – Homemade Strawberry Dairy-free Ice Cream
Going dairy-free is simple and effortless with all these dairy-free alternatives now available. So go ahead and enjoy your trail run, long ride, or pumped-up gym session – you can still look forward to that post-workout smoothie or a comforting cup of creamy coffee!
Wondering what else you can eat on a dairy-free diet? Check out our comprehensive guide!
This guide was first published in 2018, and has been updated many times. Is your favorite missing? Let us know by emailing [email protected]
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 10 million Americans suffer from osteoporosis and another 44 million have been diagnosed with low bone density.1 Milk has often been purported to “build strong bones” a myth that remains pervasive today...
How to go dairy-free in 6 easy steps: Your ultimate guide to kickstart your dairy-free journey. We’re bringing you tips to make your transition easier, deliciously dairy-free recipes, and helpful advice and information from our professional athletes and doctors.
Food Allergies Can Be Fatal Anyone who experiences or knows someone who experiences a severe food allergy knows how serious it can be. Certain foods can prove to be life-threatening, and these severe allergies are particularly prominent in young children. According to...
If you could reduce your relative breast cancer risk, wouldn’t you do it? A new study claims that women who drink cow's milk could increase their risk of developing breast cancer by up to 80 percent compared to women who drink soy milk. Unbiased by either soy or dairy...
Most American adults, and even children, believe they should aim for three servings of dairy a day—thanks to the US Dietary Guidelines. From a young age we are taught to believe that by devoutly consuming dairy on the daily, we will be protected from brittle bones and...
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes By Justin Long, Writer at Switch4Good Embarking on a dairy-free journey—whether motivated by dietary preferences, health, or ethical reasons—can feel like navigating a minefield during a snowstorm... blindfolded. While the...
How versatile is dairy-free milk? Considering all the options, you may wonder if every single one can be swapped for cow’s milk for different applications. Truth be told, there are some that are extremely versatile (like soy), and others yield best results in specific...
Estimated read time: 4 minutes By Tiffany Bruno, Director of Education at Switch4Good Surely you’ve heard cow’s milk is a good source of vitamin D. However, many people don’t realize vitamin D is not naturally found in dairy products. Instead, it is fortified...
