[Round Up] Our Favorite Dairy-Free Milks, Cheese, Butter, & More!
I find that shopping for dairy-free products is easiest at health food stores, such as Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Natural Grocers, although the dairy-free diet is so common now that you can basically find options anywhere - even Trader Joe’s, Costco, Target, & Walmart.
However, it’s important to note that something labeled “dairy-free” does not automatically make it healthier. In fact, dairy-free foods often have added ingredients like emulsifiers, gums, added sugar, etc. to give it a better texture and taste. For this reason, always be sure to read the label of the product before deciding to sample it!
Our favorite brands are listed below, though availability to these brands will vary per location. If you don’t have access to health food stores in your area, you could consider signing up for Thrive Market (exclusive discount through this link).
I put a ⭐️ next to my personal favorites from a taste & ingredient perspective. Have a favorite brand to share or want more suggestions? Post in the Inner Circle!
Milk
The following have the best & fewest ingredients (i.e. no fillers, gums, etc), but may not be widely available
⭐️ MALK (my personal favorite)
Three Trees
Beber
Elmhurst
Or you can make your own! Learn how here.
The following are more available but may include additional ingredients than just “nuts and water”
⭐️ Ripple Milk
Made from pea protein. Contains a great serving of protein and calcium, comparable to cow’s milk. Learn more in the pea milk note
Califia
Silk
Almond Breeze
Cheese
⭐️ Miyokos is my absolute favorite!
So Delicious
Daiya
Follow Your Heart
Violife
Siete has a delicious cashew-based queso
Butter
⭐️ Miyokos
Earth Balance
Melt
Ghee
Yogurt
Ice Cream
⭐️ Nadamoo
⭐️ Make your own “Nice Cream” with frozen bananas, maple syrup, cocoa powder, and a little cinnamon in a food processor or by using this Yonanas machine
⭐️ Cado (made with avocados)
So Delicious
Oatly
Ben & Jerry’s
Most sorbets will be naturally DF, just read the label
Others
Mac & Cheese —> Banza, Daiya, Amy’s
Pizza —> Daiya, Amy’s
Cream Cheese —> Kite Hill
Sour Cream —> Forager
Chocolate —> Enjoy Life
A note on ingredient quality: If possible, choose products with ingredients that are primarily organic and non-GMO. Stores such as Sprouts, Natural Grocers, Whole Foods, and other health food stores can help finding higher-quality products and ingredients. If access to higher quality products isn't an option for you, choose the best option that is available to you locally.
