No matter your reason — lactose intolerance, lifestyle change, or simply a desire to be a little kinder to animals — the choice to eat dairy-free has never been easier. It used to be that you only had one choice if you were looking to ditch dairy: soy milk. Now there are refrigerator cases full of non-dairy alternatives. Plant-based beverage options include oat, hemp, flax, and rice. And nut-based milk uses every kind of kernel under the sun, including almond, cashew, macadamia, and coconut. 

But with so many alternatives, it can be hard to choose. Which non-dairy milk is best anyway? Well, that depends on a lot of things. If we’re talking about taste, that depends on how you plan to use your dairy substitute and your personal taste preferences. If we’re talking about health, that depends on your dietary needs. The best non-dairy milk for toddlers may not be the healthiest choice when you’re middle-aged. 

So ready to moo-ve on from dairy? (Sorry, not sorry!) We’ve made a list of the most popular milk alternatives on the GoPuff site to help you decide what the best non-dairy milk is for you and your family. Whether you want something to pour into your coffee, serve over cereal, or use for baking, we've got something for you. 

We’ve got the best non-dairy milk choice for you.

1. Silk Organic Soymilk Unsweetened 32oz

Get the taste that’s soy creamy and soy delicious. Pour Silk Organic Soymilk over your cereal, in your coffee, or anywhere you would typically use dairy. It has no added sugar, is low in saturated fats, is rich in protein content and calcium, and is certified organic and non-GMO. It’s all the best milk has to offer without the dairy.

$3.99

2. Oatly! Full Fat Oat Milk 64oz

No, you can't milk an oat, but you CAN appreciate that a glass of Oatly is just as creamy and sweet as the stuff from the cow. This vegan, gluten-free, non-dairy drink is just as tasty for your baking experiences as it is for your lattes while staying delightfully smooth without any separation. Just one sip will have you asking, “milk who”?

$6.99

3. Califia Farms Unsweetened Almond Milk 1.4 Liter

Want milk without the dairy? Go nuts with Califia Farms Almond Milk. Its smooth, creamy texture is perfect for adding to soups, sauces, cakes, or smoothies. This vegan non-dairy milk has 0 grams of sugar and is loaded with bone-strengthening calcium. It’s also gluten-free, soy-free, and packaged in a BPA-free container. You can feel good about drinking every drop.

$5.29

4. Chobani Oat Milk Plain 52oz

Chobani has crafted rich and creamy plant milk made with the goodness of gluten-free oats. It’s an excellent source of calcium and a good source of vitamins A and D — without nuts, dairy, or lactose. This vegan-friendly, plant-based beverage tastes great straight and is perfect for dunking cookies. It’s one of the best non-dairy milk for coffee. Drink it. Mix it. Pour it. Love it.

$5.69

5. Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk 32oz

For over 100 years, a California co-op of family-owned orchards has dedicated itself to growing the almonds that give Almond Breeze the delicious, creamy taste you love. With just 30 calories per cup, Almond Breeze is a lactose-free and soy-free non-dairy beverage ranking low on the glycemic index. It's an ideal choice for people who want to avoid sugar.

$4.19

6. Minor Figures Organic Barista Oat Milk 1L

Minor Figures Organic Oat Milk is a deliciously creamy oat-based milk alternative formulated by coffee professionals to be the perfect milk substitute for home baristas. Minor Figures Organic Oat Milk is one of the best non-dairy milk for frothing. Feel free to steam it for your lattes, flat whites, or cappuccinos. It’s naturally sweet with no added sugars. Enjoy it with tea or cereal, too! 

$4.49

7. Elmhurst Unsweetened Almond Milk 32oz

Made with just nuts and water, this milk is as close to drinking whole almonds as you can get. Elmhurst is nutrient-dense and keto- and paleo-friendly, with four times more nuts per serving than leading national almond milk brands. It uses only simple ingredients, no gums, fillers, emulsifiers, or anything unnecessary. It’s simply one of the best-tasting non-dairy milk on the market today.

$6.99

8. RISE Brewing Co. Chocolate Oat Milk 32oz

Sometimes, you need a sweet treat. RISE Brewing’s Chocolate Oat Milk was love at first taste. Its ingredient list doesn’t include any gums or binders. It’s made using all organic oats, cocoa, sunflowers, water, and a dash of sea salt for flavor. It’s a creamy dairy alternative that’s refreshingly smooth with a natural sweetness that’s also proudly organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free.

$3.99

9. So Delicious Organic Unsweetened Coconut Milk 64oz

Smooth, creamy, organic coconut milk is crafted for dairy-free deliciousness. It’s the best non-dairy milk for cereal, but you can blend it into a breakfast power smoothie, golden milk latte, or classic Belgian waffles. Whichever way you pour it, it’s always dairy-free, certified vegan, and Non-GMO Project Verified. That's the art of dairy-free.

$5.99

FAQ

What is the healthiest non-dairy milk option? 

Whether plant-based or nut-based, most dairy-free milk is made the same way. The main ingredient — almonds, coconut, hemp seeds, macadamia nuts, brown rice, or soybeans — is crushed, blended with water, and strained. Additional components are added to the mix that thickens, stabilizes, preserves, and enhances its flavor to create the final product. Some non-dairy milk is also fortified with vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, and additional nutrients.

The nutrient profiles depend entirely on the main ingredient used. Here’s the breakdown.

Soy milk: Soy milk is the non-dairy milk that comes the closest to cow’s milk in terms of nutrients. It has the most grams of protein per serving and contains additional nutrients such as potassium, iron, and vitamin B12. It’s the milk alternative recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Almond milk: Almond milk is lower in carbohydrates and protein than other options and has a moderate fat level. This nut milk really shines in its micronutrient content, having the highest amount of antioxidant vitamin E compared to other milk. Manufacturers usually round out their nutrient profile by adding calcium and vitamins A and D to their formula.

Oat milk: Oat milk is high in healthy carbohydrates, low in fat, and boasts impressive potassium and vitamin A levels. It’s also one of the few dairy-free milks to include some fiber in their nutrients, as it’s usually lost during the manufacturing process. Its naturally sweet flavor doesn’t require additional sugar or artificial sweeteners to make it palatable.

Coconut milk: This is the creamiest of all the non-dairy options, making it a great alternative to froth for lattes or add to smoothies. Its consistency comes from coconut’s higher fat content, which delivers some cholesterol-reducing benefits. It’s also very low in calories. But coconut milk has zero protein, a vital macro for people following keto and paleo eating plans.

Ultimately, the best non-dairy milk for you is whatever helps you meet your nutritional goals. If you have any questions on which one you should incorporate into your diet, speak with a registered dietitian. They’re here to help.

Which milk substitute tastes the most like milk?

Of all the non-dairy options, soy milk is the product that comes closest to milk’s taste, consistency, and nutrient profile. But it’s not for everyone. Depending on the brand, soy milk can have a tofu-like aftertaste that some people find objectionable. 

If you cook with milk, you can substitute soy at a 1:1 ratio (1 cup dairy = 1 cup soy milk). It bakes up much like milk, with only a minor shift in flavor and texture. There will definitely be noticeable differences in taste and consistency if you’re using soy in cream sauces and soups. Your best bet is to add the amount requested, taste, then tweak the recipe using seasonings or thickeners like cornstarch and flour.

What is the best non-dairy milk for coffee?

The issue with adding non-dairy milk to coffee is that its protein can curdle when it comes into contact with heat. That’s not exactly a pleasant taste experience. Minor Figures Organic Oat Milk is one of your best choices for at-home baristas if you're looking to steam your milk as part of a latte. It’s designed to froth up light and foamy and has a light, sweet taste that perfectly complements even the darkest roast.

If you’re just looking for something to cool down your coffee without any fuss, try Elmhurst Unsweetened Almond Milk. It contains no fillers or thickeners that can cause curdling, and it adds a toasted nutty flavor to coffee. When you want something a little more creamy and feel a tad exotic, So Delicious Organic Unsweetened Coconut Milk is an excellent addition to a morning brew.

If none of these strike your fancy, there are some delicious non-dairy coffee creamers available for you to try. A favorite is Milkadamia Unsweetened Creamer or their Chai flavored creamer if you want to spice things up. Check ‘em out!