Over 100 Amazing Products to Help You Ditch Dairy

One of the first responses many vegans receive when speaking with non-vegans is, “I could never give up cheese.” Coming in at a close second, third, etc. is “I cannot live without my milk/ice cream/yogurt/butter.” What they do not know, however, is that you do not have to give up all the things you love when you ditch dairy.

Today, there are so many dairy alternatives to choose from that we cannot list them all. But we can try. Here are some straight-off-the-shelf products to help you ditch dairy and satisfy your cravings all at once. Be sure to read all labels closely, however, as some of these companies also produce dairy-based products.

Plant-Based Milk

When searching for milk alternatives, you have quite a few options to consider. Plant-based milk can be made with soy, almonds, oats, coconut, flax, cashew, hazelnuts, rice, hemp, peas, and more. Creative manufacturers have you covered. All you have to do is run a few taste tests to find your favorite. Here is a list of popular brands found on many grocery shelves.

Vegan-Friendly Cheese Brands

Cheese is one of the main reasons many vegetarians or meat-eaters refuse to go vegan. We get it. Who does not love that creamy, delicious food? But traditional cheese comes at a high price, just like traditional cow’s milk, and it is the animals that pay that price. Their suffering is unnecessary, though, because there are so many plant-based options available. Companies are continually working to refine their products to capture the flavor and texture of dairy-based cheese without harming animals in the process. Here are a few brands to try out.

In addition to these ready-made brands, you can also add nutritional yeast or cashew cheese to your recipes. Both will provide the perfect, creamy, cheesy flavor without any dairy products. You can also add nutritional yeast to your cashew cheese recipe for an extra-cheesy flavor burst. Here is our favorite recipe for cashew cheese:

Vegan Cashew Cheeze Sauce

INGREDIENTS

3 cups diced potato (peel unless using Yukon Golds)
½ cup diced carrots
 ½ cup raw cashews  (soaked in hot water for at least 30 min, then drained)
2 tsp salt
1 tsp onion powder
2 tsp garlic powder
4 Tbsp nutritional yeast
  1 ¼ tsp lemon juice
2 ½ to 3 cups hot water

INSTRUCTIONS

Bring 3-4 cups of water to a boil.
Add potatoes and carrots to the pot and boil until soft.
Drain and save the water to use in the next steps.
Add everything except the water to a blender.
Turn the blender on low and add in 2 cups of the reserved water.
Blend on medium to high until smooth, adding more water if needed to thin the sauce.

Dairy-Free Yogurts to Try

Yogurt is a part of many people’s daily diets because it is tasty, easy, and good for you. But you do not have to choose dairy-based yogurts when there are so many plant-based options available. Give some of these brands a try and let us know what you think.

Non-Dairy Ice Cream

Ice cream is a beloved, go-to, anytime treat that some people just cannot live without. Whether for dessert, a quick snack on a hot day, or a post-breakup comfort, ice cream always hits the spot. Unfortunately, cows do not feel the same love for ice cream that humans do, so we have compiled a list of some compassionate, plant-based ice cream brands that are just as delicious as dairy-based ice cream. Try one of these moo-approved ice creams the next time you feel the ice cream urge.

If you feel up to making your own dairy-free ice cream at home, check out The Farm Buzz’s 11 Vegan Ice Cream Recipes for Summer Fun.

Plant-Based Butter

So many recipes call for milk and butter that it can be overwhelming for plant-based consumers learning new, creative ways to prepare their food without dairy. Most of the plant-based milks listed above make great substitutes in your recipes, but what about the butter? Do not worry. These brands have you covered. Give some of these a try to discover the one you like best.

Cruelty-Free Vegan Chocolate

Did someone say chocolate? Chocolate is loved around the world. It is so delicious that some people just cannot resist it. Sometimes you just need a piece (or twelve) of chocolate. Fortunately, numerous brands have embraced plant-based chocolate recipes that taste even better than dairy-based chocolate. Next time you are craving a chocolate boost, look for these brands on supermarket shelves.

Beware of Hidden Dairy Ingredients

When shopping for dairy-free products, it is important to read labels very carefully. Some products contain hidden dairy ingredients that many people do not recognize. Look for casein, whey, lactose, ghee, butterfat, or milk solids on the ingredients list. Each of these ingredients is derived from milk and should be avoided if you wish to maintain a dairy-free diet. Another important thing to remember is that “lactose-free” does not mean “dairy-free”. So read your labels closely and look up terms you are not familiar with. You will be a pro in no time.

Meeting Nutritional Needs While Ditching Dairy

Another common excuse to avoid ditching dairy is a fear of not fulfilling nutrition needs. Many people truly believe that you cannot get all the protein, calcium, and vitamins you need without consuming milk and milk products. They could not be more wrong. Humans can easily thrive with a well-rounded, plant-based diet. Incorporate a variety of these ingredients into your daily for a boost of nutritional goodness.

Fortified plant milks
Leafy greens
Legumes
Beans
Poppy seeds
Sesame seeds
Celery seeds
Chia seeds
Almonds
Rhubarb
Edamame
Tofu

For more information on ensuring you get the right amount of protein in your diet, check out these Farm Buzz articles:

20 High-Protein Vegan Recipes for Plant-Based Diets

Packing in Healthy Protein on a Vegan Diet

Why Everyone Should Ditch Dairy

There are many reasons to remove dairy from your diet. They generally fall into three categories: health, environment, and animals. A plant-based diet is much better for your health than a meat-based diet. Animal agriculture takes a huge toll on the environment. Animal agriculture is also cruel and deadly for the sentient beings caught in its web. Whether for health, the environment, or ethical reasons, everyone should consider removing dairy from their diets.

Did your favorite vegan-friendly products make it on the list? Let us know if we missed it in the comments below. For more information on dairy and plant-based milks, as well as health, environmental, and ethical reasons to ditch dairy, check out The Farm Buzz’s article Ditching Dairy: The Rise of Plant-Based Milk.