By the Editors of Eat This, Not That!
Got milk? Sure—but which is best?
Our grandparents had it easy: The milkman came, dropped off a few quarts, and all was good.
Then, things started to get complicated. First, it was skim, then 1% and 2%. Then cows started getting crowded off the shelves by almonds and soybeans, of all things. Why the move? Whether it’s because you’re vegan, sensitive to dairy, trying to lose weight, or jumping on the trend, more and more Americans are shying away from dairy products and embracing plant-based alternatives. But with so many options, it’s no wonder so many of us are roaming the dairy aisle in udder confusion. Here, the Eat This!-approved guide to milk and milk alternatives.
MILK
Pros
Milk proteins are some of the best sources of amino acids out there. The two proteins in milk, whey and casein, have the ability to preserve lean muscle mass and improve metabolic health during weight loss, according to research published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism. And if you go for Grass-fed, you’ll be getting higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids (good) and 2 to 5 times more CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) than their corn and grain fed counterparts. CLA contains a group of chemicals which provides a wide variety of health benefits, including immune and inflammatory system support, improved bone mass, improved blood sugar regulation, reduced body fat, reduced risk of heart attack, and maintenance of lean body mass.
Cons
Like humans, when cows have weakened immune systems (because they’re fed corn and soy that they weren’t meant to eat), they get sick; when they get sick, they take antibiotics, and those antibiotics are then passed on to their milk. The milk we drink. On top of that, dairy is a source of inflammation-inducing saturated fats. Although studies have linked full-fat dairy drinkers with lower weights and lower risks of obesity, studies have also connected these saturated fats to disrupting our gut microbiome, actually decreasing levels of our good gut bacteria. So if you’re going to drink milk, it’s probably best to drink some with fat, but not too much fat. And lastly, dairy is a common allergen, with about 2 in 3 adults having a difficulty in digesting milk, whether it’s lactose intolerance or a sensitivity to its casein proteins, which can also cause acne.
Eat This! Tip:
Organically raised cows are not subject to the same hormones and antibiotics that conventional cows are; no antibiotics for them means no antibiotics for you. And if you may be a little lactose intolerant, but want to continue drinking animal milk, give goat milk a try. “Though cow’s milk and goat’s milk have similar nutritional profiles, the latter contains less lactose than the cow variety, so it’s easier for those with lactose intolerance to stomach,” explains Isabel Smith, registered dietitian and founder of Isabel Smith Nutrition. “For some people, this may help reduce the most common side effects of cow’s milk, including gas, bloating, and congestion,” she explains. “Plus, the protein that comes from goat’s milk is easier for our bodies to use than plant protein, so it may aid muscle repair and regrowth post-exercise better than dairy-free milk alternatives.”
Grass-fed is the best option, but if you can’t find it at your local grocery store don’t fret. Any plain ol’ organic brand will do. Organic Valley’s herds are 100% grass-fed and thus have higher levels of omega-3s and CLA in their milk. And always remember to choose milk with at least 1% fat. While skim milk may be lowest in calories, many vitamins are fat-soluble, which means you won’t get all the benefits of the alphabetical nutrients listed on your cereal box unless you opt for at least 1%.
Drink This
Organic Valley Organic Grass-Fed 2% Milk
130 calories, 5 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 120 mg sodium, 12 g carbs (0 g fiber, 11 g sugar), 8 g protein, 30% DV calcium, 25% DV vitamin D
Or This
Kirkland Brand Organic 1% Milk
120 calories, 5 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 125 mg sodium, 12 g carbs (0 g fiber, 12 g sugar), 8 g protein, 25% DV calcium, 25% DV vitamin D
Not That!
Conventionally produced nonfat milk, brands vary by region, 8 fl oz
90 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 130 mg sodium, 13 g carbs (0 g fiber, 12 g sugar), 8 g protein
MILK
Pros
Almond milk may be all the rage these days, but it’s nothing new. In fact, almond milk has been around since the Middle Ages. A mixture of ground almond and water (so simple, you can make it at home!), almond milk is naturally low in calories. Almonds are high in vitamin E, manganese, selenium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, fiber, phosphorous and boast the highest levels of calcium out of all the nuts. That’s quite the resumé! While other forms of milk need to be fortified with vitamins (including cow’s milk), almond milk is naturally chock full of nutrients. It is, however, also supplemented with calcium, but in doing so, it serves up more of the bone-building mineral than cow’s milk per serving!
Cons
The downsides are that almond milk is significantly lacking when it comes to the muscle-building macronutrient, protein, averaging a mere gram per serving compared to around 8 for dairy milk.
Eat This! Tip:
One reason to choose almond milk over cow’s milk is to improve digestion, especially in those with lactose intolerance. But you might be undermining your goals if you choose a brand that uses carrageenan as a thickening and emulsifying agent, to keep the almond protein properly dispersed in the water. Carrageenan is an additive derived from seaweed that has been linked to ulcers, inflammation, and other gastrointestinal problems. Look for brands with no emulsifiers, or those which use sunflower lecithin and gums instead.
Blue Diamond Almondmilk ditched the carrageenan and has switched to an emulsifier-thickener-stabilizer known as gellan gum. This water-dwelling-bacterium-derived product hasn’t been studied as well in humans, but the few studies that are out there have found no ill effects from ingestion. And we’d prefer that over inflammatory carrageenan found in Pacific’s almond beverage.
Drink This
Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Original Unsweetened, 8 fl oz
30 calories, 2.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 150 mg sodium, 1 g carbs (1 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 1 g protein, 45% DV calcium, 25% DV vitamin D
Not That!
Pacific Organic Unsweetened Original Almond Beverage, 8 fl oz
35 calories, 2.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 190 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 1 g protein, 2% DV calcium, 25% DV vitamin D
MILK
Pros
Researchers could go to war over the pluses and minuses of soy, and basically, the jury is still out—but we do have the low-down on the current science in our exclusive report, What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Soy. (And no, you won’t get man boobs.) As of now, what we do know is that soy milk is the least processed of all dairy-alternative milks, highest in protein, low in saturated fat, and widely available to consumers.
Cons
On the other hand, soybeans contain high levels of phytic acid, an antinutrient compound which inhibits your body’s absorption of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc and may cause digestive problems. Fortunately, these effects only occur in the meal during which you’re drinking the soy milk, and the phytates won’t disrupt absorption indefinitely. But if you’re drinking soy milk every day, the effects may be more pronounced. You may have heard sprouting grains and beans decreases levels of phytates, but this method doesn’t work with soy. The only way to decrease phytate levels is through a combination of sprouting and fermenting, like in foods such as miso, tempeh, soy sauce, and natto.
Eat This! Tip:
When choosing a soy milk, stick with organic, non-GMO brands to avoid unnecessary pesticide consumption. An astounding 94 percent of soybeans are genetically engineered in the U.S. And according to a study published in Food Chemistry, genetically engineered soybeans accumulate and absorb high levels of glyphosate—an ingredient the FDA classified as “probably carcinogenic”—upon being sprayed by pesticides during their growing season. Researchers also found GMO soybeans have poorer nutritional profiles compared to organic soybeans. And beware flavored varieties, which can be packed with unnecessary sugars.
While both brands are organic and non-GMO, Soy Dream uses carrageenan as their emulsifier and thickening agent, whereas Silk uses gellan gum. Not to mention, Soy Dream adds cane sugar to their milks.
Drink This
Silk Organic, Non-GMO, Unsweetened Soy Milk, 8 fl oz
80 calories, 4 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 75 mg sodium, 4 g carbs (2 g fiber, 1 g sugar), 7 g protein, 30% DV calcium, 30% DV vitamin D, 50% DV vitamin B12
Not That!
Soy Dream Enriched Original Organic Soy Milk, 8 fl oz
100 calories, 4 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 135 mg sodium, 8 g carbs (2 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 7 g protein, 30% DV calcium, 25% DV vitamin D, 50% DV vitamin B12
MILK
Pros
Move over almond milk, a new nutty alternative has hit supermarket shelves. Made by blending water-soaked cashews with H20, this subtly-flavored beverage is a good source of fiber, antioxidants, copper (which helps produce and store iron) and magnesium (a mineral needed for proper nerve and muscle function). It can be added to everything from cereals to homemade puddings, but if you typically use milk alternatives or creamers to add a flavor to your coffee, cashew milk may be worth a try—especially for those who are wary of soy or have a gluten sensitivity.
Cons
Like almond milk, cashew milk is fairly low in protein, so you’ll have to pair it with protein-rich breakfasts like a quinoa bowl.
Eat This! Tip:
If you typically get your calcium fix from milk, be sure to pick a variety that is a good source of the mineral.
If you typically get your calcium fix from milk, be sure to pick a variety that is a good source of the mineral. The So Delicious variety only has 10 percent of your day’s recommended amount of bone-building calcium while Cashew Dream has 30. It’s worth the extra five calories per cup. Plus, Cashew Dream is made with organic cashews and no carrageenan. On the other side, So Delicious adds canola oil to the mix—even if it is non-GMO, why would you want to drink canola oil? This fat is full of inflammatory omega-6s which can cause unwelcome weight gain and skin issues.
Drink This
Cashew Dream Unsweetened, 8 fl oz
40 calories, 3 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 120 mg sodium, 3 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 1 g protein, 30% DV calcium, 25% DV vitamin D, 50% DV vitamin B12
Not That!
So Delicious Unsweetened Cashew Milk Beverage, 8 fl oz
35 calories, 3.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 85 mg sodium, 1 g carb (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 0 g protein, 10% DV calcium, 35% DV vitamin D, 60% DV vitamin B12
MILK
Pros
This nutty tasting, creamy milk alternative is made from water and cannabis seeds. Yes, this is the same plant used to make marijuana, but the beverage lacks the psychoactive component of the drug so it won’t get you high (sorry!). Hemp is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and naturally carries 10 essential amino acids, making it a good vegan source of protein. Many brands are also fortified with a variety of other good-for-you nutrients like riboflavin and vitamins D2 and B12. If soy milk upsets your stomach, that’s the other reason this milk may be worth trying. Unlike soy, hemp doesn’t contain oligosaccharides, complex sugars that can cause gas and flatulence. The natural, unobtrusive flavor makes it a good allergen-free option for homemade baked goods and side dishes like mashed potatoes.
Cons
The only downside? It won’t necessarily help keep your bones strong. If you depend on milk to get your daily calcium fix, hemp isn’t the best pick. Although amounts of the nutrient vary by brand, some varieties only serve up ten percent your daily need. Also worth mentioning is the cost. It’s a bit pricier than other milks on supermarket shelves.
While Living Harvest Temp has 10 more calories per cup it’s carrageenan-free, giving it a place on the “This” side of the equation. We’re happy to see vitamin B12 in both brands, however. This vitamin is added to nut milks because they’re typically used by vegans, who won’t get the vitamin essential to blood and nerve health as it’s only found in animal sources.
Drink This
Living Harvest Tempt™ Hempmilk Unsweetened Original, 8 fl oz
80 calories, 8 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 125 mg sodium, 1 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 2 g protein, 30% DV calcium, 25% DV vitamin D, 25% DV vitamin B12
Not That!
Pacific Foods Unsweetened Hemp Original, 8 fl oz
70 calories, 5 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 140 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (2 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 3 g protein, 30% DV calcium, 30% DV vitamin D, 25% DV vitamin B12
MILK
Pros
If you’re a fan of whole milk or cream, you’ll love this naturally sweet milk’s texture. The beverage is made from fresh grated coconut meat, which helps give it a natural, creamy thickness. Coconut milk is loaded with medium-chain triglycerides (a type of easily-digested healthy fat that helps fry flab), potassium, and a host of fortified vitamins (some brands have 50 percent of the day’s B12!), making it a healthy way to add a tropical twist to coffees, teas, oatmeal, cereal and homemade smoothies. (Remember, we’re talking about the variety sold in a carton, not a can, which is extremely calorie-dense and should only be used for cooking.)
Cons
But be warned, this isn’t the best milk to gulp by the glass. While the fats in this beverage are the healthy type, they should still be consumed in moderation. Just one cup serves up 20 percent of the day’s saturated fat, so be sure to look for varieties that are unsweetened to keep calories as low as possible and the overall nutritional profile sound.
While it may look like the “This” and “That” are pretty similar (they also both eschew using carrageenan), we like Silk’s milk because it contains more calcium—a key component of the beverage.
Drink This
Silk Unsweetened Coconut Milk, 8 fl oz
45 calories, 4 g fat (3.5 g saturated fat), 35 mg sodium, <1 g carbs (0 g fiber, <1 g sugar), 0 g protein, 45% DV calcium, 25% DV vitamin D, 50% DV vitamin B12
Not That!
So Delicious Unsweetened Coconut Milk Beverage, 8 fl oz
45 calories, 4.5 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 0 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (1 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 0 g protein, 10% DV calcium, 30% DV vitamin D, 50% DV vitamin B12
MILK
Pros
It about ends at “It’s lactose-free.” Oh, and rice milk is good to use in baking because it holds up well under heat.
Cons
But as far as dairy-free milks go, rice milk comes in last in regard to nutritional value. Made from boiled rice, brown rice syrup, and brown rice starch, rice milk is higher in sugar than its legume and nut based counterparts, and lower in protein. Add to that the fact that arsenic levels in rice and rice-based products have been on the rise, and you’re looking at a food that is almost entirely a NOT THAT!
Eat This! Tip
Use rice milk sparingly, and when you do, look for lower sugar varieties.
While we’re not happy that both (if not all brands in the market) use inflammatory carrageenan and inflammatory vegetable oils in their rice milks, you’re better off going with the easy-to-digest rice beverage from Rice Dream if you really want some rice milk. It’s made with organic sprouted brown rice, which helps digest the starches in the grain, making it easier on your tummy.
Drink This
Organic Sprouted Rice Dream Unsweetened — Original Enriched, 8 fl oz
70 calories, 2.5 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 110 mg sodium, 11 g carbs (0 g fiber, <1 g sugar), 0 g protein, 30% DV calcium, 25% DV vitamin D, 25% DV vitamin B12
Not That!
Pacific Rice Original, 8 fl oz
130 calories, 2 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 60 mg sodium, 27 g carbs (0 g fiber, 14 g sugar), 1 g protein, 30% calcium, 25% vitamin D
MILK
Pros
Ripple Foods’ powerful new pea protein-based milk is taking over the health food scene in a big way. And when we say powerful, we’re not kidding; a one-cup serving delivers the same amount of protein as cow’s milk. Ripple also is low in saturated fat and has 50 percent more calcium than the popular almond milk. The very best part, though, is that it actually tastes like creamy, silky milk!
Cons
As for the negatives, there are none besides Ripple’s use of sunflower oil in their recipe. It might give the milk a creamy texture, but sunflower oil is high in omega-6s, which are inflammatory fatty acids. Luckily Ripple also adds anti-inflammatory omega-3s to counteract these fatty acids, so the damage isn’t too high.
It touts 40 percent less sugar than flavored milks on the bottle, but flavored is the key word. The vanilla pea milk has 14 grams of added sugars, compared to 12 grams of sugar in a traditional milk—and those don’t count as “added” because they’re naturally-occurring lactose sugars found in the milk. If you do like it sweet, the “Original” flavor isn’t as bad, coming it at a mere 6 grams of sugar.
Drink This
Ripple Original Unsweetened Pea Milk, 8 fl oz
75 calories, 5 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 120 mg sodium, 0 g carbs (0 g fiber, 0 g sugar), 8 g protein, 45% DV calcium, 30% DV vitamin D, 32mg DHA Omega 3’s
Not That!
Ripple Vanilla Pea Milk, 8 fl oz
135 calories, 5 g fat (0.5 g saturated fat), 120 mg sodium, 15 g carbs (0 g fiber, 15 g sugar), 8 g protein, 45% DV calcium, 30% DV vitamin D
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