8 Easily Available Alternatives For Cow’s Milk In India

In India, we all grew up with the endless campaigns of “Doodh piyo for good health” promoting cow’s milk as the go-to healthy source of protein and nutrition, but that does not hold entirely true anymore. More and more studies are reporting that cow’s milk does more harm than good for us humans. Not to mention the cruelty that animals are subjected to in the dairy industry because of this.

Here are some alternatives for cow’s milk that you could use every day, so you don’t feel like you’re missing out on nutrition and taste. Most of these can also be easily made at home.

1. Soy Milk

Easily the most accessible alternative to dairy milk in the market, Soy Milk is both rich in protein and contains less fat than dairy milk. Medical reports suggest that isoflavone compounds (similar to the female hormone estrogen) in soy milk can lower cholesterol, reduce menopausal symptoms and boost bone density. Here is how you can learn to make this in few easy steps!

2. Almond Milk

Steadily gaining popularity all over the world as a dairy alternative, almond milk contains the lowest levels of saturated fat and calories. It can be used as a dairy alternative for a multitude of preparations and is being used more often in the patisserie and confectionary circles.

Here’s a recipe to make almond milk at home, because why not?

3. Cashew Milk

It’s amazing how ridiculously easy it is to make cashew milk at home and yet we struggle to think that there aren’t alternatives to dairy milk easily available. Cashew milk is rich in calcium, which otherwise gets depleted in our body on consumption on cow milk. Check out our Cashew milk masala chai recipe, it's delicious. 

To make cashew milk:

1. Soak a quarter cup of cashews for 6-8 hours or overnight.
2. Discard the water, put your cashews in a blender with 1 1/2 cup fresh water blitz. 
3. Strain the mixture in a cheesecloth
4. Milk is ready!

4. Rice Milk

Having a relatively higher fibre content than all the other non-dairy alternatives, rice milk is also very easy to make at home. It can be used in various recipes and is the most common alternative for making chai. Rice milk is a superior source of B vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus and is packed with carbohydrates, making it a go-to energizing beverage.

Follow the same method for the cashew milk to make rice milk.

5. Coconut Milk

If you thought going vegan would mean giving up on ice cream or other sweets, fret not. Coconut milk is here to your rescue. While ice creams and other dairy-based sweet dishes can be made with almost any non-dairy alternative, coconut milk is the go-to option as it comes closest to giving you that dairy flavour and texture. It is also high in potassium and blends with almost every dish.

Coconut milk is easily available in the market. As coconut milk tends to be thick, we suggest diluting a quarter cup of the milk with 1 or 2 cups of water according to your taste. 

You can also check out our coconut oats milk recipe. 

6.  Hazelnut Milk 

That hazelnut Frappuccino you enjoy at your favorite café more than other dairy-based coffees? Tastes like heaven, doesn’t it? Well, hazelnut milk is rich in both calcium and flavour. A good source of carbohydrates, it can be used to make coffees and chocolate shakes and everything else you might’ve thought you’re missing out on without dairy.
Hazelnut milk is available at all major supermarkets and organic food stores, but it can also be easily made at home, following the same method as for the cashew milk.

7. Oat Milk

Our moms have probably force-fed us oats for “all that great fibre” every morning. I wouldn’t like to agree with them, but they’re quite right. Oat milk is indeed high in fibre and protein. You could have it with your bowl of corn flakes for a nutritious breakfast or use in other recipes.

Oat milk is available in organic food stores in India. The best thing to do, however, is to prepare it at home, as it’s super easy too. Use the same method as for the cashew milk above. 

Given the great and accessible alternatives available, you can make this switch smoothly and even healthily.

8. Walnut Milk

Ever wondered what you can make walnut milk? Well, now you can give it a shot and see for yourself. It’s high in nutrients and delicious in taste. It can be a part of your cereal or of a milkshake. You can also add date syrup to sweeten it and nourish yourself with just a glass of it! Try our walnut milk recipe, it's super easy

Stay tuned to Vegan First for a video on how to make all kinds of plant-based milk. 

Like this?

Read: Healthy Bones - The Non Dairy Way

Read More: Nutrient Rich Home-Made Soya Milk