It's Meatless Monday at my house today, which means it is also time for a beginning of the week knowledge drop! With the overwhelming selection of vegan & plant-based products now marketed to us at our favorite supermarkets, I decided to simplify the answer to a meatless Monday with my three favorite milk alternatives from my fridge to yours.
- Oat Milk: An excellent dairy alternative milk for those with a nut allergy, oat milk is popular amongst many for its ability to serve as a creamer substitute to lattes, add sweetness to baked goods, & serve as a nice dose of high protein and fiber. Try looking for a low-in sugar brand, or make this yummy alternative from scratch at home. Oat milk also has a higher caloric & carb count but a lower fat content of 1.5 grams. My go-to store bought brand is MALK Organics.
- Almond Milk: Not the most sustainable because of how the almonds are farmed and the amount of water it takes to create, but the most popular of all milk alternatives is Almond Milk. You can find this at almost any store now (including your neighborhood corner store). Still, the most important things to watch out for in your almond milk are a limit of ingredients & making sure it is free of carrageenan, which can lead to inflammation in the body. For an easy at-home recipe, soak 1 cup of almonds for 1 hour or overnight, and blend with 2 cups of water in a high-speed blender. Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a date for taste. My favorite at-home store brought brands: Elmhurst & Malk Organics.
- Coconut Milk: I am coo-coo for coconut! I cook with it frequently because of its ability to add great flavor to both savory & sweet plates alike. It is also rich in healthy fats, which keep my pregnancy brain sharp & feeding my baby the nutrients it needs for growth inside the womb. I love adding this plant-based alternative to my morning smoothies, to soups & as a creamer for my turmeric lattes. My go to: Soy Delicious coconut milk unsweetened.
In health,
Gigi & The De La Heart Team
