Some people steer clear of dairy because they want a vegan lifestyle. Others do so because they are allergic or intolerant to it. Then there are also those who turn their backs on dairy in order to help ease certain problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acne and obesity.
If you are planning on going dairy-free, the thought of forever staying away from some of your favorites such as ice cream, yogurt, sour cream and milk chocolate can be so upsetting. Just imagine living in a world where everyone else is having a phenomenal time enjoying dairy while you are fighting off the urge to have one!
Especially if you love to cook or bake, you may be wondering if going free of dairy can wreak havoc to your culinary life. You’ll be glad to know that there is no need to sacrifice your passion for cooking if you want to eliminate dairy for good as there are so many alternatives or substitutes to dairy ingredients. This means that you will still be able to whip up something so delightful, but without the horrible things that dairy brings.
Since more and more people are opting for a vegan lifestyle or discovering the health benefits of dodging dairy, so many food manufacturers are coming up with dairy-free products. Just take a look at the numerous selections at your local supermarket! Simply put, it’s not a huge challenge to get rid of dairy in this day and age!
Continue reading to come across a variety of dairy products and some of the best substitutes for them!
Milk Chocolate
Did you know that pure chocolate is dairy-free? There is no reason to give up your favorite decadent treat if you want to take dairy goods out of your life — just make sure that you go for dark chocolate. It may not taste as sweet as your favorite milk chocolate, but dark chocolate is packed with lots of antioxidants that are good for you!
Butter
Whether for baking or making tasty sandwiches, you may opt for margarine instead of butter. However, a lot of margarines at the supermarket may contain trace amounts of animal products, including dairy. In order to be sure, read the label. Go for margarine that’s made for vegans, something out of hydrogenated vegetable oil.
Can’t get your hands on margarine exclusive for vegans and health-conscious individual? Go for coconut oil. It’s solid at room temperature but will melt when exposed to heat — just like your good old butter or margarine.
Sour Cream
If you love dips and dressings with sour cream but you wish to opt for a life that’s devoid of dairy, you’re in luck! These days, there are plenty of sour cream selections out of soy. However, many consumers note that the texture of a soy-based one is not the same as the real deal, but still works great for recipes requiring sour cream.
Cream Cheese
Are you known to make stellar cream cheese pies but you wish to go dairy-free? There’s no need to abandon your baking prowess because there are soy-based cream cheeses available these days. Again, the texture may not be exactly the same as real cream cheese, but that’s a small price to pay for wanting to be healthy.
Yogurt
Everyone knows that yogurt is good for your gut and immune system. However, it’s a different story for individuals who have dairy allergy or intolerance. If you’re one of those people, simply go for soy-based yogurt available at many supermarkets and health food stores. More and more coconut yogurts are showing up these days too!
Ice Cream
If ice cream is your life but you just decided to steer clear of dairy, there’s no need to cry. Dairy-free ice cream variants are popping up everywhere to cater to those who wish to go dairy-free. It’s also a wonderful idea for you to invest in an ice cream maker and simply obtain dairy-free ice cream recipes on the internet.
