Are you a cereal lover who’s interested in going dairy-free but don’t want to give up your morning bowl of crunchy goodness? Don’t worry; you don’t have to sacrifice flavor just because you’re avoiding dairy.
There are several non-dairy options that may be used in lieu of regular milk, which are just as good! Here are some of the best non-dairy substitutes for milk in cereal.
1. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is a fantastic non-dairy substitute for regular milk in cereal. It’s made by grating and pressing the flesh of mature, brown coconuts, then churning the resulting liquid with water to make it creamy. Coconut milk is naturally low in fats and calories, making it an excellent choice for those watching their weight.
Compared to milk, coconut milk has a much thinner consistency. It also has a moderately sweet flavor that goes well with cereal. However, note that coconut milk has a distinctly coconutty flavor, so you can add some maple syrup or honey to taste. You may also add some coconut flakes for added crunch and sweetness if desired.
How to Substitute:
Start with a quarter cup of coconut milk to one cup of cereal. If you like it creamier and richer, add up to half a cup.
2. Soy Milk
Soy milk is made by soaking, crushing, and boiling whole soybeans, then filtering and flavoring it with sweeteners, thickeners, and other ingredients. It is a good dairy-free substitute for cereal due to its mild taste and high nutritional content.
With its creamy texture and rich nutritional profile, soy milk is a fantastic addition to your morning cereal. It offers plant-based protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants. And if you don’t like the flavor of soy milk on its own, you may add some honey or cinnamon to elevate its flavor.
How to Substitute:
Swap an equal amount of non-dairy soy milk in place of regular milk.
3. Almond Milk
Almond milk is made by soaking and blending almonds with water and then straining away the solids. The end product is a creamy, milky liquid that is naturally low in fat, cholesterol-free, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
It has a mellow, nutty taste that pairs well with both sweet and savory cereals. Since almond milk has no overpowering flavor of its own, you can easily customize it by adding maple syrup or honey or warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to it.
How to Substitute:
You can substitute almond milk for regular milk in cereal in a 1:1 ratio.
4. Cashew Milk
Similar to almond milk, cashew milk is made by blending cashew nuts with water. It is often flavored and textured with natural sweeteners such as maple syrup or agave nectar. Cashew milk has fewer calories than cow’s milk and is naturally lactose-free, making it a good option for people who don’t want to consume dairy.
When using cashew milk in place of regular milk, you should mix cashew milk with equal parts water and then sweeten it with agave or maple syrup. It will help balance the flavor and make it as sweet and creamy as conventional milk without spoiling the flavor of your cereals. Alternatively, you can opt to use pure cashew milk if you prefer a slightly more intense flavor and creaminess.
How to Substitute:
To use cashew milk as a substitute for regular milk in cereal, combine equal amounts of cashew milk and water before pouring over your favorite cereal.
5. Hemp Milk
Hemp milk is produced from pulverized hemp seeds, water, and, depending on the brand, various flavoring additives. It’s a natural source of plant proteins and healthful fats like omega-3 fatty acids, as well as vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Given its main health benefits, hemp milk is becoming an increasingly popular non-dairy alternative to cow’s milk and also makes a great addition to cereal.
When using hemp milk as a substitute for regular milk in cereal, it’s important to remember that not all hemp milk is created equal. Some contain more sugar than others, so be sure to read the label carefully before buying. Hemp seed milk also has an intensely nutty flavor that can seem slightly bitter, so you may have to add a sweetener to your cereal.
How to Substitute:
Use a quarter cup of hemp milk per half a cup of cereal.
6. Oat Milk
Oat milk is one of the most widely used non-dairy substitutes for milk in cereals. It is made by blending oats that have previously been soaked in water to create a creamy drink. It is rich in fiber, calcium, and vitamin D but also has a higher amount of calories.
Oat milk is devoid of any animal byproducts but has all the nutritional advantages of ordinary milk. It pairs well with cereal because it adds a natural sweetness to it and a distinct taste of oats, which can enhance the flavor of sweet cereals.
How to Substitute:
You can substitute oat milk for dairy milk in cereal in equal proportions.
7. Quinoa Milk
Quinoa milk has a light, subtly sweet flavor and creamy texture, making it one of the best choices for delicious dairy-free milk. It also packs in nutrients like vitamins B1 and B2, calcium, and iron and is rich in essential amino acids.
Compared to other types of plant-based milk, quinoa milk is a relatively new and uncommon dairy alternative. However, if you don’t find it in stores, you can still make your very own quinoa milk at home and customize it to your taste preferences. You can then add it to your cereal just like you would dairy milk.
How to Substitute:
Use quinoa milk in your cereal bowl in the same amount as regular milk.