Not milk?

A Guide to Plant Milks in South Africa

Plant milks have come a long way since the powdered soy and rice sachets that could get you in trouble with the authorities at the border. Today, there is a plethora of options available from retailers across the country at competitive prices so you don’t have to go on an expedition to the Himalayas to barter with a Tibetan monk to find them.

So throw away that banky of stuff that looks like the Devil’s dandruff and check out this handy guide to vegan milk in South Africa:

Almond Breeze

New to the market is Almond Breeze which arrived in the country about a year or two ago. This California-native brand has two products which are available at selected retail stores, original and unsweetened. I believe in the old adage that I am sweet enough but find myself being drawn to the OG flavour.

Then to the cheer of “my post-dub-step-new-age-lowercase band is going to make it” hipsters from Observatory and humanity students everywhere… Almond Breeze came out with a Barista Blend. Now you can drink a soy cappuccino and write your blog while using your favourite coffee shop’s wifi without a stain on your conscience.

Due to the Euro Rand exchange rate mirroring an elevation map of a road trip from Durban to Joburg, Almond Breeze goes for R36.95.

Alpro

They don’t have to cost an almond and a leg (but some do)

Alpro doesn’t just have to a be a collection of the best NFL players of the year but can also refer to a plant milk which comes from Belgium. Their range in South Africa is pretty decent and you can find; Soy, Almond, and Coconut milk at most shops.

The day I had my last Sterie Stumpie, I was distraught and thought about giving up on it all. Not only did I foresee a future fraught with a distinct lack of sugary brown stuff, but I could not contemplate a vegan cure for the day after a few amber nectars. Furthermore, who doesn’t like the gamble of sticking your thumb through protective sheath of tinfoil? However, all was not lost, as the discovery of the Alpro Chocolate Drink brought balance back to the force.

Alpro is also rather expensive with a retail selling price ranging between R35.95 and R42.95.

Clover Good Hope Soy Milk

My favourite brand is Clover Good Hope Soy Milk (previously Good Hope) and is the first South African product in the guide. In the research for this piece, I was intrigued to find out that Clover had purchased GHIB (if anyone is informed on this acquisition please let me know). I am buoyed by the fact that the dairy industry is now starting to adopt to the changes in diet in the population. Some may see this as a bad thing but I only see the positives of a business seeing the change in the market and reacting to it.

Their range includes Soy Milk as well as a Strawberry and Chocolate Shake. They also have an extremely well-priced alternative to milk, aptly called MA (milk alternative), so now you can have a ma se milk but not the stuff that comes from a cow — I mean it is baby cow’s growth fluid after all.

Their prices typically range between R14.95 and R26.95.

Woolworths

Vegan organic unsweetened soya milk. The milk is probably fair trade as well and does it’s taxes.

Woolworths has a range of about 10 plant milks which cater for all dietary preferences as well as allergies. Rice drink, soya, coconut and almond milks are all available in the aisles of your local overpriced store. They also offer organic options if you haven’t levelled up in the ranks of the vegan police yet.

Woolies milk it a bit (but hey they are the difference) and their products retail between R29.95 and R42.95.

That’s my list with hopefully more to come. What are your favourites? Let me know in the comments below!

Brett Thompson is an animal advocate that promotes plant-based diets in South Africa. Follow him on Twitter or Instagram now.