Which Milk Is The Best Milk For You?
Buying milk isn’t even close to as easy as it used to be. The decision has gotten really fancy and instead of just choosing between whole and skim, you have every nut and seed out there competing for the prize. It’s all kinds of overwhelming and it leaves you obsessively reading labels and taking a gamble when it comes to which is the best one for you. Healthiest? Lowest in fat? Tastiest? There are so many factors to consider that it’s no wonder you’re confused. While I don’t think there’s a good or bad choice, I do believe that it’s important to choose the milk that’s right for your lifestyle and dietary needs, including allergies and sensitivities to dairy or nut products.
Cow’s Milk
This is the good ol’ dairy milk and probably the first thing you think of when you hear “milk.” It comes straight from the cow and may or may not be skimmed of its fat content. The benefits between whole and skim milk have been under serious fire lately with new research showing no difference on its effects on obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Some people prefer dairy milk variety because it is believed to have the most calcium and protein, but with soy milk at a close second there’s a bit of controversy on that one. One cup of whole milk has on average 148 calories, 8g of fat and 8g of protein.
Almond Milk
If you blend almonds, add water, then squeeze out the milk this is what you’ll get. Brands often add sweeteners and preservatives to make the milk last on shelves, but it’s generally a widely available option especially if you’re avoiding dairy. Most almond milk is fortified with vitamins A, D, and calcium to be closer in line nutritionally to whole milk, but it still contains very little protein. One cup of almond milk has on average 60 calories, 2.5g of fat and 1g of protein.
Hemp Milk
While this is the same kind of hemp you’re thinking about, it definitely doesn’t offer the same feeling. Hemp milk is a nutty blend of hemp seeds and water, which are then drained to make a milk rich in omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids according to the British Journal of Nutrition. One cup of hemp milk has on average 60 calories, 5g of fat and 2g of protein.
Coconut Milk
This is one of the newer and trendier milks to hit the market recently. It’s made from a blend of coconut meat and water giving it a sweet, yet nutty flavor. Full-fat coconut milk is a lot heavier and denser than coconut water and tastes delicious. This is a good choice for baking non-dairy desserts too. One cup of coconut milk has on average 80 calories, 5g of fat and 1g of protein.
Soy Milk
This was one of the first non-dairy alternatives to catch on. It’s made straight from soybeans and is completely lactose free. The protein content is higher than most milk alternatives making it a desirable choice, although there are often added sweeteners and preservatives. Soy milk is often used in smoothie recipes, and tastes great mixed with kale, banana, and a spoonful of peanut butter One cup of soy milk has on average 90 calories, 3.5g of fat and 6g of protein.
Milk is clearly not a one-fits-all kind of package, but the good news is that there’s one out there for everyone. I’m a huge fan of experimenting with different milks and flavors to see which resonates best with my body and dietary needs. Personally, I can’t get enough of coconut milk in curry dishes and almond milk in my smoothes. I’m not opposed to whole milk either, but prefer the taste of nutty taste of coconut, almond, or even cashew milk. :)
