Vegans: Spoiled by Milk Choices!

You already know what’s wrong with drinking cows’ milk. You know that cows produce milk only when they’re pregnant and that farmers crudely artificially inseminate the animals in order to get as much milk out of them as possible.

In standard factory-farm practices – which are becoming the norm in India – cows are pumped full of antibiotics and growth hormones, which forces them to produce much more milk than they naturally would and puts them at risk of developing mastitis (a painful infection of the udder).

So, What Now?

Well, now it’s time to kick cows’ milk to the curb. PETA India is here to help make the transition as easy as possible for you! There are so many cruelty-free and tasty non-dairy milks on the market these days – you won’t even miss cows’ milk once it’s out of your life (where it belongs). Some of our favourites are below.

Soy milk is arguably the most popular and easiest-to-find non-dairy milk on the market. Made from soy beans, fortified soy milk has just as much protein as cows’ milk and is a great source of calcium and vitamin D. It’s also easy on your wallet!

Recommended brands: Silk, So Good and Sofit

Almond Milk

Almond milk is a non-dairy milk with a tasty nutty flavour, and it’s great for vegans who have soy allergies. Almonds are an excellent source of protein, fibre, vitamin E, and calcium, so you really can’t go wrong with this option. You can even easily make your own almond milk right at home. How convenient is that?

Recommended brand: Silk, Raw Pressery, Good Mylk.

This almond milk recipe by @Cowvathi is the best thing you’ll see today! Check out this 30-second video to make it at home: pic.twitter.com/h39wBkX1ux

— PETA India (@PetaIndia) June 30, 2018

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is made from the “meat” of a coconut. If you don’t like the taste of coconut, you may not be into this milk – but if you’re a big fan, you’re in for a treat. Fortified coconut milk is also a great source of calcium, vitamin B₁₂, and vitamin D.

Recommended brand: Dabur Hommade

Cashew and Oat Milk

Cashew-and-oat milk offers a blend of creaminess derived from cashews and milkiness derived from oats. This combination will surprise your taste buds and offer a good source of energy. You can use it in making tea or coffee or gulp a glass, perhaps with your preferred sweetener.

You can also grind out the milk from cashews or oats yourself. Just soak a cup of either overnight, grind them, strain the grinds with cheesecloth, heat the liquid, and wait for it to cool down to room temperature before refrigerating. Refrigerate the milk and consume it within three to four days.

Recommended brand: GoodMylk (It even offers a chocolate-flavoured option.)

Rice Milk

Rice milk is an excellent source of fibre and easy on your stomach. It’s a convenient option if nut milk isn’t suitable for you. You can follow the same process to make it as for cashew and oat milk. It’s great for your tea or coffee or to use in cooking.

Recommended brand: Urban Platter

Note: If you’re making milk at home, don’t let it reach the boiling point. Just heat it and wait for it to cool down to room temperature before refrigerating.

 Rice and nuts in their natural form (that is, not flavoured, coated, or mixed with other ingredients containing gluten or processed in the same plant as products containing gluten) are gluten-free and can be a good choice for people who have celiac disease or are allergic to gluten.

See? We weren’t kidding. There are so many options! If you find yourself abroad, keep an eye out for other healthy, plant-based alternatives to cows’ milk, such as hemp and walnut milks.

Enjoy these delicious, cruelty-free milks!