The New Wave of Nondairy Milks

New nondairy beverages beyond soy and almond are popping up on market shelves left and right. Here are some of the lesser-known varieties you’ll want to add to your repertoire.

Macadamia

One cup of original macadamia milk contains 70 calories, 5 grams of fat, 1 grams of saturated fat, 1 grams of protein and 6 grams of sugar. The calories and nutrients vary between brands, so be sure to check the nutrition facts panel. Many brands fortify their macadamia milk in order to up the nutrition. Look for macadamia milk with added vitamins A, B-12 and D.

Where to buy: Suncoast Gold and Milkadamia make original and unsweetened varieties.

Whole Peeled, Unpeeled and Rolled Oats

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Whole Peeled, Unpeeled and Rolled Oats

Photo by: Vitali Dyatchenko

Vitali Dyatchenko

Whole Peeled, Unpeeled and Rolled Oats

Oat

Made with oats, oat bran and salt, oat milk has a creamy texture and helps you get the daily recommended amount of whole grains (though without all the fiber). As with many other milk-alternative beverages, oat milk beverage isn’t a suitable substitute for the recommended daily servings of dairy. It does naturally contain calcium and iron, but do look for fortified versions that also contain other nutrients, like vitamin D, riboflavin and vitamin A.

Where to buy: Pacific Foods and Living Harvest make organic plain and vanilla varieties.

Food Network 
Hemp Milk
How-To Gallery of Milk

Food Network Hemp Milk How-To Gallery of Milk

Photo by: Armando Rafael Moutela ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved 2014, Cooking Channel, LLC All Rights Reserved

Armando Rafael Moutela, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved 2014, Cooking Channel, LLC All Rights Reserved

Food Network Hemp Milk How-To Gallery of Milk

Hemp

Made from hemp seed, hemp milk has a chalky flavor, so you may find added sweetener in many varieties. One cup of original hemp contains 140 calories, 5 grams of fat, 0.5 grams of saturated fat, 14 grams of sugar and 3 grams of protein. Look for fortified versions that add vitamins A, D, B-12 and riboflavin (which aren’t found in hemp). This nondairy beverage is also found in chocolate and vanilla flavors, which are much tastier than the unsweetened version.

Where to buy: Pacific Foods makes unsweetened plain, vanilla and chocolate varieties.

Banana

Allergic to nut milks? Banana milk is the latest nondairy beverage on the market. One cup of banana milk contains 150 calories, 5 grams of fat, 1 gram of saturated fat, 2 grams of fiber, 18 grams of sugar and 4 grams of protein. The flavor is super-sweet, with sugar as the third ingredient, which explains the 18 grams of sugar per cup! Some varieties are made with a combo of soy and banana, but if you’re looking to up your nutrition, then make sure it’s fortified with nutrients like vitamins A and D.

Where to buy: Banana Wave sells 8- and 32-ounce cartons.

Related Links:

Beyond Basic Milk: Your Guide to Milk Alternatives (DIY Fun)

The New Iced Coffee Trend That Will Make Your Morning Easier

5 Hacks for Canned Coconut Milk

Rice Pudding: Easy, Comforting, Delicious...Healthy?

8 Times Iced Tea Is Way More Refreshing Than Water

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition. She is the author of The Greek Yogurt Kitchen: More Than 130 Delicious, Healthy Recipes for Every Meal of the Day.

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