What to look for when switching to a dairy alternative

Alternatives to dairy milk are easy to find nowadays. Picture: Supplied

Alternatives to dairy milk are easy to find nowadays. Picture: Supplied

Published Dec 30, 2016

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Being able to understand all of the nutritional

information on the label will help you make your choice. 

Here’s what to look

for when you next go shopping:

11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:

major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"> •    Lactose

– Some people can’t digest milk because their bodies don’t make enough of the enzyme

lactase, and this makes them lactose intolerant. If this is you, then choose a dairy

alternative that’s completely lactose-free.

11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:

major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">•    Sugar

- Many dairy alternatives are loaded with added sugar and sweeteners to

create a better taste and flavour. This is not a good option for diabetics and

anyone who is cutting down on their sugar intake. Look for an unsweetened

alternative such as unsweetened almond milk which has no added

sugar.

11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:

major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">•    Fat

- If you are cutting down on your fat

intake due to dietary reasons you should make sure you choose a dairy

alternative that has no more than 3g of fat per 100ml serving. And remember

that not all fats are equal; unsaturated fats are a better option for health

reasons than saturated fats.

11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:

major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">•    Genetically

Modified Organism (GMO)

– Many products are grown from genetically modified

seeds.  Some people are sceptical of GM

products as it is not from a ‘natural’ source. If this is something you want to

avoid, opt for a GMO-free dairy alternative.

11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:

major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">•    Taste

– If you are looking for a dairy alternative try out a few for taste. 

11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:

major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin">Dairy free options include:

- Rice milk is rich and creamy - but high in carbs, almond milk has a rich, creamy and nutty flavour.

- Soya milk is popular - just check that it is not GMO as many soya crops are. 

- Coconut milk is creamy and good with oats, smoothies and cakes.

- Hemp Milk - unlike soy, hemp is never genetically modified, and it's an option for those who need to avoid common allergens like nuts, dairy, soy, or gluten.

11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:

major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"> So whichever dairy alternative is

best for you make sure to read the label on the back of the packaging first!

11.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ascii-theme-font:

major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin"> 

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