“Which milk to choose?” is a common question I’m asked. 

In case you didn’t know that National Milk Day is actually a thing, now you do. Today is that day, National Milk Day. Only, I don’t drink “real milk.” I mean, sometimes I put a splash of whole, organic milk or raw, organic milk in my coffee, but beyond that, I always choose a plant-based milk.

About a year ago when I shared my 3-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Shake, I said, 

For all my Gutsy friends or for those who simply choose to live a dairy-free life, this company is going to be your jam! Their nut milks are second to none, and it’s worth noting (especially for my Gutsy friends) that their products (unlike most nut milks) contain no carrageenan (which I’ve written about HERE) or gums to thicken the product. Instead, the product is thickened with the nuts (or rice or oats – depending on the milk) themselves which is very clear from the first sip (and even if you read the nutritional profile).

Because so many of you read my blog for all the Gutsy things, I’ll work on entire post around all their nut milk varieties so you can choose which will be best for you/your lifestyle and dietary needs.

So here we are today – National Milk Day – and I want to share these nut milk varieties with you.

Why Plant-Based Milk?

I would say that at least 90% of you don’t do dairy. Now that I can tolerate all the things, I will do dairy here and there. But when I’m drinking a glass of milk or using it in a smoothie, I never use dairy milk.

Why? For one, I don’t even love it (except for whole milk, raw milk, or heavy cream – yes, all the fatty, thick, and creamy stuff). And two, because I love the exploration of different milks used in different instances at different times during my journey.

And Elmhurst® milks are perfect for this because they have a variety for any need or want. Seriously. They produce plant-based milks using nuts, grains, and seeds. 

Which Milk to Choose?

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Alright, there are a TON of varieties to choose from. I wasn’t sure how to break this down until it came to me very clearly. You are Gutsy and so this is what I know you want to know:

1. Product name
2. Ingredients
3. Whether or not it’s Low FODMAP, Whole30, Vegan, Gluten Free, etc.

So that’s exactly how I have it put together for you today. 

All the goods, in one place. 

Nut Milks

1. Almond. Ingredients: filtered water, almonds, cane sugar, salt, natural flavors
2. Cashew. Ingredients:  filtered water, cashews, cane sugar, salt, natural flavors
3. Walnut. Ingredients:  filtered water, walnuts, cane sugar, salt, natural flavors
4. Hazelnut. Ingredients: filtered water, hazelnuts, cane sugar, almonds, natural flavors, salt
5. Chocolate Peanut Milk. Before you all get in a tizzy, I realize this is not a nut milk. It’s a legume. But since a peanut looks like a nut, I just put it here. Mmmmkay? Ingredients: filtered water, peanuts, cane sugar, cocoa (dutch processed), natural flavors, salt

Grain Milks

1. Oat. Ingredients: filtered water, whole grain oats, cane sugar, salt, natural flavors

Unsweetened Varieties

What does this mean? It means that there are just two ingredients in each product: filtered water + nut. Pinky swear.

1. Cashew. Ingredients: filtered water, cashews
2. Hazelnut. Ingredients: filtered water, hazelnuts
3. Almond. Ingredients: filtered water, almonds
4. Walnut. Ingredients: filtered water, walnuts

Other

1. Barista Almond. Ingredients: filtered water, almonds, Contains 2% or Less Of: cane sugar, dipotassium phosphate, salt
2. Barista Brown Rice. Ingredients: filtered water, brown rice, Contains 2% or Less Of: cane sugar, dipotassium phosphate, salt
3. Barista Oat. Ingredients: filtered water, whole grain oats, Contains 2% or Less Of: cane sugar, dipotassium phosphate, salt
4. Chocolate Protein. Ingredients: filtered water, peanuts, cane sugar, cocoa (dutch processed), natural flavors, salt
5. Vanilla Protein. Ingredients: filtered water, peanuts, cane sugar, natural flavors, salt

To address whether or not each are Low FODMAP, Whole30, Vegan, Gluten Free, etc., I put together a FREE DOWNLOADABLE PDF. Each item is listed and the diets I have included are: Whole30, Paleo, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Low-FODMAP, Dairy Free, Keto, Kosher, Low Carb, and Low Fat.

Just click HERE to grab it.

Some of the spaces on the PDF say, “debatable.” These are things to make note of for those spaces: 

1. Low FODMAP: The Almond varieties are debatable because Almond milk is Low FODMAP. But somewhere between 10-20 almonds, they become High FODMAP. Here’s the thing with Elmhurst. Every single product tastes like you would think. i.e. Almond milk will actually taste like almond milk because they use way more actual nuts than any other brand out there. Thus, the product has not actually been tested for FODMAP contents so I can’t be certain. I think you would be fine using it, but I at least wanted to share the facts.
2. Low Fat: I do not follow a low fat diet in the least bit, but I know many do out of need or want, so I included it. The only one that was debatable was the Chocolate Peanut because it has 3g of fat per serving. I think that’s super low fat, but I know many believe that 2g or less is only considered low fat. Do as you wish with the information.

How to Use Plant-Based Milks

And now I know what you’re wondering, 

With so many incredible plant-based milks to choose from, which is or which are, your faves?

Hands down, the Cashew, both regular and unsweetened. 

Second, the Walnut varieties.

And then everything else, it just depends on what I’m in the mood for or what I’m making. 

In general, here are some easy ways to use plant-based milks:

1. Smoothies. Have you ever taken my 7-Day Smoothie Challenge?
2. Soups. Swap in plant-based milk for your regular. 
3. Just drink it. The mouthfeel of the Cashew will make you feel like you’re drinking dairy milk. It’s so thick and creamy; I use it in my coffee all the time.
4. Lattes. You can be your own Barista at home with the Barista series. 
5. Nice Cream. Oh dear God, you must try the Chunky Monkey Nice Cream recipe of mine.

Literally, wherever you are used to using dairy milk, one of these will easily swap in. The best part? You now have my downloadable PDF so that you can decide which will be best for you at this very moment on your journey.

You can shop for any of these via the Elmhurst website HERE or several of the varieties can be purchased via Amazon HERE. They can also be found at various grocery stores nationwide.

Questions? Ask away. 

Disclaimer: Elmhurst was a client. I produced content for them for their marketing efforts. I’m in no way, shape, or form being paid for this post.

If you liked this post, you might also enjoy:

1. Master Guide to Emulsifiers
2. 90-Day Gut Healing Journal
3. 6 Low-FODMAP Complete Proteins for Vegetarians

p.s. Ready to go on a FREE 21-Day Gut Healing Inspiration Journey? Come along HERE! Or just grab The Gutsy Girl’s Bible.

Xox,
SKH