5 Milk Alternatives For a Healthier Body & Environment, Ranked!

Modern science is continuing to reveal that milk is not the healthiest drink, both for your body nor for the environment. Many people are lactose intolerant and the production of milk contributes to climate change. Milk is becoming increasingly less popular as a result, especially because there are so many different alternatives. Plus it's getting harder to obtain amid shortages during the pandemic crisis.

But if you’re new to the world of non-cow’s milk, it can take some trial-and-error to find the best option for you. Here’s my rankings of the best milk alternatives to give you some idea of what you should try!

5. Almond Milk

Full disclosure on this one: I have actually developed an almond allergy in the last year, which is a big reason why almond milk isn’t my favorite. However, before I developed the allergy, I used almond milk a lot in my coffee and tea, and I just found the watery quality of it off-putting and not all that appetizing. Plus, the production of almonds is similarly bad for the environment, so it’s just not worth it. 

4. Cashew Milk

Cashew milk is a less popular milk alternative, but it’s not a bad one. It’s got a decent flavor to it and it doesn’t make drinks taste too off. The real downside to it is more that it isn’t as widely available as other alternatives. 

3. Soy Milk

Soy milk is one of the more popular milk alternatives, and I will admit, in my teen years I’d often order a Pumpkin Spice Latte with soy milk (I have since evolved, I promise). It’s not a bad choice, but it has an odd taste that I just don’t like too much on its own. Still, it’s a decent option for lattes. 

2. Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is one of the best options. It’s not disgusting to drink on its own, and it actually makes some teas and coffees taste even better. Plus, it’s fairly widely available nowadays too, even at coffee shops. 

1.Oat Milk

Oat milk is the absolute best milk alternative and I am absolutely obsessed with it. There’s a wide variety of brands for oat milk, and unlike some other milk alternatives, they taste a bit different. For me, the Trader Joe's brand is the best -- it’s a bit sweet and will absolutely make any drink taste better and can definitely be enjoyed on its own.

With milk becoming both harder to find and hard on the environment, it's now easier than ever to adjust one's tastes and habits. Here's hoping you'll consider some of these milk alternatives!