Are you allergic to milk or lactose intolerant?
Over 10 years ago,
I found out I was lactose & casein intolerant.
In the beginning, as with any change, this was the most
difficult thing for me to accept. For over 2 years, I was in denial,
and put my body thru the mud and muck of this terrible intolerance.
Then I finally came to realize the truth; No more dairy for this girl.
After searching and searching for the closest replacement to
real dairy milk, I have finally found solace in one brand of Oat Drink …
Her name is Oatly!

It's nearly impossible to find because it's in such high demand, so I decided to make a video of how to make your own oat milk (click here!) - that's how much I love it! Scroll to the bottom of this page to find my recipe!
If you are looking for a creamy alternative to dairy milk, look no further. There are several types of Oatly, but I have 3 favorites that I have been able to try. They have a barista style which is a creamier option and delicious in coffee. The original is still creamy, but good in cereals, plain beverage and other recipes.
The chocolate is by far the closest thing to dairy chocolate milk that I've tried and between you and me, it made me tingle in my nether regions.
I feel semi-qualified to discuss this topic because I've tried almost every “milk” under the sun. Oh, and sorry dairy farmers, but let’s be real, no one is going to say “Oat Drink” — milk is milk is milk to everyone, so I will be using milk in this blog because that’s what it is to me!
Below is a list of my favorite to least favorite
non-dairy alternatives and why:
Brand |
Type of Milk - I Have Tried |
*Oat Milk - Has a creamy, earthy taste, but it doesn’t linger - good flavor - chocolate tastes great plain, original is good in cereal, popsicles, baked goods, smoothies, soups and creamy sauces, and MORE! (other brands are not as thick or delicious, that's why I recommend making your own) |
|
*Flax Milk - A little watery, but taste is on point! Vanilla is a nice flavor, med-overly sweet, overall tastes a little nutty, which I enjoy. |
|
Tempt |
*Hemp Milk - Tastes super earthy, and taste lingers - it is thicker than most alternatives. |
*Rice Milk - Very watery, not much flavor, a little sweet. |
|
*Soy Milk - causes inflammation in my joints/bloating in tummy - a little creamy, but still thin, but tastes good (I prefer vanilla). |
|
*Pea Protein Milk - Pretty thick, definitely tastes like a vegetable, didn’t care for regular or chocolate, somewhat slimy. |
|
*Tigernut Milk - Not a fan of the flavor drinking it straight, but good for recipes and smoothies. |
I Haven’t Tried (Allergic or Intolerant) |
*Cashew Milk (heard OK things about his one) |
*Coconut Milk (heard it was watery) |
*Almond Milk (heard it tastes like cardboard) |
*Goat Milk - still dairy milk - contains 0% lactose, but contains casein - another protein found in dairy that causes inflammation, bloating, and acne |
Here is a great article regarding some milk alternatives and which ones are healthier and why.
How to Make Your Own Oat Milk Recipe
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of rolled oats - I buy GF/Nut Free oats at my local allergen-free bakery (leading brand of gf oats at most grocery stores says "may contain tree nuts and milk")
1 teaspoon of gf vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons of honey (substitute your favorite sweetener)
A pinch of salt (I prefer pink Himalayan sea salt)
3-4 cups of cold water
nut milk bag or cheesecloth to strain
bowl to strain milk in
blender or mixer to mix ingredients together
Directions:
Add oats and water to blender - Let them soak for 5-10 minutes
Add vanilla, honey and salt
Blend mixture for 30 seconds - 3 minutes depending on desired thickness (the longer it's blended the thicker it will be)
Strain mixture through nut milk bag or cheesecloth into bowl - it is fun to get your hands messy -- also a great part to invite your children to help with!
Store milk in your favorite (airtight) container
Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days!
ENJOY!!
Safe Eating (or in this case, Drinking),
Allie