5 BEST Soy Milk Substitutes in Recipes

People seem to be increasingly interested in soy milk, but the question is how to use it in the kitchen.

What are its best substitutes should you not want to use it?

As a food journalist with chef experience, it’s my job to tap into the secrets of cooking and using this emerging trend.

I’ll also explore what makes for ideal alternatives if needed.

From doing this research, I’m hoping to give readers insight into how to make the best out of cooking with soy milk – and what solutions exist when things don’t work out.

What’s Soy Milk?

Soy milk is a plant-based, dairy-free alternative to cow’s milk that can be used in a variety of recipes.

It is made with soybeans that are soaked, blended, and strained to remove the solid components.

The resulting product has a creamy consistency and a slightly nutty taste that makes it popular among vegans and those wishing to decrease their consumption of animal-derived products.

Soy milk can be used in many dishes as an ingredient, such as in scones, muffins, and smoothies.

It is often added as a topping for pancakes or waffles, as well as being used as an alternative to regular dairy milk for baking.

For more savory dishes, soy milk can be used to make creamy sauces or gravies that pair well with roasted vegetables.

Finally, soy milk can even be frozen and turned into delicious vegan ice cream.

5 BEST Soy Milk Substitutes in Recipes

If you’re a vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking for new flavors to add to your recipes, soy milk substitutes can be a great way to accomplish this.

However, with so many options available on the market, it can be tough to decide which soy milk substitute is best for your dishes.

To make things easier for you, here are five of the best soy milk substitutes in recipes.

1 – Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is a non-dairy product that has become incredibly popular among vegans who have dairy-free diets.

It’s made by blending the white flesh of coconuts with water to create a rich and creamy liquid, creating an interestingly sweet flavor.

To further enhance its flavor, manufacturers sometimes add natural sweeteners like dates or maple syrup to the mixture.

The texture of coconut milk is light and smooth, with no separate chunks or lumps in it.

This makes it great for taking on different flavors when cooked through different recipes.

It can even be used as an alternative to soy milk when baking sweets, providing more depth and sweetness in the final result.

Plus, you can make your own coconut milk at home instead of buying pre-packaged cartons from the store for a richer, more flavorful product.

2 – Almond Milk

Almond milk is becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers.

A great dairy alternative, it is surprisingly easy to make at home and free of saturated fat and cholesterol.

It has a creamy texture and slightly nutty flavor, which works well in sweet recipes, like oatmeal or smoothies, as well as savory ones, such as creamy soups or macaroni and cheese.

Unlike some other non-dairy options, such as soy milk, almond milk contains beneficial Vitamin E, Calcium, and Zinc.

If you’re looking for a way to enhance the flavor profile of any dish without adding too much extra fat, give almond milk a try.

It can be substituted for cow’s milk or soy milk in most recipes – just determine the quantity you need based on the recipe’s directions.

3 – Rice Milk

Rice milk is a delicious, nutritious alternative to dairy and soy milk.

Its creamy texture successfully substitutes for cow’s milk, and the flavor is surprisingly subtle.

With its slightly sweet taste, rice milk can be used in many common recipes, such as cereal and smoothies, making it an easy transition from traditional milk.

The benefits of using rice milk don’t stop there; it also provides several essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium.

Of course, if you find yourself out of rice milk, soy milk makes an excellent substitute with similar properties in terms of texture and flavor but with slightly more protein content.

Whether you avoid dairy for dietary or environmental reasons or just don’t have it in your refrigerator, rice milk definitely deserves your consideration as a go-to alternative.

4 – Oat Milk

Oat milk is having its moment in the culinary spotlight – and for a good reason.

This vegan- and dairy-free alternative has quickly become a popular staple in kitchens across the globe, boasting a rich nuttiness flavor and creamy consistency that simply cannot be matched.

Not only can oat milk be used as an ingredient in smoothies, sauces, oatmeal, or other recipes to add body and mouthfeel it can also easily replace traditional dairy products in dishes like cappuccinos or lattes.

Lattes made with oat milk are becoming increasingly popular due to their sweetness as well as their ability to foam up like cow’s milk when heated.

Whether you’re looking for a non-dairy alternative to enrich your cooking projects or enhance your morning cup of coffee, give oat milk a try.

5 – Hemp Milk

Hemp milk is an excellent alternative for those looking for a non-dairy option that’s simultaneously nutritious and delicious.

This thick, creamy beverage can be used in the same way as soy milk — it’s great for cereal, smoothies, coffee, and almost any recipe that traditionally calls for cow’s milk or soy.

In terms of taste and texture, hemp milk has a unique nutty flavor that adds a special touch when used in desserts like pies or cakes.

But what makes hemp milk truly stand out from other alternatives is its packed nutritional value — no need to stress over extra additives since it contains all nine essential amino acids.

Plus, it’s loaded with omega fatty acids and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and some B vitamins.

It’s the perfect substitution if you want an alternative to traditional cow’s milk.

Conclusion

In conclusion, soy milk has long been the go-to for those searching for a non-dairy alternative, but there are plenty of other excellent options out there that can tick all the right boxes in terms of flavor, texture, and nutritional content.

The next time you’re looking for something to replace soy milk in your favorite recipe, consider trying one of these five alternatives – coconut milk, almond milk, rice milk, oat milk, hemp milk – and be pleasantly surprised by the results.