Milkin’ it, the dairy-free way

The importance of milk has been ingrained into us ever since our childhood. Whether you liked the taste or not, chances are your day started with downing an entire glass before leaving for school — and for good reason!

Even today, milk remains an essential art of our diets for all its health benefits. What has changed now, however, are the slew of options available in the market, which go way beyond full fat or skimmed. Over the years — for reasons ranging rom health issues to concerns about e planet — there has been a strong ift towards plant-based alternatives of dairy milk.

According to chef Reetu Uday Kugaji, these alternatives are sustainable, full of nutrition and easier to digest. “Among other environmental effects, cow milk contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. I have witnessed a lot of people go dairy-free for the betterment of the environment. Moreover, vegan milk or plant-based milk alternatives are healthy, too, as they are a powerhouse of calcium, protein and omega-3 healthy fats.”

Lactose intolerance, allergies, veganism, inflammatory conditions, etc. are some health reasons why people are making the shift. Chef Sadaf Hussain says, “For people who are lactose intolerant, rice milk, oat milk or vegan milk are great substitutes. They are filled with the goodness of protein and are low in calories and fats.”

On National Milk Day today, observed every year on November 26 in India, we take a look at some of these alternatives to dairy milk and all the creamy goodness they offer!