We are the only species that ingests another animal’s milk. Cow’s milk is designed for the nutritional needs of their calves (who have four stomachs). You don’t have to be vegan to have heard about the horrors of milk production.

Many people are realizing that dairy’s not all that it’s been cracked up to be and are looking into alternatives. Plant-based milks have been consumed for centuries, and their popularity has increased over the past decade. In general, plant-based milks are cruelty-free, better for the planet, and healthier!

Some of the different types of plant-based milk products include: almond, cashew, oat, coconut, and rice. Each brand varies slightly, so we’ve compiled general information on an original or unsweetened version of each plant-based milk alternative.

It’s worth noting that not all plant milks are created equal. Depending on the brand, there may be a large amount of added sugar, flavoring, and thickeners. For the healthiest milk alternatives, we recommend you choose organic, non-GMO, and unsweetened plant-based milk when possible.