How to choose plant-based dairy alternatives

Ready to dive into the wonderful world of dairy-free drinks? You’re not alone. Plant-based alternatives for dairy are on the rise, up to 40% in 2025 from 31% in 2023¹.

With plenty of dairy-free options out there, you might well be wondering how to choose between your oats and almonds, coconuts and hazelnuts.

Fear not, we’ve got you covered. Here you’ll find all the information you need as we compare plant-based drinks, from taste, texture and uses to allergies and nutrition.

Why choose plant-based dairy alternatives?

There are many reasons you might be considering a switch to plant-based dairy alternatives. You might want to do your bit for the environment, for example, or have ethical concerns around animal products. You might have allergies that need to be managed, and be looking for delicious, dairy-free options.

Whatever your reasons, we’re pleased as plant-based punch to tell you all about the different types of dairy alternatives out there, including:

• Oat
• Almond
• Soya
• Coconut
• Hazelnut

We’ll be taking a look at each of the different dairy-free alternatives for dairy and their benefits below, so that you can find the right fit for you - and your taste buds!

How to choose the best dairy alternative for you

There are a whole lot of plant-based choices out there, each with completely different flavours, nutritional values, and allergy or dietary considerations.

So, what should you think about when comparing plant-based options?

Nutrition and health benefits

Not all plant-based drinks are created equal, and each has a different nutritional profile.

It’s not a matter of which dairy alternative is ‘healthiest’, or which is the ‘best’ dairy alternative. Instead, it’s about which one best suits your needs and requirements.

If you want a high-protein drink, you might choose soya. Whereas if you’re looking for a low-calorie addition to your morning coffee, you might pick up a carton of almond drink.

Most plant-based drinks don’t naturally contain important nutrients like calcium, iodine or vitamins D and B12, but many (including some of ours) are fortified with them to help you up your intake².

Check the packaging of your favourite to make sure it has the vitamins and nutrients you’re after.

Allergies and dietary restrictions

If you’ve got a cow’s milk protein allergy or an intolerance to lactose, plant-based milk alternatives are naturally dairy and lactose free, giving you all the rich, creamy deliciousness of dairy without the risk or unpleasant side effects. Even our super-creamy oat drinks are lactose-free, so you can enjoy them to your heart's content!

Just because plant-based drinks don’t contain lactose doesn’t mean they can’t contain other allergens, so always check the label and look out for bold words in the ingredients list, which signify allergens.

For example, if you have coeliac disease or an insensitivity to gluten, there are plenty of gluten-free plant-based options to be enjoyed. Whilst our oat drinks aren’t classed as gluten-free, Alpro soya, almond, coconut and hazelnut drinks most certainly are.

Taste and texture preferences

Plant-based drinks all have deliciously different flavours and textures – and who doesn’t love variety? Try them all and see what suits you best. You might find you like oat in your coffee and soya in your protein shakes, or that coconut’s the absolute best dairy alternative in all your drinks, cooking and baking. There really is something for everyone.

Comparing popular plant-based dairy alternatives

Oat drinks

Here at Alpro, we’re t-oat-ally wild about oats! Oat drinks have a deliciously toasty, nutty flavour that works perfectly in your morning coffee and for baking. Alpro Oat is high in fibre too, with 1.4g per 100ml.

If you’re wondering about allergies and intolerances, oat drinks are usually lactose, nut, and soy-free, but they often contain traces of gluten, so always check the label.

Almond drinks

If you like the subtle nuttiness of a Bakewell tart, almond might be the perfect plant-based partner for you. Naturally low in calories and big on flavour, Alpro Almond is delicious on cereal, in smoothies, and in baking or cooking.

Free from lactose and gluten, almond drinks are (of course) made with almonds, so steer clear if you have an allergy.

Soya drinks

Ah, soya, a true classic of the plant-based world. Made from soybeans, soya drinks are naturally high in protein, making them a perfect addition to a plant-based dietplant-based diet. They’re also classically creamy, ideal for hot drinks, sauces, and dressings. Soya drinks are safe to drink if you have a nut, lactose, or gluten allergy, but not if you’re allergic to soya.

Coconut drinks

Tasty and tropical, coconut drinks bring that sunshine feeling, whatever the weather. Oh-so-creamy, coconut drinks are ideal in curries and sauces, as well as in your morning cuppa. And don’t let the name fool you – coconut is still safe to drink if you have a nut allergy.

Hazelnut drinks

If you like a rich and indulgent nutty taste, hazelnut drinks could be exactly what you’re looking for. Alpro Hazelnut is naturally low in saturated fat, making it a great choice if you’re looking for ways to reduce your intake³. Try hazelnut in your hot drinks or as a nutty addition to your next bake (unless, of course, you’re allergic to nuts!).

Other alternatives (rice and pea and cashew, oh my!)

Aside from the most popular dairy-free options, there are plenty of others you can try, too. You might fancy rice, pea, or cashew plant-based drink products for drinking, baking, or cooking. Remember, the question isn’t ‘what is the best dairy alternative?’, it’s ‘which suits me best?’.

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How to use plant-based drinks

Ready to swap cow’s milk for dairy-free drink options? We salute you – let’s go!

Cooking and baking

It’s quite simple, really – any time you’d usually use cow’s milk, swap it out for your favourite dairy alternative to add extra flavour and creaminess, while Alpro Coconut is ideal for recipes like our butternut and aubergine korma, soya is ideal for bakes like our blueberry vanilla cake.

Drinks and smoothies

There’s nothing more sacred than your morning cuppa, but you don’t need to worry, because our plant-based drinks taste great in a brew! Whether you like the toasty taste of oat or the fresh, tropical notes of coconut, try a few to find your fave.

If you’re more of a coffee connoisseur, you can still get the perfect froth for your flat white with dairy-free drink options range to create fabulous foam every time. Alpro Barista range to create fabulous foam every time.

But it’s not just tea and coffee that taste great when they’re plant-based. Our plant-based drinks work wonders with other drinks like our fruit-and-veg-packed green smoothie.

Cereal and snacks

Swapping to plant-based makes for seriously scrumptious cereal, whether you’re obsessed with oats or crazy for coconut. Experiment with the different flavours to find your perfect pairing.

If you’re looking for other snacks, why not try our soft oat cookies or chocolate banana crepes?

Frequently asked questions

What are the healthiest dairy alternatives?

Alpro plant-based drinks are a great to enjoy as part of a healthy and balanced diet but there is no one ‘healthiest’ option. It depends on how you plan to use them and finding what works best for you.

Is oat drink lactose-free?

Yes! Oat drink is naturally free from lactose.

Do nut drinks have calcium?

Yes. Most plant-based alternatives to dairy, including nut drinks, are fortified with calcium. Make sure to check the nutrition table on the pack if you are unsure.

Do plant-based dairy alternatives contain protein?

Yes. Soya drinks are naturally high in protein. For extra plant-based protein, try the Alpro Plant Protein range.