Dairy Substitutes
After getting over the initial shock of having to eliminate all the dairy in my diet, I began my search for not just edible, but enjoyable dairy replacements. I have compiled this list in the hopes to help all of you who have been told you need to go on a dairy elimination. My goal was to provide ideas and brands that actually taste good while substituting common dairy products.
Chocolate Substitutes: Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips; Enjoy Life Chocolate Bars; Oreos!; Belvita Chocolate Sandwich
Ice Cream: So Delicious Dairy Free Coconut Milk Dessert Bars; Haagen-dazs Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert Bars* (PB Chocolate Fudge, Chocolate Fudge), Trader Joe’s Chocolate Coconut Ice Cream
*these are not dairy free so some infants may react to these as there can be small amounts of dairy. Read labels carefully
Breakfast or Protein Bars: Kind Breakfast Bars, Pamela’s Whenever Bars, Lara Bars (only some are dairy free so check label), Rx Bars
Milk Substitutes: Almond milk, Coconut Milk, Rice Milk
Coffee Creamer: Nondairy often contains dairy. Make sure to read labels and buy almond milk or coconut milk coffee creamers.
Butter/Yogurt Substitutes: Earth Balance makes dairy free butter, and brands like So Delicious and Daiya make dairy free products including butter, yogurt and cheese.
Cheese– There are Vegan and Dairy-free cheese options available. In my opinion, they do not taste even close to regular cheese. An alternate option is to replace a rich substitute for cheese in meals such as avocado on tacos rather than cheese.
Sour cream Substitute: Coconut milk- full fat; almond milk or coconut milk yogurt can substitute in sauces- to thicken add flour, to have more tangy flavor add vinegar or lemon juice
Ghee replacement – Coconut oil
Bread Substitute: Schmidt Italian Bread, Arnold Nature’s Harvest Stone Ground Whole Wheat Bread, Nature’s Own Honey Wheat Bread, Schmidt’s Potato Rolls (burger), Schmidt’s Long Potato Rolls (hot dog)