The KInd Life Community Forum

Hey Jacqui, first of all you're never going to find something that tastes like cows milk so you may as well scratch that idea now. Many of these unfamiliar plant milks may taste odd, different initially - you may have to adjust your palate. Easier said than done? Well, remember we often have to taste things several (by that I don't mean once or twice - I'm talking up to fifteen or more) times before our palate acclimatizes to the taste. It's not about forcing yourself to like something - for me it's the equivalent of hating broccoli as a child (I didn't but many do) and loving it as an adult.

Now, if you're looking for something creamier etc. then try hemp milk or coconut milk (not the canned stuff used for cooking - the stuff that comes in a carton). You could also try oat milk. You may have to alter the milk, coffee ratio depending on how strong or weak you like it. I use about a quarter cup of milk to every cup of tea/coffee - by that I mean I fill the cup I'm using quarter full of milk and pour the tea/coffee on top. I also find it helps if you put the milk in first - my preference.

Also, you say that plant milk is more processed than cows milk. Think of the process cows milk has to go through before it ends up in you cereal not to mention the antibiotics, hormones etc. thare pumped into the cows producing it. I know what I'd rather have in my body. There is no way that cows milk is better for you than plant milk. Yes, it goes through a process and some of it contains sugars, so go easy on it, don't rely on it too much but it is absolutely a better choice than milk from an animal.

Also, think about why you're doing this. If it's for weightloss then milk is definitely a no no. If it's for compassionate reasons then remind yourself of the pain these animals are in day in, day out. The calves they have lost - that often go to slaughter and are sold for veal. If you drink milk you are supporting this.

Said with kindness x

Hi Jacqui

I have the same problem with my coffee.I love coffee and I have not given it up but I limit it to 1-2 cups a day and so when I have it ,I want to realy enjoy it.

I do not like it black either,what I have done is try a bunch of different flavored coffee's and I can tolerate those black,if they are full of flavor.My favorite is Green Mountain,they have an island coconut and blueberry that are very good.It does take time,I started drinking the flavored coffee with raw sugar and then decreased the amount of sugar until I didnt need it at all.

I do not like soy,I occasionally order a soy latte but it ends up being too much soy for me and I dont feel well after.I recently came across the new coffee creamers by so delicious coconut milk and they are very good,nothing at all like the soy creamers.They make french vanilla and hazlenut and both are good.

Just like Aine,I put the milk or creamer in first and then add the coffee,I think it makes it taste better like this as well.You can froth the milk of your choice at home and it makes it creamier ,just heat it up slowly in a pan on the stove and use a hand blender to froth it up a bit or purchase a frother,I have seen these around lately.

I use hemp or almond milk for cereal and I had to try quite a few brands and different alternatives until I found the ones I liked most.Tempt is my favorite hemp milk,So Delicious is my favorite coconut milk and I like Silk's almond milk.

Good luck,experiment,it took me awhile to find what I liked best.

Angel

Hey Jacqui, I appreciate your honesty! My husband and I are pretty picky about milk replacements. My personal favorite is almond milk, but my husband prefers rice milk since he's allergic to almonds. However, for coffee and creamers I second Angel's call for the So Delicious coconut milk creamers! (We like Hazelnut.)

I hope this helps!

I forgot to say that I don't really like coconut! i don't mind the chocolate coconut ice cream and a little in curry is ok..but otherwise i do not enjoy it at all...in fact i don't like some fake creamers (the flavored non dairy creamers) because I can taste the coconut oil in them.

I can handle the flavor of regular non dairy creamer - but there is still milk solids or whatever that means, plus all the extra chemicals and added sugar.

I guess I'll try the soy creamer and the hemp milk - i saw that at my local fresh and easy yesterday as well as the oat milk.

I do want to lose weight - plus the animals, that's the reason I'm a veggie...but my philosophy is that if the cows are taken care of and not harmed and there aren't hormones being used, then its not as bad as big dairy...but I don't want to get into a philosophical debate. I'm not trying to change anyone's mind and I don't like being preached at either..

My point is - i've been fat all my life and the only time my mom was successful at getting me skinny was when she took me off dairy. Back then, there wasn't alot of veggie foods and vegan options, so that also meant no ice cream, cake or cookies. SO, that also meant limited sugar intake. BUT, I do want to get off dairy to be healthier and hopefully it will help me lose weight.

Does the coconut creamers taste a lot like coconut? I'll give it try if its not too sweet - i don't like sweet coffee.

I don't think anyone was being preachy, just presenting the facts. They're not pleasant, I agree, but it is the reality of the situation.

I don't think the coconut milk tastes overly coconutty and is certainly pretty neutral when mixed with tea or coffee. The only way you'll know is to try it for yourself. Hemp, on the other hand, does have quite a distinctive flavour. Oat milk may be the way to go for you but it isn't particularly creamy in my opinion. I'm sure you'll find something you like.