The dairy industry is pushing hard to market its products toward kids. It entices children with flavored milks and hands-on foods like string cheese, and it attempts to sway the parents into buying these products under the guise of nutrition. However, dairy is not a health food, no matter what vitamins it is fortified with or what the national MilkLife commercials say. In children, regular consumption of dairy can lead to acne and eczema, exacerbated asthma symptoms, and increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes as they grow into adulthood (learn more here). Yet, most parents know that it isn’t easy convincing a kid to try something new, or to take away a favorite food. To avoid tantrums, we’ve created a list of kid-approved dairy-free foods to make the transition a fun journey instead of a battle. Keep reading to learn why milk doesn’t benefit any child, then once you’re reassured, discover the easy, affordable swaps you can make.
Health Information
Some Stats
- Cow’s milk naturally contains several harmful components, including 15 sex hormones, trans and saturated fats, sugars that humans cannot digest, and proteins that are both highly allergenic and act like opiates.
- According to Harvard researchers, the prevalence of acne in teenage boys was 19% greater in boys drinking more than 2 cups of skim milk per day and 44% greater in girls.
- 8-year-old boys who were given skim milk for just one week more than doubled their insulin production, increasing their risk for type 2 diabetes.
- Regular consumption of cow’s milk in adolescence has been linked to a threefold increased risk of advanced prostate cancer.
What about my child’s bones and muscles?
While calcium and protein are essential for growing strong bones and muscles, cow’s milk is not the best place to get it. The calcium in cow’s milk is only 30% bioavailable and has a high amount of phosphorus, which some suggest may trigger calcium resorption from the bones when consumed in excess. This reabsorption may make bones brittle over time. Additionally, milk contains d-galactose, a sugar that promotes oxidative stress and inflammation, which is linked to loss of muscle and bone.
Meanwhile, fruits and vegetables have been shown to strengthen bones. In fact, many plant foods are high in bioavailable calcium. The calcium found in almonds, tahini, kidney beans, and most dark leafy greens is over 50% more bioavailable to the human body than the calcium in cow’s milk.
Switch4Good expert dietitian, Matt Ruscigno, says “There is no nutritional need for cow’s milk; humans are the only mammals who drink milk as adults or from another species. The nutrients in milk, namely calcium and protein, can easily be found in plant foods.”
Simple Swaps
Swap Cow’s Milk for Flax Milk
For dousing morning cereal or drinking straight from the glass, flax milk is a far superior option to cow’s milk. Flax milk naturally contains 7 grams of plant-based protein and serves as a significant source of omega-3’s. You can find Good Karma Foods flax milk in most supermarkets and specialty health food stores. Flavors come in Unsweetened, Vanilla, and Chocolate, and they even make shelf-stable lunchbox-sized cartons.
Other notable options: Soy milk (8 grams of protein) and Oatmilk (creamy, delicious, and fortified with 50% of the recommended daily vitamin B12).
Swap Dairy Mac & Cheese for Cashew-Based Sauce
Skip the blue box and treat your child (and yourself) to a homemade pot of mac & cheese using cashews to replicate a creamy, cheesy base. Just like the box, this recipe requires minimal ingredients, and you can make it in a flash. This recipe contains almost 30 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber in one serving!
Nut-free option: Bean based sauce (packed with protein!), nutritional-yeast based sauce (aka “noochy noodles,” an excellent source of B-vitamins), or veggie-based sauce (made from vitamin-rich butternut squash).
Swap Chocolate Milk for Chocolate Oat Milk
Oat milk is chocolatey and super creamy but without the excess sugar of chocolate-flavored cow’s milk. Our favorite brand is Oatly, which is available at Whole Foods and other specialty stores. It contains 25% of daily calcium, 50% daily vitamin B12, 20% of daily vitamin D, and 11% daily fiber. Now that’s balanced nutrition.
Other notable options: Chocolate soy milk for a little extra protein.
Swap Pudding for Almond Milk Pudding
Exchange this classic lunchbox go-to for a dairy-free treat. An easy swap is to buy almond milk pudding cups at your local health food supermarket, such as Whole Foods or Sprouts. Look for Zen Almondmilk Chocolate Pudding in stores or purchase them on Amazon. Your kid won’t know the difference!
Other notable options: Make your own! We love this decadent raw chocolate avocado mousse recipe and this chocolatey peanut butter version as well.
Swap Butter for a Dairy-Free Spread
Have a kid that loves to bake? Make memories in the kitchen by swapping out dairy butter for nondairy butter. Melt uses ethically-grown, sustainable palm oil to make its antioxidant and omega-3 rich plant-based butters, while Miyoko’s Kitchen makes its dairy-free butter without palm oil. Both can be used as a one-for-one swap for dairy-based butter.
Other notable options: Many baked goods can be made with neutral-flavored vegetable oil (we recommend safflower), and you can swap in olive oil for butter in many savory dishes, including bechamels, gravies, pasta dishes, and more.
Swap Yogurt for Coconut Yogurt
Most “kid” yogurt is packed with sugar and artificial colors and flavors. Even some “adult” yogurts act more like dessert than breakfast. Coconut yogurt is rich, creamy, and flavorful, without all that sugar. We love CocoYo, which has billions of live probiotics. It comes in Pure, Raspberry, Ginger Turmeric, and Vanilla flavors.
Other notable options: For kids that love drinkable yogurts, try Califia or Good Karma varieties.
Swap Cream Cheese for Almond Milk Cream Cheese
If your kid can’t get enough bagel and schmear, swap out the saturated fat-filled dairy cream cheese for a plant-based variety, like Kite Hill. Flavors come in Plain, Chive, and Jalapeno.
Nut-free option: Try the Follow Your Heart brand.
Swap Ranch for Homemade Dressing
While opening a bottle is as easy as it gets, making your own dressing isn’t much more difficult. Just blend a few plant-based ingredients with some herbs, and you’ve got a dairy and preservative-free dip! Try this recipe from The Minimalist Baker, or this one for a nut-free version.
Other notable options: There are several store-bought varieties of nondairy ranch, such as Daiya, and Follow Your Heart brands. Flavored hummus or baba ganoush is also a great healthy alternative.
Swap Ice Cream for Nice Cream
Did you know that frozen bananas magically turn into soft-serve when blended? Simply peel, chop, freeze, and blend overripe bananas in a high-speed blender until they reach a creamy consistency. You can then flavor this “soft-serve” mixture with your child’s favorite ingredients, such as peanut butter, cocoa powder, cinnamon, or a touch of mint extract.
Other notable options: Most stores carry a full freezer case of dairy-free ice cream pints. So Delicious Cashew Milk, NadaMoo!, Coconut Bliss, and Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy are all kid-approved!
Swap Whipped Cream for Coconut Cream
Adults and kids alike love their whipped cream, whether that’s sprayed directly out of a canister or dolloped on top of a special ice cream sundae or a cup of cocoa. Thanks to the boom in the dairy-free consumer trend, there are plenty of nondairy whipped topping options to choose from. For the classic straight-out-of-the-can feel, opt for Reddi Wip’s Nondairy Coconut or Almond-based varieties. If you’re a Cool Whip family, swap the dairy tub for So Delicious’ CocoWhip. No one will taste the difference.
Other notable options: Make your own! Nondairy whipped cream only requires three ingredients: coconut milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight, scoop out the solid portion and reserve the liquid for later use. Whip the solids with 1 ½ – 2 cups of powdered sugar (or to taste) until the mixture takes on a whipped cream consistency, then fold in a drop or two of vanilla. For more detailed instructions, follow this coconut whip step-by-step.
Swap Melty Cheese for Plant-Based Shreds
Pizza? Grilled cheese? Burritos? Kids love that gooey, pull-apart sensation that cheese offers. Thankfully, there are several high-quality dairy-free cheese options that are widely available in most major supermarkets. Both Follow Your Heart and So Delicious make nondairy cheese shreds that melt and taste like dairy cheese, and try Miyoko’s Kitchen brand for standout melty mozzarella.
Other notable options: Hummus. It’s a healthy alternative if you want to stay away from processed food, and it adds a creaminess to a variety of dishes. It’s also high in calcium since it’s made with tahini (a calcium-rich and bioavailable food). Slather it on sandwiches, quesadillas, and even pizza! Try this standout homemade hummus recipe by From My Bowl, or opt for the store-bought variety. We personally love Hope Foods and Roots Hummus, but store brands work as well!
