Milk Substitute Products

• Rice milk and almond milk provide alternatives to cow's milk. Dana Hoff/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

  Lactose intolerance, dietary restrictions and potential health benefits often prompt the search for a substitute for cow's milk. While these substitute products are not technically "milk," as they are not the product of an animal, they do resemble cow's milk in the color and texture. While milk substitute products do not offer the same nutritional benefits as dairy milk, they can offer other nutritional benefits depending on the type of substitute.

Rice Milk

• Rice milk is made from boiled brown rice with rice syrup and starch added for additional texture. Rice milk has no dairy component, and is usually sweeter than cows' milk due to the sugar and vanilla occasionally added. Unless the manufacturer fortifies the rice milk, it provides only a source of carbohydrates, as rice is not a source of calcium or protein. However, most brands of rice milk are fortified with calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, iron, and B12. Rice milk also has less fat than cows' milk and no cholesterol. Although rice milk can be easily made at home, it will not have the benefits of the fortified rice milk.

Soy Milk

• Soy milk comes from ground soybeans with water added. Commercial soy milk has thickeners and nutrients added to make the milk resemble cows' milk both in texture and nutritional value. Soy milk also contains no lactose, making it a popular choice for individuals who are lactose intolerant. Soy milk naturally contains protein and B-vitamins and has been found to reduce LDL cholesterol levels. However, commercial soy milk contains a significant amount of sugar and the soy estrogen has been found to possibly affect thyroid function. Some types of soy milk use only the soy protein isolate and add thickeners, water, oil, and stabilizers to give the drink a milky texture. Although it is possible to make soy milk at home, the special equipment needed make it less convenient than other milk substitutes.

Almond Milk

• Almond milk comes from almonds finely blended in water. Almonds naturally have healthy levels of nutrients such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and vitamin E. Almond milk is the easiest milk substitute to make at home. Grind almonds in a coffee grinder and blend with water to make fresh almond milk. Homemade almond milk can contain more almonds than commercial almond milk and no additives, it is much healthier than the commercial version.