what milk is closest to whole milk

All out of whole milk or looking for non-dairy substitutes for allergies and diet preferences? Then good news! This list of whole milk substitute options will suit your needs for any occasion.

But what is whole milk? It is basically unprocessed cow’s milk that retains the full-fat content (about 3.25 percent) which makes it real food and a great staple in baking or cooking. Whole milk is responsible for keeping your baked goods moist, soft, and supports browning. And of course, whole milk is a fantastic ingredient to give that additional flavor burst in savory dishes.

That said, substitutes for whole milk can work just as brilliantly. Whether for cooking or for your iced coffee, trust that these replacements will fulfill your needs. If you are baking, note that there may be certain changes to the texture. So, keep reading and find out what replacements you can use for the dishes and desserts you intend to make!

If you’re looking for something that is closest in flavor to that of whole milk, you’ll want to try oat milk or soy milk. Oat milk is thick and creamy and tends to froth a bit, with a mild flavor that closely resembles cow milk. Soy milk is a close second.

Non-Dairy Whole Milk Substitutes

For those with allergies, dietary preferences, or who are lactose intolerant, these non-dairy milk options are great alternatives that you can use in place of whole milk and dairy substitutes!

Of all the dairy-free options, soy milk has one of the mildest flavor profiles which makes it a good vegan substitute for whole milk in baking and cooking. It has a slight bean and nutty flavor that you can easily mask by adding and adjusting other ingredients. For cooking savory dishes, unsweetened varieties work better than the sweetened sort which is usually used for smoothies, cereals, and drinking.

Because it has a similar viscosity to the original ingredient, you can add the same amount the recipe calls for whole milk.

Another great contender for vegan whole milk substitutes is almond milk. When you try to use it though, you’ll notice that baked goods rise and bake more quickly. That’s probably because it contains more water than dairy options. So keep an eye out for your baked goods if you decide to use this option.

On the downside, this sort lacks the naturally sweet flavor of whole milk. So to closely mimic the taste of whole milk, pick options that have low sugar or lightly sweetened varieties in the grocery store. This will add a slightly sweet taste and rich creamy texture to this backup. Use this alternative in a 1:1 almond to whole milk ratio.

Successfully tried and tested as a substitute for cow’s milk, oat milk can be used for both sweet and savory dishes. Its thin consistency and very mild yet slightly sweet flavor mimic the attributes of whole milk. We may commonly know oat milk as a beverage to drink or to add to your cereals, but it’s also good for cooking savory dishes like curries, cream soups, and sauces. Substitute exactly one cup of oat milk for whole milk.

READ ALSO: 8 Types of Oats and Which Is the Best

Now that people are realizing the benefits of a plant-based diet, non-dairy milk options are emerging left and right. One of them is cashew milk. With its mild and milky flavor that’s slightly sweet, you can use this the same way you would use regular milk in drinks, cooking, and baking. To use, add it in a 1:1 cashew to whole milk ratio.

What we like about this option is that they’re readily available in most grocery stores too which many would find convenient. However, some varieties contain sweeteners and additives that don’t fare well if you’re using them as a replacement for whole milk. We recommend getting the unsweetened or regular ones.

Coconut milk can be used as a whole milk alternative for smoothies, soups, and basic white sauces. But do note that not all coconut milk can be used as replacements. There are a couple of varieties of coconut milk at the grocery store and among those are full-fat and the lighter variety. The lighter variety is more suitable as a replacement for whole milk as it has a lower fat content.

However, this vegan alternative has a strong coconut flavor that can easily overpower any light-flavored ingredients. But if you’re using it in small quantities or adding it to taste, then it should be fine.

Other Whole Milk Substitute Choices

Kefir and buttermilk are not exactly ideal replacements for whole milk. But in a pinch, you can also consider using these if you don’t have any of the alternatives we mentioned above. Kefir is a sort of yogurt drink that is often used to make smoothies, ice cream, salad dressing, and breakfast bowls in place of yogurt. If you’re using this as a backup for the original ingredient, we also recommend gradually mixing water in first. Thereafter, you can replace whole milk in your dishes with an equal amount of kefir.

Kefir is still a little harder to find. Buttermilk, on the other hand, can be spotted in most grocery stores. If you’re all out of whole milk, use this as a marinade for chicken and pork, batter for fried foods, and a leavening agent for biscuits and other baked goods. However, please note that this replacement is not a direct substitute. It has a thick consistency with an acidic property that reacts to baking soda and powder.

To address this, you have to adjust a few ingredients here and there. For every cup of buttermilk, you have to add half a teaspoon of baking soda and use two teaspoons less baking powder. For cooking soups and sauces, add it gradually and heat it gently or it will curdle. Share your thoughts and experiences with these 12 whole milk substitutes for baking and cooking in the

Which type of milk is best for you? – Jonathan J. O’Sullivan & Grace E. Cunningham

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