\u201cRaisin Bran in my bowl with bananas and some almond milk, I never thought I’d see the day I’m drinking almond milk…\u201d Certainly not what you might expect to hear from the mouth of J Cole – renown rapper, artist, and cultural figure. And certainly not helpful if you want to know the best plant based milk brands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alas, Mr. Cole appears to have been on to something in 2016 when he uttered such informative, broadening, and illuminative words. If anything, he was behind the times. Dairy free milk alternatives have been around for decades, but in recent years they seem to have taken the world by storm. Just ask Starbucks, who at the time this article was written (June of 2021) has been facing ongoing oat milk shortages<\/a> for months. So, you might be wondering, what really are <\/em>the best plant based milks?<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a world full of Almond Milks, MALK stands out in more ways than just the spelling of its name. Whereas most almond milk beverages are highly processed – using blanched almonds, adding preservatives, and heating at high temperatures to artificially extend shelf life – Malk elects to use pressure (High Pressure Pasteurization<\/a>) to prepare its beverages. This method compresses the beverage under extremely heavy pressures after it has been bottled, which successfully extends shelf life to a few months without compromising protein, fiber, or other nutritional benefits. Most exciting, the process removes the need to infuse beverages with most preservatives and additives other brands may elect to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If this strikes you as valuable, Greener Spoon has compiled a list of over 800 beverages from all the best plant based milk brands, and analyzed whether they contain preservatives or artificial flavors. Check it out here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros<\/strong>: Smooth texture, full flavor, just three whole ingredients, no preservatives or additives, full of protein, minimal processing<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons<\/strong>: Shorter shelf life (Approximately 90 days from purchase)<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most impressive qualities Three Trees offers is that it claims to use 4x more almonds than other brands. This creates a smooth, rich, and creamy beverage; whereas lots of brands claim to accomplish this, Three Trees is markedly different, and does so. It goes great in smoothies, coffee, tea, or even over granola. Similar to Malk, it utilizes High Pressure Pasteurization to prepare its beverages, eliminating the need for preservatives and additives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros<\/strong>: Rich and creamy, 4x the almonds, just two ingredients, minimal processing, no preservatives or additives<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons<\/strong>: Shorter shelf life (approximately 90 days)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Forager\u2019s Organic Cashewmilk is a true treat. It is thick and creamy, which is a reflection of its use of cashews, coconut cream, and oats.. Its use of these varying plant bases is bold, and pays off in a unique flavor. While Forager does use Tapioca Starch and Sunflower Oil, it is a far cry from some other brands, which are filled with synthetic ingredients. Crucially, Forager is committed to whole, plant based ingredients, and focuses on transparent sourcing practices for its ingredients<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros<\/strong>: Unique blend of flavors, commitment to sustainability, and focus on whole, plant based ingredients<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons<\/strong>: Starches and oils may be an unnecessary environmental burden, opaque processing practices<\/p>\n\n\n\n A long standing player in the dairy free milk scene, So Delicious has long been one of the best plant based milk brands, and it delivers with this flagship products. Organic Unsweetened Vanilla Coconutmilk is a personal favorite of ours. It is great in smoothies or other blended beverages, as it is creamy, smooth, and neutral taste with just hints of coconut and vanilla. Additionally, coconut milk is both a healthy and sustainable choice. It is packed with healthy fats, and doesn\u2019t require the deforestation of trees to source – both your body and the planet will love it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The only downside to this beverage is the use of additives that act as stabilizers, binders, and fillers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros<\/strong>: Healthy<\/a> and sustainable<\/a> beverage, longer shelf life, subtle flavor<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons<\/strong>: More processing than other beverages, the use of preservatives numerous additives<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you haven\u2019t heard of or tried oat milk yet, then stop what you\u2019re doing and change that. A later introduction into in the United States, Oatly has staked its place as one of the best plant based milk brands. Many claim oat milk is the best plant based coffee creamer, and here at Greener Spoon we second that. It is smooth, creamy, and unlike many other plant based milks, stretches in hot beverages. This means that it doesn\u2019t turn grainy like many other plant based milks do when added to coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best of all, Oatly Oat Drink has a natural sweetness that tastes great in coffee, other beverages, or by itself. While this oat milk does use additives to fortify and preserve, its organic sibling, Oatly Oat Drink Organic<\/a>, does not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pros<\/strong>: Excellent in coffee and tea, natural sweetness, smooth and creamy texture<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cons<\/strong>: Minimal nutritional benefit (lack of protein and fiber), oats may bother some individuals, Oatly cannot guarantee their products are gluten free, additives and preservatives used<\/p>\n\n\n\n Okay, if you\u2019re thinking that all of these choices sound great, you\u2019re not alone, we agree. Each of them brings something to the table – flavor, commitment to clean ingredients, taste, texture and more – but you\u2019ll have to try each yourself to decide which one takes the crown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If these five options aren\u2019t enough plant based milks, no need to fear, Greener Spoon has your back. Checkout our Plant Based Milk Analyzer<\/a>, which tells you all you need to know about each of your favorite plant based beverages from all the best plant based milk brands, all while listening to one of J. Cole\u2019s many masterpieces and enjoying your own bowl of raisin bran – drinking plant based milk, of course.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"1. Malk: Organic Unsweetened Almond MALK<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.greenerspoon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/malk-almond-milk-2-768x1024.jpeg\")
2. Three Trees: Organic Original Unsweetened Almond Milk<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.greenerspoon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/three-trees-almond-milk-768x1024.jpeg\")
3. Forager Project: Organic Cashewmilk<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.greenerspoon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/forager-almond-milk-768x1024.jpeg\")
4. So Delicious Dairy Free: Organic Unsweetened Vanilla Coconutmilk<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.greenerspoon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/so-delicious-coconut-milk-768x1024.jpeg\")
5. Oatly: Oat Drink<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.greenerspoon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/oatly-oat-drink-768x1024.jpeg\")
Concluding the best plant based milk brands<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n