6 Healthiest and Tastiest Yogurt Alternatives
I recently received several emails from people who have to avoid dairy and who asked me about some healthy and tasty replacement for dairy yogurt. I did a little research and discovered that today many people are looking for dairy alternatives. The major reason is because they are lactose intolerant. Allergies to dairy products are another reason why so many people stay away from dairy by all means.
I love both regular yogurt and Greek yogurt for the healthy nutrients and probiotics they contain, but sometimes I also use yogurt alternatives in my smoothies. These yogurt alternatives come from alternative milk sources like almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, and some other sources, and they are as tasty and healthy as most regular yogurts. Just avoid buying fruit-flavored yogurts – they are high in sugar and many other additional ingredients. Plus, they are higher in calories than the plain versions. If you are looking for healthy yogurt alternatives, here are a few to try out:
1 Coconut yogurt
Coconut milk has already become a staple food for many dieters and those leading a healthy lifestyle. Coconut yogurt is a relatively new discovery for many of us. It’s a good source of live and active cultures and it contains fiber, calcium, vitamins C, E, B-1, B-3, B-5 and B-6, potassium, iron, selenium, and magnesium. Coconut yogurt is dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and soy-free. This vegan yogurt has a strong coconut flavor so if you don’t like coconuts, it’s best to choose another yogurt alternative.
2 Live active cheese
Have you ever tried live active cheese? It’s a good alternative to regular yogurt and cheese, which is often overlooked and underrated. Live active cheese contains probiotics and is full of protein and calcium. Since it is still a dairy product, make sure you don’t have any allergies and you are not lactose intolerant. Live active cheese is much healthier than any other type of cheese.
3 Soy yogurt
If I suggest that you try soy yogurt and regular yogurt, you will never tell the difference between them. The taste of good quality plain soy yogurt is almost similar; some soy yogurts may be a bit sweeter. Although soy yogurt contains a lower level of calcium than a regular or Greek yogurt, it’s perfect for people with lactose intolerance or sufferers of milk allergies. Plus it is a great vegan yogurt.
4 Coconut kefir
Coconut kefir is similar to dairy kefir with a bit sweeter taste. It’s gluten-free and vegan and has a plethora of health benefits. Coconut kefir is an amazing source of beneficial probiotics, important vitamins and minerals. You can use it on top of your trail mix, in smoothies, or in milkshakes. There is coconut kefir in plain, strawberry, vanilla and chocolate flavors. The plain coconut kefir is definitely the best option. Coconut kefir is a healthy fermented food that you can even make at home.
Read also – 11 Delicious Foods to Make in a Blender
5 Almond yogurt
Almond yogurt is sweet and healthy, and a great yogurt alternative. Almond yogurt helps to boost your energy levels and is good for your bones and digestion. Almond yogurt contains essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorous, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Although it has less active cultures and probiotics in it than regular yogurt, it’s still a healthy addition to any diet.
6 Coconut ice cream
Coconut ice cream is a healthy alternative to a frozen yogurt. It’s dairy-free and low in fat and calories. You can make your own coconut ice cream to cut sugar out of your diet. Add your favorite fruits to coconut ice cream to make it more delicious. Summer is coming fast so start learning how to make coconut milk ice cream right now – there are plenty of easy recipes available online.
These yogurt alternatives are both diet-friendly and vegan-friendly. You can enjoy them each day and use them in many recipes. Even if you love regular yogurt, it’s always a good idea to try something new, especially if you are on a diet. Are you a big fan of yogurts? What yogurt alternatives do you eat or want to try?
