Out of Whole milk, one case
Vegan whole milk substitute for dairy-free cooking
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Oat milk
Same amount as the whole milk
The best vegan substitutes for whole milk are oat milk (1:1), almond milk (1:1), and coconut milk (1:1). Choose unsweetened varieties for savory recipes and consider the fat content for baking.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- baking
One casethe full whole milk card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of whole milk | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oat milkbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Almond milkbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Coconut milkbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Soy milkbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Cashew milkbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Oat milk
similar taste and texture
Oat milk is one of the best vegan substitutes for whole milk due to its creamy texture and neutral flavor. It works well in both sweet and savory recipes and has a similar consistency to whole milk.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, sauces, soups, coffee, cereals, most recipes
Use unsweetened oat milk for savory recipes. It has a naturally sweet flavor that works well in baking and desserts.
Almond milk
different taste, similar texture
Almond milk is a popular vegan alternative with a mild, nutty flavor. It's lower in calories than whole milk but works well in most recipes, especially baking.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, smoothies, cereals, most recipes
Use unsweetened almond milk for savory recipes. It has a subtle nutty flavor that won't overpower most dishes.
Coconut milk
different taste, enhanced texture
Coconut milk provides richness and creaminess similar to whole milk. It has a distinct coconut flavor that works well in many recipes, especially tropical and Asian dishes.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, sauces, soups, tropical dishes, Asian cuisine
Use light coconut milk for a closer match to whole milk's consistency. Full-fat coconut milk is richer and creamier.
Soy milk
different taste, similar texture
Soy milk has a protein content similar to whole milk and works well in most recipes. It has a neutral flavor that makes it versatile for both sweet and savory dishes.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, sauces, soups, most recipes
Use unsweetened soy milk for savory recipes. It has a slightly beany flavor that some people notice.
Cashew milk
different taste, enhanced texture
Cashew milk is creamy and rich, making it an excellent substitute for whole milk. It has a mild, nutty flavor that works well in both sweet and savory recipes.
- Best for
- baking, cooking, sauces, soups, coffee, most recipes
Use unsweetened cashew milk for savory recipes. It's naturally creamy and works well in rich dishes.
How it behaves in this recipe
Vegan milk substitutes are made from various plant sources and provide alternatives to dairy milk. While they don't have the exact same nutritional profile as whole milk, they can work well in most recipes. The key is choosing the right plant-based milk for your specific recipe and considering factors like flavor, consistency, and fat content.
Tips for substituting whole milk
7 tips- Always choose unsweetened varieties for savory recipes to avoid unwanted sweetness
- For baking, oat milk and almond milk work best due to their neutral flavors
- Coconut milk adds richness but has a distinct flavor that may not work in all recipes
- Soy milk has the highest protein content, making it good for recipes that rely on milk's protein
- For creamy sauces, use full-fat coconut milk or cashew milk
- Plant-based milks may curdle when heated with acidic ingredients - add them gradually
- For coffee, oat milk and almond milk froth well and have good flavor
Notes on whole milk
- Use oat milk for the most neutral flavor and best consistency
- Use almond milk for a mild, nutty flavor that works in most recipes
- Use coconut milk for richness and tropical flavor
- Use soy milk for higher protein content and neutral flavor
- Use cashew milk for creaminess and mild flavor
- Use rice milk for a very mild flavor (though it's thinner)
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best vegan milk for baking?
Oat milk and almond milk are the best for baking due to their neutral flavors and good consistency. They won't overpower your baked goods.
Can I use any plant-based milk as a 1:1 substitute?
Yes, most plant-based milks can be used as 1:1 substitutes, but choose unsweetened varieties for savory recipes and consider the flavor profile.
Will vegan milk change the taste of my recipe?
Some plant-based milks have distinct flavors (like coconut milk), while others are more neutral (like oat milk). Choose based on your recipe and taste preferences.
Can I use vegan milk for making yogurt or cheese?
Yes, but you'll need to use specific cultures designed for plant-based milks. Soy milk works particularly well for making vegan yogurt.
What about the nutritional content compared to whole milk?
Plant-based milks generally have less protein than whole milk but may be fortified with vitamins and minerals. Check labels for specific nutritional information.