Got Milk? Yea, Plant-Based Milk

Posted on by The Crumby Vegan Posted in Food/Nutrition, For the Animals, HealthTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

So this article was going to be all about… *takes deep breath*…  How Wonderful Husband made me chocolate caramel bars for my birthday this year, I ate them (not all of them), I felt sick, I checked the ingredients (there was milk powder in the chocolate spread!), I didn’t want to waste food and so I decided to keep eating them…

Then I changed my mind.

No chocolatey-loveliness was worth putting my body through the stomach pain and toilet-uncertainty that I was experiencing from eating these bars. So I decided not to eat them anymore and instead, this article will be about dairy, in the hope that readers that also struggle with digesting dairy, might consider avoiding it too.

Lactose intolerance is a term used to describe a condition in which the body struggles to digest lactose, a type of natural sugar found in dairy. Most people are lactose intolerant and I suspect that I am one of them. My memories of eating dairy include feeling heavy, tired, nauseous and experiencing the odd bodily explosion. Dairy was the last (and toughest!) thing to kick on my road to veganism but fortunately this was made easier when I realised that dairy wasn’t so natural. It turns out that we are the only species to

  • drink milk from another mammal (and society thinks that breast milk is weird!)
  • drink milk after childhood (there’s a reason we don’t produce it forever)
  • drink another mammal’s milk for calcium (yet the countries with the highest rates of dairy consumption have the highest rates of osteoporosis)
  • artificially inseminate another species, kill their children (normally) and then steal the milk for ourselves (we are not a very nice species!).

To the people that think a cow is some sort-of automatic, constant milk-machine that naturally produces milk from birth because, well, that’s what a cow does. No. Just no. There’s a load of cruelty involved. Check out this very short (scary) video or this very informative (non-scary) website for more information. 

If your body feels bad after you consume dairy (or any other product for that matter) then I plead with you, listen to your body and look for an alternative. Here is a great website for alternatives to dairy. Also, I’m always here and open to questions if you’re looking for advice and/or recommendations 🙂

P.S. 1st November 2017 is World Vegan Day. I currently have 53 non-vegan friends and family signed up to be vegan for the day, would you like to take part? 💚

 

83 thoughts on “Got Milk? Yea, Plant-Based Milk”

  1. Reply
    GrAnnie says:

    Another great blog Zoe.
    I’ve discovered that while oat milk is great in tea and porridge, its useless in other cooking.
    Soya milk is the one that works in cooking for me.
    Any other tips are welcome.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      Ah thank you Grannie Annie. If you’re looking for milk for something specific then I would be more than happy to help! It’s funny how growing up I thought there was only one type of milk, when in fact there are so many more. Everyone’s tastes are different too! I personally favour soya milk whereas Wonderful Husband loves almond and coconut (I really dislike those ones!). Thank you for your mega comment 💚

      Like

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      I absolutely agree with you Samantha, now I drink plant-based milk I couldn’t imagine drinking cow’s milk again. I’ve not tried unsweetened vanilla almond milk before, I’ll have to give that one a go! Have you tried your husband and boys with all the other milks out there? It blows my mind that there are so many these days! 💚

      Like

  4. Reply
    Marcia says:

    There are so many plant milks now, I can’t choose, I love Oatly, and almond milk, rice is too thin for me, and soya is OK for basic stuff but I don’t like it when it curdles. My current favourite (and naturally, the most expensive lol) is at Mas y Mas (in Oliva, Spain, where I live) and it’s walnut and oat, it’s really creamy and delicious in coffee.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      I am so thankful too Marcie! Although I was stupid and carried on eating dairy for years even though it caused me so much pain. Fortunately I eventually came to my senses, but it was only easy because like you said, there are so many wonderful alternatives 💚

      Like

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      That’s fantastic Luca. It’s great to hear that you’re feeling better for it too! A lot of people aren’t very open-minded when it comes to alternatives but I am very thankful that there are people like you around that will try and openly enjoy new things – thank you! 💚

      Like

  7. Reply
    kristinmoras says:

    Great post! I’m lactose intolerant, but I’ve always [thought I could] eat cheese and yogurt. That is, until I had a horrible flare up from some autoimmune issues I struggle with. I got so desperate that I eliminated diary and most grains from my diet. I was fine when I incorporated the grains back, but as soon as I ate cheese I was sick + my rosacea flared up again. I do admit I drink Kefir from time to time, but I agree wholeheartedly that if your body is telling you something doesn’t feel right, you should avoid it… no matter how yummy it may taste.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      I can totally relate Kristin! Glad to hear you kicked the dairy habit as well because our body’s are so much better off for it. Sounds like your reaction was far worse than mine though… Very happy to hear you’re a lot better now 💚

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      So you wouldn’t believe the full story Heidi (couldn’t write it in a way that was necessary for the article). Wonderful Husband needed cacao butter to make the bars but I couldn’t find any when shopping so he said he could substitute it with this chocolate spread we had in the back of the cupboard. Not only was it going out of date (he assured me it didn’t smell funny) but the ingredients were faded out when I found the jar. I only happened to find out there was dairy in the spread when I went shopping a few days after… I was very curious about my bodily ‘reactions’ and so I found the spread and saw there was milk powder. I really should have wrote somewhere in the post that Wonderful Husband didn’t try to sabotage the bars but I didn’t know where to fit it in haha! So yea… Won’t be using that chocolate spread again 🙂 💚

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Reply
    InkedShrink says:

    Thanks for this. We are looking for an almond milk that has as few processed ingredients as possible. Any recommendations from anyone? I did a book review of a children’s book on mindfulness by Dr. Frank Sileo on my blog; but, he also has a children’s book on lactose intolerance called “Hold the Cheese Please” 😃

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      Thanks for your comment 🙂

      Sounds pretty cool regarding the book- I’ll try and take a look for it. Thanks for telling me about it.

      I’ve actually had a (kind-of) similar conversation with my friend about almond milk, although she was looking for almond milk that had added calcium but no added sugar. Turned out to quite difficult but we got there in the end. That’s in Spain though, where abouts are you? Also, what’s the best you’ve found so far… Then we can try and beat that 🙂 💚

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      Yah! This is such a great and easy step to make too… Almond milk is everyone and so much more cost-effective these days. Have you ever tried any other milk besides almond? There are sooo many yummy ones! 💚

      Like

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      Yahhh! Best news I’ve heard all day 🙂

      It’s important to be super comfortable as you transition… Take it at the rate you feel good with. If you’re looking for recipes then I have a page dedicated to a ton of good ones I found online, here: https://thecrumbyvegan.com/mainz/ (i only listed the ones i liked because some online recipes are awful!!).

      Also if you need any additional help then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Good luck! 💚

      Like

  13. Reply
    Moin Shaikh says:

    You changed my mind about dairy milk, I used to prefer them for their freshness but after see the video i will try my best to consume Dairy Substitutes. Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      Wow! Very impressed that you were brave enough to watch the video. Happy to hear it has shown you the truth about the dairy farming industry though. If you need any help with finding substitutes then just let me know and I’ll be more than happy to help you look 💚

      Like

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      Oh that’s so wonderful! Fantastic 🙂

      Let me know if you’d like any help with ideas for the day. Also if you can send photos of your food that day, that would be mega! I usually make a blog post featuring everyone’s food after 💚

      Like

  15. Reply
    klolszewski says:

    A few years ago, I did a 10 day detox. My body was getting rid of toxins from dairy, certain meats, and other things. The first time I ate a yoghurt after this, I get terribly sick. Since then, I have not consumed any yoghurt because my body familiarizes the sick feeling with the taste. More than 70% of the world has an intolerance or allergy to dairy, but because we eat so much of it, it becomes the norm. I encourage everyone to try detoxing and see how your body feels.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      You really are a star! Such a great example for other people to learn from. I would highly recommend everyone to have a detox as you said and then see how your body reacts… Funny how when we cut veg out of our diet, our bodies wouldn’t react the way they do with dairy! 🙂 💚

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Reply
    colossalumbrella says:

    this is so interesting to read… I always have had milk but never tried milk from veg. Also, I dont love a lot, just have it since calcium level have to be maintain but as you said… listen to your body so I follow it

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      Hiya 🙂 I’m glad you found it interesting.

      Did you know that you don’t need milk for calcium. Green vegetables contain a ton of calcium… That’s where us vegans get it from. So if that is what is stopping you from giving up milk, problem solved! Thank you for the mega comment 💚

      Like

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      Ah thank you for your lovely comment! I totally agree that it is SO strange when people look at it in black and white… Also thanks for the support with not eating the bars. Fortunately Wonderful Husband was understanding (and ate them himself, haha!) 💚

      Like

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      Ah great comment. I think most people don’t realise that they have an allergy to dairy unless it comes in the form of bowel movements, so the fact it cleared up your skin is fantastic. I know what you mean about cheese… But we’re surviving and so can others, haha! 💚

      Like

  20. Reply
    Pooja Krishna says:

    I drink almond milk everyday and am trying out a few others, so your words make sense. That said, for so many people I know, getting away from milk will be hard because of a lifetime of habit, or belief that it’s one of the best drinks out there.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      Pooja, you speak a lot of sense! Very happy to hear you’re drinking almond milk but you’re right, most people do it because they don’t know any alternative. They don’t drink cow’s milk because they need it but rather they don’t know what else they should drink. They’ve also been told from very young that they NEED milk for calcium. Fortunately for us green veg has lots and lots of calcium. Thanks again for commenting 💚

      Like

  21. Reply
    Cait Weingartner says:

    I am also a big fan of unsweetened almond milk, which for me, makes an ideal substitute for cow’s milk. However, I am still looking for a good alternative to Greek Yogurt, which is a staple in my house. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated!

    Liked by 1 person

  25. Reply
    parentalcentral says:

    Thank you for this! I have recently been converting my fam over to almond milk, and while we enjoy the taste, I think about protein a lot. I have to always remember to add that into my diet in other ways! Regardless, we haven’t looked back at cow’s milk since!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      Gosh that is so mega! So happy to hear that you don’t drink cow’s milk anymore.

      Don’t forget that veggies have tons of protein in them. It’s all propaganda when the food industry tells us we need animal products for protein. Lentils have far more protein per gram than beef, for example. I think you’re doing mega regardless! Thank you from the animals 💚

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Reply
    Christina | From Under a Palm Tree says:

    I always love reading your blog. You do such an amazing job of writing about veganism and the reality of the food industry. I consider myself a vegetarian because I haven’t completely eliminated dairy from my diet but I’m working on it. It’s just so crazy how brainwashed our society is in thinking that dairy milk is actually good for us! I’ve been saying it for years that’s it’s actually terrible and has the opposite effect that they tell us it does. Not to mention the horrible things cows go through. I promise I’m working on my own diet.It’s the cheese that gets me, even though it makes it me sick. I stay away from dairy products probably 75% of the time, it’s just the 25% of the time I’m working on.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      Ah you’re so lovely Christina, thank you for this comment!

      I think you’re doing a fantastic job (and far more than most people are doing!) by cutting down on your dairy. You’ll know the day you’re ready to make that leap to 0% dairy but until then, give yourself a huge pat on the back (and a big hug from me) because you genuinely are doing great!

      Have you tried any of the vegan cheeses that are swarming the supermarkets these days? I used to think they were horrible but I think either they are getting better or my tastebuds are changing, haha! 💚

      Like

  27. Reply
    Life with Larissa says:

    Wow! I had no idea there was a World Vegan Day, but I did know [surprisingly] the dairy facts! I’m actually trying to cut back on my dairy intake, in hopes to cut it out of my diet completely. I have switched over from regular milk to almond milk [which doesn’t taste bad at all], and I now order meals without cheese if it comes with it. Baby steps!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      Ah Larissa you sound like you’re doing a great job of making a conscious effort to cut down on dairy, it’s fab! And you’re right about the baby steps – go at precisely the speed you are comfortable with.

      Have you been able to try out any of the new vegan cheese recently? I’d be very interested in what you thought 💚

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      Ah that’s fantastic Lauren! I’ve never tried that one before.

      Do you notice if there is any difference in the way you feel after drinking them both? I know there is a huge difference for me, haha! 💚

      Like

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      I guess you have to have a reason to switch 🙂

      Most people switch to save the lives of animals, then there are two other groups of people where their first motivation for veganism is to save the planet or save themselves (veganism is an incredibly healthy diet). If you’re interested in any of these factors then please get in touch and I can tell you a bit more 💚

      Like

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      Oh gosh, in your case then please do consider looking for plant-based milks in your area. Dairy is a serious problem when it comes to IBS and inflammation. I find soy milk to be the milk that tastes the most like cow’s milk but a lot of people prefer coconut milk or almond milk for example. Please do get in touch if you’d like more information but regardless, please consider taking dairy out of your diet considering how you must suffer as a consequence of it 💚

      Like

  34. Reply
    rebekahgillian says:

    This was really interesting to read! I’d heard that calcium we get from milk was pretty much worthless because our modern diets cancelled out the benefits of it and could actually cause more problems, but I’d never looked into studies behind it. It does make sense, though. I’m not a vegan (I’m autistic with sensory issues that limits the amount of food I’m able to eat, so going vegan would be incredibly dangerous for me), but I’ve been lactose intolerant from birth, so I don’t drink milk and try to avoid other dairy products as much as possible. It’s made such a difference to my body and I feel so much better for it!

    Rebekah x | http://rebekahgillian.co.uk/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      Wow you know your fair share about dairy! Impressive 🙂 You’re right though, the food industry has advertised so hard about the calcium in milk that people think we NEED it. The food industry doesn’t go on about the amount of calcium in brocolli or edamame beans though, haha!

      Sounds like you would have trouble eating vegan, although let me know if you would like to discuss it further. Also so happy you manage to avoid dairy and feel better for it. I get the feeling that you’re really making an effort though 💚

      Like

  35. Reply
    Nay @ beautyaddictmama says:

    I’ve avoiding dairy products for years, especially cow’s milk. The whole idea of it has always disturbed me. I tend to use almond milk as an alternative.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      I wish I had been as ‘switched on’ as you, Nay. Even as a vegetarian I didn’t question cow’s milk, I just accepted it was normal. I wish I had been as open-minded as you and thought about my choices. I hope the people around you take notice of the choices you’ve made! 💚

      Like

  36. Reply
    Ingrid says:

    I agree we have to listen to our bodies and make prudent decisions. I am glad you mad e the right choice to stay away from that which was not good for you. I am also glad that you are selflessly sharing to create awareness.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      Thank you for the support Ingrid. Not only was I worryied about upsetting Wonderful Husband but I was also worried about wasting food. I know I made the right decision for my body in the end though. Thanks for reading the article and taking time to comment 💚

      Like

    1. Reply
      The Crumby Vegan says:

      Thanks for the comment Bismah. Plant-based milk is a great (and healthy!) alternative to cow’s milk. Please do let me know if you’d like to know about the options out there for you and your family 💚

      Like

  38. Reply
    ▵ ↟ Francesca_Sevenroses ↟ ▵ says:

    That’s such a great post! It sums up perfectly what I think, but you said so much better than I could ever do ♥ thank you for writing this. I hope many non Vegans stop here and read this with an open mind

    Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment