The 10 Worst Dairy Substitutes & The 10 Best

From Watery Woes To Creamy Wins

1. Almond Milk, 2. Coconut Milk, 3. Rice Milk, 4. Sweetened Soy Yogurt, 5. Vegan Cheese Slices, 6. Margarine, 7. Macadamia Milk, 8. Store-Bought Aquafaba, 9. Vegan Whipped Topping, 10. Vegan Parmesan, 1. Oat Milk, 2. Soy Milk, 3. Pea Milk, 4. Hemp Milk, 5. Hazelnut Milk, 6. Flax Milk, 7. Cashew Milk, 8. Potato Milk, 9. Vegan Yogurt (Soy Or Coconut), 10. Plant-Based Cream Cheese

Not all dairy swaps are dreamy. Some turn your coffee weird, your casseroles watery, and your wallet empty. With plant-based options multiplying by the aisle, figuring out what actually works gets tricky fast. Don’t worry—we sorted the flops from the winners. First up, the substitutes that totally fall short, so you’ll know exactly what to skip on your next grocery run. Ready to sort the disappointments?

1. Almond Milk

1. Almond Milk, 2. Coconut Milk, 3. Rice Milk, 4. Sweetened Soy Yogurt, 5. Vegan Cheese Slices, 6. Margarine, 7. Macadamia Milk, 8. Store-Bought Aquafaba, 9. Vegan Whipped Topping, 10. Vegan Parmesan, 1. Oat Milk, 2. Soy Milk, 3. Pea Milk, 4. Hemp Milk, 5. Hazelnut Milk, 6. Flax Milk, 7. Cashew Milk, 8. Potato Milk, 9. Vegan Yogurt (Soy Or Coconut), 10. Plant-Based Cream Cheese

Darling of Instagram lattes and smoothie bowls, Almond milk's nutritional and environmental credentials are a little less picture-perfect. Containing minimal protein content may leave you craving more, especially if you're swapping it in for dairy, which packs a significantly larger protein punch.

2. Coconut Milk

1. Almond Milk, 2. Coconut Milk, 3. Rice Milk, 4. Sweetened Soy Yogurt, 5. Vegan Cheese Slices, 6. Margarine, 7. Macadamia Milk, 8. Store-Bought Aquafaba, 9. Vegan Whipped Topping, 10. Vegan Parmesan, 1. Oat Milk, 2. Soy Milk, 3. Pea Milk, 4. Hemp Milk, 5. Hazelnut Milk, 6. Flax Milk, 7. Cashew Milk, 8. Potato Milk, 9. Vegan Yogurt (Soy Or Coconut), 10. Plant-Based Cream Cheese

Coconut milk, particularly that in cartons, is more water than coconut, resulting in a texture that's somehow both too thick and frustratingly flavorless. Add it to coffee, and you'll likely be left with a cup that's thin and lacking the creamy richness you crave.

3. Rice Milk

1. Almond Milk, 2. Coconut Milk, 3. Rice Milk, 4. Sweetened Soy Yogurt, 5. Vegan Cheese Slices, 6. Margarine, 7. Macadamia Milk, 8. Store-Bought Aquafaba, 9. Vegan Whipped Topping, 10. Vegan Parmesan, 1. Oat Milk, 2. Soy Milk, 3. Pea Milk, 4. Hemp Milk, 5. Hazelnut Milk, 6. Flax Milk, 7. Cashew Milk, 8. Potato Milk, 9. Vegan Yogurt (Soy Or Coconut), 10. Plant-Based Cream Cheese

With 22 grams of carbohydrates per cup and less than 1 gram of protein, it's basically liquid rice pudding minus the nutrition. It's a go-to for those with allergies, but it comes with a hidden risk: high levels of inorganic arsenic, which is especially concerning for children.

4. Sweetened Soy Yogurt

1. Almond Milk, 2. Coconut Milk, 3. Rice Milk, 4. Sweetened Soy Yogurt, 5. Vegan Cheese Slices, 6. Margarine, 7. Macadamia Milk, 8. Store-Bought Aquafaba, 9. Vegan Whipped Topping, 10. Vegan Parmesan, 1. Oat Milk, 2. Soy Milk, 3. Pea Milk, 4. Hemp Milk, 5. Hazelnut Milk, 6. Flax Milk, 7. Cashew Milk, 8. Potato Milk, 9. Vegan Yogurt (Soy Or Coconut), 10. Plant-Based Cream Cheese

Sweetened soy yogurt may seem like a healthier alternative, but it typically contains more sugar than regular dairy yogurt. Many varieties rely on artificial thickeners to achieve that creamy texture. Moreover, individuals who are sensitive to soy may experience digestive issues.

5. Vegan Cheese Slices

1. Almond Milk, 2. Coconut Milk, 3. Rice Milk, 4. Sweetened Soy Yogurt, 5. Vegan Cheese Slices, 6. Margarine, 7. Macadamia Milk, 8. Store-Bought Aquafaba, 9. Vegan Whipped Topping, 10. Vegan Parmesan, 1. Oat Milk, 2. Soy Milk, 3. Pea Milk, 4. Hemp Milk, 5. Hazelnut Milk, 6. Flax Milk, 7. Cashew Milk, 8. Potato Milk, 9. Vegan Yogurt (Soy Or Coconut), 10. Plant-Based Cream Cheese

Typically made from starches and oils with little to no protein or calcium, vegan slices rarely deliver—they tend to sit stubbornly on your burger, refusing to melt or stretch like the real thing. Coconut oil-based varieties add a significant amount of saturated fat, which doesn't improve their health profile.

6. Margarine

1. Almond Milk, 2. Coconut Milk, 3. Rice Milk, 4. Sweetened Soy Yogurt, 5. Vegan Cheese Slices, 6. Margarine, 7. Macadamia Milk, 8. Store-Bought Aquafaba, 9. Vegan Whipped Topping, 10. Vegan Parmesan, 1. Oat Milk, 2. Soy Milk, 3. Pea Milk, 4. Hemp Milk, 5. Hazelnut Milk, 6. Flax Milk, 7. Cashew Milk, 8. Potato Milk, 9. Vegan Yogurt (Soy Or Coconut), 10. Plant-Based Cream Cheese

Some types of Margarine contain trans fats and artificial coloring, and you won't find any natural calcium or protein here. While plant-based margarines can be cholesterol-free—a selling point for some—they're often packed with artificial additives to achieve that classic spreadability.

7. Macadamia Milk

1. Almond Milk, 2. Coconut Milk, 3. Rice Milk, 4. Sweetened Soy Yogurt, 5. Vegan Cheese Slices, 6. Margarine, 7. Macadamia Milk, 8. Store-Bought Aquafaba, 9. Vegan Whipped Topping, 10. Vegan Parmesan, 1. Oat Milk, 2. Soy Milk, 3. Pea Milk, 4. Hemp Milk, 5. Hazelnut Milk, 6. Flax Milk, 7. Cashew Milk, 8. Potato Milk, 9. Vegan Yogurt (Soy Or Coconut), 10. Plant-Based Cream Cheese

Thanks to the macadamia nut's status as the priciest nut in the world, this milk tends to cost more than its almond or oat cousins. Despite the fancy price tag, it is still thin and watery, especially in coffee or over cereal.

8. Store-Bought Aquafaba

1. Almond Milk, 2. Coconut Milk, 3. Rice Milk, 4. Sweetened Soy Yogurt, 5. Vegan Cheese Slices, 6. Margarine, 7. Macadamia Milk, 8. Store-Bought Aquafaba, 9. Vegan Whipped Topping, 10. Vegan Parmesan, 1. Oat Milk, 2. Soy Milk, 3. Pea Milk, 4. Hemp Milk, 5. Hazelnut Milk, 6. Flax Milk, 7. Cashew Milk, 8. Potato Milk, 9. Vegan Yogurt (Soy Or Coconut), 10. Plant-Based Cream Cheese

Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, is popular among vegan bakers but doesn't always whip into the desired fluffy meringues or foamy cocktails, making for unpredictable results. Nutritionally, it's far from dairy or egg whites, lacking the protein and vitamins found in traditional options.

9. Vegan Whipped Topping

1. Almond Milk, 2. Coconut Milk, 3. Rice Milk, 4. Sweetened Soy Yogurt, 5. Vegan Cheese Slices, 6. Margarine, 7. Macadamia Milk, 8. Store-Bought Aquafaba, 9. Vegan Whipped Topping, 10. Vegan Parmesan, 1. Oat Milk, 2. Soy Milk, 3. Pea Milk, 4. Hemp Milk, 5. Hazelnut Milk, 6. Flax Milk, 7. Cashew Milk, 8. Potato Milk, 9. Vegan Yogurt (Soy Or Coconut), 10. Plant-Based Cream Cheese

These toppings are convenient for a quick dessert fix or a dollop in your coffee, but don't expect any real nutrition—they're usually devoid of protein and vitamins. Although some brands offer coconut-based alternatives, most are still heavy on artificial ingredients.

10. Vegan Parmesan

1. Almond Milk, 2. Coconut Milk, 3. Rice Milk, 4. Sweetened Soy Yogurt, 5. Vegan Cheese Slices, 6. Margarine, 7. Macadamia Milk, 8. Store-Bought Aquafaba, 9. Vegan Whipped Topping, 10. Vegan Parmesan, 1. Oat Milk, 2. Soy Milk, 3. Pea Milk, 4. Hemp Milk, 5. Hazelnut Milk, 6. Flax Milk, 7. Cashew Milk, 8. Potato Milk, 9. Vegan Yogurt (Soy Or Coconut), 10. Plant-Based Cream Cheese

What sounds like a smart swap—vegan parmesan—usually turns out to be more bark than bite, nutritionally speaking. Usually made from a blend of nuts and starches, it can be surprisingly high in sodium to mimic that classic Parmesan flavor.

We've covered the dairy substitutes that fall short. Now, let's flip the script. Here are the top picks that actually deliver on taste and nutrition, proving that dairy-free doesn't mean compromising on quality.

1. Oat Milk

1. Almond Milk, 2. Coconut Milk, 3. Rice Milk, 4. Sweetened Soy Yogurt, 5. Vegan Cheese Slices, 6. Margarine, 7. Macadamia Milk, 8. Store-Bought Aquafaba, 9. Vegan Whipped Topping, 10. Vegan Parmesan, 1. Oat Milk, 2. Soy Milk, 3. Pea Milk, 4. Hemp Milk, 5. Hazelnut Milk, 6. Flax Milk, 7. Cashew Milk, 8. Potato Milk, 9. Vegan Yogurt (Soy Or Coconut), 10. Plant-Based Cream Cheese

With its naturally sweet flavor and ultra-creamy texture, oat milk froths up beautifully, making it a barista's dream for lattes and cappuccinos. But its appeal goes way beyond coffee: oat milk is packed with beta-glucans, a soluble fiber that promotes heart health by aiding in the reduction of LDL cholesterol.

2. Soy Milk

1. Almond Milk, 2. Coconut Milk, 3. Rice Milk, 4. Sweetened Soy Yogurt, 5. Vegan Cheese Slices, 6. Margarine, 7. Macadamia Milk, 8. Store-Bought Aquafaba, 9. Vegan Whipped Topping, 10. Vegan Parmesan, 1. Oat Milk, 2. Soy Milk, 3. Pea Milk, 4. Hemp Milk, 5. Hazelnut Milk, 6. Flax Milk, 7. Cashew Milk, 8. Potato Milk, 9. Vegan Yogurt (Soy Or Coconut), 10. Plant-Based Cream Cheese

Soy milk is the original plant-based powerhouse. Each cup serves up an impressive 7 grams of protein, rivaling that of cow's milk, and is often fortified with calcium and essential vitamins for a nutritional boost. Plus, its taste and texture closely mimic dairy milk.

3. Pea Milk

1. Almond Milk, 2. Coconut Milk, 3. Rice Milk, 4. Sweetened Soy Yogurt, 5. Vegan Cheese Slices, 6. Margarine, 7. Macadamia Milk, 8. Store-Bought Aquafaba, 9. Vegan Whipped Topping, 10. Vegan Parmesan, 1. Oat Milk, 2. Soy Milk, 3. Pea Milk, 4. Hemp Milk, 5. Hazelnut Milk, 6. Flax Milk, 7. Cashew Milk, 8. Potato Milk, 9. Vegan Yogurt (Soy Or Coconut), 10. Plant-Based Cream Cheese

Made from yellow peas, this milk is a game-changer for anyone with nut or soy allergies, providing a safe and satisfying alternative. Its neutral taste works equally well in sweet smoothies or savory sauces, and it's made from a crop that's gentle on your stomach.

4. Hemp Milk

1. Almond Milk, 2. Coconut Milk, 3. Rice Milk, 4. Sweetened Soy Yogurt, 5. Vegan Cheese Slices, 6. Margarine, 7. Macadamia Milk, 8. Store-Bought Aquafaba, 9. Vegan Whipped Topping, 10. Vegan Parmesan, 1. Oat Milk, 2. Soy Milk, 3. Pea Milk, 4. Hemp Milk, 5. Hazelnut Milk, 6. Flax Milk, 7. Cashew Milk, 8. Potato Milk, 9. Vegan Yogurt (Soy Or Coconut), 10. Plant-Based Cream Cheese

Offering a nutty, earthy flavor, hemp milk is packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Rich in trace minerals, it's a valuable addition to plant-based diets. Plus, it froths well, which makes it a fun choice for lattes and cappuccinos.

5. Hazelnut Milk

1. Almond Milk, 2. Coconut Milk, 3. Rice Milk, 4. Sweetened Soy Yogurt, 5. Vegan Cheese Slices, 6. Margarine, 7. Macadamia Milk, 8. Store-Bought Aquafaba, 9. Vegan Whipped Topping, 10. Vegan Parmesan, 1. Oat Milk, 2. Soy Milk, 3. Pea Milk, 4. Hemp Milk, 5. Hazelnut Milk, 6. Flax Milk, 7. Cashew Milk, 8. Potato Milk, 9. Vegan Yogurt (Soy Or Coconut), 10. Plant-Based Cream Cheese

Hazelnut milk brings a rich, nutty flavor that elevates everyday treats with a hint of indulgence. It’s a natural source of vitamin E, known for its antioxidant power. Plus, it’s gluten-free and cholesterol-free, making it a smart option for those with dietary needs or anyone looking for a flavorful, health-forward swap.

6. Flax Milk

1. Almond Milk, 2. Coconut Milk, 3. Rice Milk, 4. Sweetened Soy Yogurt, 5. Vegan Cheese Slices, 6. Margarine, 7. Macadamia Milk, 8. Store-Bought Aquafaba, 9. Vegan Whipped Topping, 10. Vegan Parmesan, 1. Oat Milk, 2. Soy Milk, 3. Pea Milk, 4. Hemp Milk, 5. Hazelnut Milk, 6. Flax Milk, 7. Cashew Milk, 8. Potato Milk, 9. Vegan Yogurt (Soy Or Coconut), 10. Plant-Based Cream Cheese

Rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3, flax milk gives your heart and brain a healthy boost. It's a safe bet for those avoiding nuts, soy, or gluten, and some brands even fortify it with extra protein. However, the texture is a bit thinner than that of other plant milks.

7. Cashew Milk

1. Almond Milk, 2. Coconut Milk, 3. Rice Milk, 4. Sweetened Soy Yogurt, 5. Vegan Cheese Slices, 6. Margarine, 7. Macadamia Milk, 8. Store-Bought Aquafaba, 9. Vegan Whipped Topping, 10. Vegan Parmesan, 1. Oat Milk, 2. Soy Milk, 3. Pea Milk, 4. Hemp Milk, 5. Hazelnut Milk, 6. Flax Milk, 7. Cashew Milk, 8. Potato Milk, 9. Vegan Yogurt (Soy Or Coconut), 10. Plant-Based Cream Cheese

Cashew milk's smooth, rich consistency is a dream for creating velvety sauces and comforting soups. Many brands fortify their cashew milk with calcium and vitamin D, giving your bones a boost without the dairy. Also, it has a lower environmental footprint than cow's milk.

8. Potato Milk

1. Almond Milk, 2. Coconut Milk, 3. Rice Milk, 4. Sweetened Soy Yogurt, 5. Vegan Cheese Slices, 6. Margarine, 7. Macadamia Milk, 8. Store-Bought Aquafaba, 9. Vegan Whipped Topping, 10. Vegan Parmesan, 1. Oat Milk, 2. Soy Milk, 3. Pea Milk, 4. Hemp Milk, 5. Hazelnut Milk, 6. Flax Milk, 7. Cashew Milk, 8. Potato Milk, 9. Vegan Yogurt (Soy Or Coconut), 10. Plant-Based Cream Cheese

This newcomer to the dairy-free scene is low in protein and tastes starchy or just plain bland. If you're accustomed to the nut or oat milk, its subtle flavor may feel disappointing. Its limited availability in the U.S. only adds to the mystery.

9. Vegan Yogurt (Soy Or Coconut)

1. Almond Milk, 2. Coconut Milk, 3. Rice Milk, 4. Sweetened Soy Yogurt, 5. Vegan Cheese Slices, 6. Margarine, 7. Macadamia Milk, 8. Store-Bought Aquafaba, 9. Vegan Whipped Topping, 10. Vegan Parmesan, 1. Oat Milk, 2. Soy Milk, 3. Pea Milk, 4. Hemp Milk, 5. Hazelnut Milk, 6. Flax Milk, 7. Cashew Milk, 8. Potato Milk, 9. Vegan Yogurt (Soy Or Coconut), 10. Plant-Based Cream Cheese

Made from soy, coconut, or almond, these dairy-free delights are brimming with live cultures that support digestive health. Available in a rainbow of flavors, there's a vegan yogurt for every palate. Just keep an eye on added sugars by checking the label—some varieties can be a bit sweet.

10. Plant-Based Cream Cheese

1. Almond Milk, 2. Coconut Milk, 3. Rice Milk, 4. Sweetened Soy Yogurt, 5. Vegan Cheese Slices, 6. Margarine, 7. Macadamia Milk, 8. Store-Bought Aquafaba, 9. Vegan Whipped Topping, 10. Vegan Parmesan, 1. Oat Milk, 2. Soy Milk, 3. Pea Milk, 4. Hemp Milk, 5. Hazelnut Milk, 6. Flax Milk, 7. Cashew Milk, 8. Potato Milk, 9. Vegan Yogurt (Soy Or Coconut), 10. Plant-Based Cream Cheese

Made from nuts or soy and often fortified with calcium, it's creamy enough to satisfy your cravings. With lower cholesterol than its dairy counterpart, it's a heart-smart choice for your breakfast or snack routine. Plus, you'll find a variety of flavors, so you're never limited to plain.

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