Dairy, like cow’s milk or yogurt, has been known to cause inflammation, gas and a myriad of other uncomfortable symptoms. Adjusting your diet doesn’t mean you have to compromise on flavor. With some planning and a little creativity, making the swap to dairy-free can be effortless. 

Here are six alternatives (and a surprising treat!) that you can incorporate into your everyday life with your next trip to the grocery store! 

  1. Earth Balance butter:

I use this to cook pretty much everything — from breakfast to dessert! This butter substitute is a great alternative and super yummy! You can find it in a spread or sticks. We leave a stick out to soften for bread for the week and everyone enjoys it! 

  1. Daiya cheese slices and shredded cheese:

Like most kids, my kids love cheese! However, it typically does not end well for any of us when they indulge. I love using Daiya cheese to make grilled cheese sandwiches, mac & cheese, and with crackers for a snack. It’s made with pea protein, which is full of iron, and is easily digestible. I really like this cheese because it melts nicely and my kids love it, which is a win for me!

  1. Almond milk:

We use almond milk for our cereal, baking and any recipes I use that require milk. I love the smooth taste, and it’s the only milk I’ve drank and not gagged since childhood! It’s especially delicious for dipping cookies into!

  1. Vanilla oat milk creamer:

Several brands make their own variation of this creamer. So Delicious has one made with pea protein and cane sugar. It’s flavorful and smooth! I use it for coffee and in the mix for my French Toast (recipe coming soon).

  1. So Delicious ice cream and ice cream sandwiches:

These are a great anytime treat. I even use the ice cream to make my homemade ice cream cake (recipe coming soon). I love that I can get the satisfaction of ice cream without the guilt, gas and eczema outbreak later!

And … 

  1. Oreos: 

Shocking, I know, but Daddy and the kids love these cookies, and I was surprised to learn that Oreos are vegan! We use them as a snack, good behavior incentives, baking, and of course, with ice cream!

Making healthy food swaps doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor! There are so many alternatives to try beyond this list that your family might love. Plus, new vegan snacks and foods are becoming more popular than ever, so the options are endless. Be on the lookout for recipes, like my delicious French Toast and my highly requested homemade ice cream cake, both of which incorporate some of these alternatives.