<p>A dairy-free lifestyle is quickly gaining popularity as more and more people are swapping in dairy-free alternatives to milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and more. Why the switch? While some Americans struggle to digest the lactose found in dairy, others are embracing a more plant-based way of life. The good news is that there are now a variety of dairy-free pantry staples on the market—and we’re not just talking about soymilk. With everything from <a href="https://thrivemarket.com/c/almond-milk" target="_blank">almond</a> and <a href="https://thrivemarket.com/c/hemp-milk" target="_blank">hemp milk</a> to cashew cheese and coconut cream on market shelves, whipping up a flavorful, dairy-free meal has never been easier. Here’s a closer look at this popular diet along with quick tips and must-try recipes.</p>
<h2>What Is Dairy-Free?</h2>
<p>Not to be confused with eating a lactose-free diet (which may still include lactose-free dairy products), eating dairy-free means avoiding all dairy products. In other words, skipping milk, cheese, and any animal milk-based product altogether. Instead, those eating a dairy-free diet will go for plant-based, non-dairy products made from nuts, grains, and even seeds.</p>
<h2>Benefits of Dairy-Free</h2>
<p>Some may make the case that there are ethical benefits of eating dairy-free, since many dairy cows aren’t permitted to <a href="https://vegan.com/info/dairy-free/" target="_blank">graze outdoors</a> and may be subjected to less-than-ideal farming conditions. Yet there are also dietary benefits that come with a dairy-free lifestyle. For instance, for people who have trouble digesting the lactose found in dairy, it just makes sense. And, like beef, dairy products contain artery-clogging saturated fat—so dairy-free eaters tend to get less of that. Dairy products also don’t contain fiber or iron, but dairy-free alternatives may be fortified with those nutrients.</p>
<h2>Tips for Eating Dairy-Free</h2>
<p>Eating dairy-free is easier than ever thanks to a variety of dairy-free beverages, pantry staples, and clever cooking techniques available. Here are some go-to tips:</p><br>
<ul>
<li>Try <a href="https://thrivemarket.com/c/coconut-milk" target="_blank">coconut milk</a> in place of heavy cream or half and half in coffee drinks</li>
<li>Opt for avocado on salads, sandwiches, or burgers instead of cheese</li>
<li>Use almond milk instead of cow’s milk in baking or pancake recipes</li>
<li>Skip the cream in soups and give them a heartier, creamier texture with blended cashews or chickpeas</li>
</ul>
<h2>Top Dairy-Free Brands</h2>
<p>Skip the milk and stock up on these non-dairy staples.</p>
<h2><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/brand/califia-farms" target="_blank">Califia Farms</a></h2>
<p>From flavored coffee creamers to cold-brew concentrates, Califia Farms offers a variety of plant-based foods made with California-grown fruits and nuts and bottled in California’s San Joaquin Valley.</p>
<h3><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/p/califia-farms-creamer-vanilla" target="_blank">Califia Farms Vanilla Almond Milk Creamer</a></h3>
<p>Want to perk up your morning cup without milk or heavy cream? Swirl rich vanilla flavor into your coffee with this dairy-free creamer made with almond milk and coconut cream.</p>
<h2><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/brand/simple-mills" target="_blank">Simple Mills</a></h2>
<p>This Chicago-based company offers gluten-free, dairy-free baking mixes and pantry must-haves, including pancake mixes, crackers, and frostings. Every item is Non-GMO Project Verified and made with real, wholesome ingredients.</p>
<h3><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/p/simple-mills-fine-ground-sea-salt-almond-flour-crackers" target="_blank">Sea Salt Almond Flour Crackers</a></h3>
<p>Craving something crunchy? Get your snack fix along with 3 grams of protein per serving with these nutrient-rich crackers made from a blend of almond flour, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds.</p>
<h2><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/blog/tag/dairy-free-recipes" target="_blank">Dairy-Free Recipes</a></h2>
<p>These dairy-free recipes are anything but boring.</p>
<h3><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/blog/salted-caramel-power-muffins-recipe" target="_blank">Salted Caramel Power Muffins</a></h3>
<p>Get a dose of greens and protein (sans dairy) in the form of deceptively sweet, gluten-free treats. There’s spinach mixed into the batter along with salted caramel protein for a wholesome start to the day.</p>
<h3><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/blog/vegan-kale-nachos-recipe" target="_blank">Vegan Kale Nachos</a></h3>
<p>Yep, you can enjoy nachos on a dairy-free diet thanks to this clever spin, which tops baked kale chips with spicy cashew “queso” and finishes things off with avocado, tomatoes, jalapeño, and cilantro.</p>
<h3><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/blog/beetroot-ravioli-with-cashew-cream-cheese-recipe" target="_blank">Beetroot Ravioli With Cashew Crema</a></h3>
<p>Who says ravioli has to include dairy? Try this plant-based take on the Italian classic in which soft cashew “cream cheese” is sandwiched between two thin slices of marinated beets.</p>
<h3><a href="https://thrivemarket.com/blog/dairy-free-chevre-log" target="_blank">Dairy-Free Chevre Log</a></h3>
<p>Believe it or not, cheese is not a dairy-only thing. This log spreads like goat cheese but is actually made from cashews, probiotic powder, lemon juice, and sea salt for an ideal, animal-free tang.</p>

Buy Dairy Free products online at Thrive Market. Save time and money and get the best healthy groceries delivered. Free shipping on most orders!

Not to be confused with a lactose-free diet (which may still include lactose-free dairy products), eating dairy-free means nixing all dairy. Browse our virtual shelves to make the switch. 

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