Milk allergy affects approximately 2-5% of children from around the world. Many times “milk allergy” simply masquerades as “pasteurization allergy”, which means that when a switch is made from processed store milk to farm fresh unpasteurized milk, the “milk allergy” suddenly disappears! Why is this?
Pasteurization denatures fragile milk proteins and renders them allergenic because digestive enzymes no longer work effectively on them. It also destroys lactase, the enzyme necessary for digesting lactose, the naturally occurring sugar in milk.
A simple switch to fresh from the farm raw milk solves both of these problems. In those rare instances when a child is truly allergic to cow or goat milk – even the farm-fresh variety, figuring out which plant-based milk to try can be a bewildering experience for a concerned parent.
Soy milk, also called soya bean milk, is clearly not a good option as high amounts of isoflavones (plant estrogens) disrupt the hormonal development of young children. Commercial rice milk is high in sugar and low in nutrition with little to no protein or fats to stabilize the blood sugar. Even store-bought almond milk is not a good choice as it is also very low in protein and fat, high in sugar and is not made from almonds that have been properly soaked/dehydrated first to eliminate anti-nutrients such as phytic acid which block mineral absorption and cause digestive distress.
So, what is a Mom or Dad to do?
Fortunately, there are three excellent milk substitutes that are delicious, healthy and easy to make when there are milk allergies in the home or even just when you are traveling or temporarily have no access to farm fresh whole milk.
I hope you enjoy these recipes for healthy dairy substitutes for your child that will be both tasty and nourishing! You may even wish to take a sip or two yourself!
Who Should Drink NonDairy Milk?
Please note that these milk substitutes are for a child older than one year. A baby younger than one that is not breastfed should be getting a homemade formula and if allergic to milk, homemade dairy-free baby formula is best.
Goat milk formula, sheep milk formula, or camel milk formula may be used instead if the allergy is only to cow’s milk.
Never use these recipes to make plant-based or vegan baby formula.
3 Most Nutritious Dairy Milk Substitutes
Coconut Milk Tonic Recipe
This drink contains the same amount of calories and calcium as cow’s milk and is high in good fats to stabilize the blood sugar in those active toddlers and children who, without good fats in the diet, will constantly be clamoring for refined carbs.
Coconut Milk Tonic
Coconut milk beverage that is an excellent and nutritious stand-in for dairy milk when allergies are present.
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz can Whole coconut milk preferably organic with no additives
- 2 Tbl Maple syrup Grade B or very dark
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp dolomite powder
- 3 Tbl collagen hydrolysate adds easily absorbed protein
- 2 cups filtered water
Instructions
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Mix all ingredients together in a medium saucepan over medium to low heat until all the dolomite is dissolved.
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Serve immediately or refrigerate.
Recipe Notes
Use homemade coconut milk instead of canned if desired.
Coconut milk powder is fine to use if organic. Beware .. nonorganic coconut milk powder usually has GMO maltodextrin in it.
*I do not recommend culinary coconut milk in tetra packs as this coconut milk is watered down. How do I know this? It doesn't harden like it should in the refrigerator like canned coconut milk does.
Use a pinch of green stevia powder (best) or liquid stevia extract instead of maple syrup if you wish to make a sugar free version of this milk substitute.
Traditional Rice Milk Recipe
From Nourishing Traditions Cookbook
Makes 2 quarts
If your child is also allergic to coconut, traditional rice milk works well instead of the sugar-laden, nutritionless version from the store.
Ingredients
1/2 cup brown rice (arsenic free sources)
8 cups filtered water
1 tsp sea salt (sources)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice or homemade apple cider vinegar (sources)
1/4 cup raw honey (sources)
1 tsp cinnamon (sources)
Instructions
Cook rice in water, covered, until rice is mushy. This will take several hours. Process rice and liquid together in a food processor or food mill. Place a liquefied mixture in a glass jug with salt and lemon juice or cider vinegar. Cover tightly and leave on the counter for 2-3 days. Refrigerate.
To serve, blend with honey and cinnamon and dilute with enough filtered water to achieve desired consistency. Note that honey is only suitable for children over 1 year of age.
If you prefer nonfermented beverages, this rice milk recipe made with wild rice uses soaked rice instead of fermentation to render the rice digestible with no slightly sour taste.
Homemade Almond Milk
From Nourishing Traditions Cookbook
Makes 2 quarts
While almond milk from the store is not a good choice, the homemade version is both delicious and nutritious. You can also make this fermented almond milk recipe to add enzymes and probiotics if you prefer.
Ingredients
2 cups skinless raw almonds (sources)
Filtered water
2 tsp sea salt (sources)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice or raw apple cider vinegar (sources)
1/8 cup coconut sugar, sucanat or raw honey (sources)
1 tsp vanilla extract (sources)
1 tsp almond extract (sources)
Instructions
Soak almonds overnight in filtered water and sea salt. Drain off the soaking water and process almonds in a food processor until a smooth paste.
In a 2-quart glass jug mix the almond paste with other ingredients and enough filtered water to fill the jug. Note that honey is only suitable for children over the age of one.
Cover tightly and leave on the counter for 2 days.
Refrigerate. Stir before serving. Enjoy alone or try making this refreshing blueberry banana almond milk smoothie recipe.
Sources and More Information
Eat Fat, Lose Fat
Nourishing Traditions Cookbook
Why Almond Milk and Coconut Milk from the Store Should Be Avoided
Hi,
I have problem with making the coconut milk. I ordered the dolomite powder you suggested but it doesn’t dissolve! The milk tastes sandy and the dolomite crunches under the teeth. I’ve been boiling the milk for 15-20 min on medium heat but it still doesn’t dissolve! Am I doing something wrong?
No, you aren’t doing anything wrong. If the texture is bothersome, reduce the amount or leave it out.
Greetings.. I think I have a problem with pasteurization process used in milks. I have determined by trial and error that I seem to be allergic to sulafates and milk is chemically pasteurized with sulafates. Do you knowing there is a way to determine if this correct? I am glad I have found the substitutes you mentioned but I am trying to find a source for allergic tonavoid it in other foods. Also I am trying to determine if I should just avoid milk products. Any of your thoughts would be appreciated. Btw, I have undergone allergy testing and it was determined that I do not have a dairy allergy. I am confused and frustrated.
I’m going to try your coconut milk recipe. My little one is almost 2 years old. She’s a picky eater and eats like a bird. She finally hit 19lbs and will be 2 years old next month. I’ve been using Hipp Formula after breastfeeding since she was 5 months old so I’m getting ready to wean her off formula. My husband and I like to travel so I’d like to get your opinion how you manage it when you travel and you’ll be out and about for 7-10 days. With a homemade recipe, it makes it a little bit more challenging versus trying to pack formula and water. We travel domestic for the most part but will start exploring Europe and other countries 2-3/year. Can you pleas share some insight on you manage it with your kids so I can apply the same routine in my world? Thank you in advance for your feedback/suggestions.
Hi. I have two questions about the coconut tonic.
1- does it have to be the canned kind? Can I not use the kind in the carton that’s ready to drink?
2- how much does this recipe make?
3- how long does it last in the fridge after you make it?
I don’t recommend cartons as they typically have additives. https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/coconut-and-almond-milk-in-cartons-not-a-healthy-buy/
Bottled coconut milk in the refrigerated section is fine usually (check ingredients though to be sure).
It lasts about 1 week after you make it.
The recipe makes about 1 quart.
I have been looking for a wholesome/balanced coconut milk recipe for my toddlers since before they became toddlers. So happy to stumble across your site today! Is there any health concerns I should consider in regards to giving dolomite (in the milk) to a toddler? Can it be omitted if my toddler gets calcium each day in a variety of other forms? I ask because I haven’t been able to find dolomite where I live and I’d like to start making this right away (dolomite takes minimum a month to arrive when ordered online). Thanks!
Yes, you can leave out the dolomite until it arrives. Enjoy 🙂
My grandson is on “El Care” formula it is $44/can. He goes through one every 2-3 days. Besides the price it is 50% corn syrup solids. How can anyone justify a baby’s diet being 50% sugar? He is 14 mo now, he eats a very lg selection of mostly organic fresh fruits and veggies. As well as Salmon (wild), chicken and beef. The problem is he still takes the same amount of formula. The pediatrician suggested almond milk. We r going w/ coconut milk for so many reasons. My ? Is the collagen. The site u posted list 2. The better sounding one is capsules it is not soluble. Should we buy the powder instead or is there away to use the capsules? Thanks.
You should definitely use the powder linked to in the recipe, not capsules.
Hi Sarah! I’m so happy I came across your page! Thanks for the absolutely wonderful information, and I can’t wait tor try the coconut tonic for my little one (15 month old) as he’s lost interest in my boobs. hahaha
I was just wondering where you purchase your dolomite (I can’t find it at our health food storeS and Whole Foods) or is there another product I could use in place of it? Thank you so much!
B
I buy dolomite online at the link in the post.
Follow up questiom, is it necessary to have a nut milk bag for straining or would a regular strainer work as well?
A regular strainer would not work. A fine cheesecloth doubled would be fine too.
Hi Sarah, am I right in assuming that you don’t strain the rice or almond milks before drinking? Would it be drinkable that way? Would it be nutritionally equivalent to strain out the solids before or after the 2 day fermentation?
Hi! Can you explain the reasons for including the maple syrup and vanilla extract in the coconut milk tonic? Thanks for your help. Also, if you have any input on dolomite powder vs calcium lactate, I’d be interested to hear your thoughts. Cheers!
These ingredients make the beverage palatable. Otherwise, it doesn’t taste very good. I have not researched calcium lactate as a substitute for dolomite powder, so for now will stick with dolomite since I know its fine.