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
Is the coconut tonic safe to substitute homogenized cow milk?
Yes, it is a good choice to use over processed milk.
the canned coconut milk you link to has guar gum in it. Trader Joes near me has a coconut milk that is just coconut. Though because it doesn’t have guar gum it does solidify in the fridge. Is it preferable to just reheat the milk each use or just buy one that has guar gum? I’m not that familiar with guar gum but saw that an article it could be harmful. Thoughts?
Guar gum is not a problem for the majority of people. https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/xanthan-guar-locust-bean-tara-gellen-gum/
That said, if you can get coconut milk in a can without it, that is awesome!
So good to see well informed people sharing good nutritious recipes!.. thank you!!… One question:
How long would these milks last in my refrigerator? (Wondering how to make it practical enough to fit in our busy working parents schedule… )
They would last 4-5 days. You can freeze some if you like.
I used to make my own almond milk the old way, throwing the pulp away. What is the purpose of having the milk sit on the counter for 2 days since there’s another recipe for making fermented almond milk?
It ferments on the counter … the other recipe is just a different method.
Googled coconut milk tonic and of course a recipe from your blog popped up! My almost 2 year old has sick spells every couple months. Her ped recommended cutting milk for a while to see if it’s the problem. She has been on raw milk since 10 months. Anyways, is adding the collagen hydrolysate for protein necessary? She is a good meat eater. Was that something to make it similar to milk protein wise? I have all the ingredients in my pantry except that.
You absolutely do not have to add the collagen powder. Coconut milk has next to no protein, so adding the collagen brings the macronutrients up to a level similar to what is in milk. Leave it out if you like, however.
I’d like to make the almond milk for my 4-year old who has a dairy sensitivity. I am curious, once it is finished, how long can I store it in the refrigerator before it goes bad? Also, can it be frozen? Thanks!
Yes, you can freeze it. It lasts a few days refrigerated.
Gave this to my 3 yr old that has been getting tummy aches after having milk. He tried it, I tried it, we both really liked it. Thank you very much for another great recipe.
Hi…I’m wanting to make the coconut milk tonic for my little girl. I ran into one little glitch, I bought the Great Lakes Collagen and the serving size varies from the brand you posted. What I’m needing to know from you is how many grams of collagen should I add? Thank you for your help.
Hi, thankfully my 1 year old does not have any allergies. Is coconut water still the best alternative ? Is there anything that can be bought already made? Thanks!
Commercial versions of these beverages are not healthy unfortunately. Even the packaging is quite toxic.