Got (soy, rice) Milk? - Big Y® World Class Market®

Your Guide to Milk Alternatives

Once upon a time, when you visited the dairy case, you were faced with a simple choice: Whole milk or lowfat milk? Today, there is a dizzying array of milk options — cow’s milk, goat’s milk, some fortified, some flavored, organic, lactose-free...the list goes on. When it comes to choosing milk for your family, which one makes the most sense? Here’s a look at some of your many choices.

Soy Milk
Considered one of the most popular nondairy milk substitutes, soy milk is easy to find. Its versatility has made it a popular milk alternative for the allergic or lactose intolerant, but its many health benefits have given it mainstream appeal. Unlike cow’s milk, soy milk is not a good natural source of calcium or vitamin D; however, it is a good source of protein, iron and B-vitamins, and it is believed to help fight everything from heart disease to cancer. Some varieties are fortified with calcium, vitamins A and D, riboflavin, zinc and vitamin B-12 as well. Unflavored soy milk can have a strong, distinctive flavor — you may opt for one of the many flavored varieties available (vanilla, chocolate, almond). As it has a similar consistency to cow’s milk, you can use soy milk in any way you would cow’s milk: cooking, baking, smoothies and with hot or cold cereal.

Rice Milk
Mild and slightly sweet, rice milk has a thin texture similar to nonfat cow’s milk, making it another excellent option for people who are lactose intolerant. Its flavor and texture combination means that it’s a good substitute for cow’s milk in cooking, especially when used in savory dishes, sauces and baking. Most types of rice milk are fortified with calcium and vitamins D and A. Though rice milk is higher in carbohydrates than cow’s milk, it is low in fat and cholesterol.

Come to Big Y for the freshest milk! All the milk we carry, Whole, 2%, 1% and Fat Free, comes from dairy cows that are rBST-hormone free.

Lactose-Free
For those who suffer from lactose intolerance — meaning they lack or don’t have enough of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to digest lactose, a sugar found in cow’s milk — drinking milk can be an unpleasant experience. Lactose-free milk has that enzyme added to it, breaking the lactose down and making it easy to digest. Lactose-free milk has the same flavor and texture as regular cow’s milk, meaning you can use it in any way you would use regular milk. Aside from the lactose, it also has the same nutritional profile: high in calcium, protein and vitamins A and D.

Goat’s Milk
Bright white in color, richer and saltier tasting than cow’s milk, goat’s milk is a popular choice around the world. Nutritionally, it’s fairly similar to cow’s milk, with plenty of calcium and protein — more calcium, in fact! It does, however, have a higher fat content. For those allergic to cow’s milk, goat’s milk can be a good choice, since it contains very small amounts of the protein casein, that causes most milk allergies.

Organic Milk
Organic milk comes from cows raised with no hormones, no antibiotics and only organic feed. What does that mean for the milk? It’s clear — organic milk is hormone-free and antibiotic-free, and contains fewer chemicals.
In terms of flavor, consistency and nutrition, it’s exactly the same as non-organic milk.

Milk with Added Omega-3s
By now, most of us are familiar with the storied health benefits of omega-3s, compounds commonly found in certain types of fish: they help promote heart health, fight cancer and even improve brain function. So why not pick up a carton of milk that has an added dose of these nutritional powerhouses? Especially since, aside from the added nutrition, omega-3 fortified milk is identical to conventional milk. It won’t taste or feel different; it has the same amount of calcium, protein and vitamins. The additional omega-3s won’t affect milk’s performance in cooking, either, so feel free to use it in any recipe you would regular milk.

No matter your reasons for seeking out a milk alternative - allergies, lactose intolerance, lower fat options or just plain picky eaters - there are plenty of choices to be found. Explore the many options available to you in the dairy case and you’ll be sure to find one that works for you and your family.

Rice Pudding with Dried Fruit