From rice and soy to cashew, flax, almond and oat there is something for everyone! One thing to remember is that a dairy alternative may not be a dairy EQUIVALENT. Many non-dairy beverages (plant-based) do not have an equivalent amount of protein or calcium unless it is added, so make sure you check the nutrition facts panel. 

For children, the only non-dairy alternative beverage recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics is soy.

A consensus statement from the AAP, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Heart Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry from September of 2019 regarding beverages for children 5 or younger:

"Few plant milks (other than fortified soy) are nutritionally equivalent to cow’s milk and are not recommended for exclusive consumption in place of dairy or soy milk, unless medically indicated."

Bottom Line: Compare the nutrition facts panel and the price!

Related Items

Ask Leah! The Ingles Dietitian

Partner content: Sensationalism and Seed Oils

These days there’s a lot of negativity about “seed oils”. According to some of the social…

Ask Leah! The Ingles Dietitian

Partner content: When Following Food Advice May Not Be the Best Idea

Often we see articles in magazines, posts on social media, reels or videos that feature a…

Ask Leah! The Ingles Dietitian

Partner content: Easy-to-swallow foods

Question: I have some difficulty with chewing and swallowing. What are some soft foods…

Ask Leah! The Ingles Dietitian

Partner content: Dinner — Something for Everyone?

Whether it’s a family gathering or a co-worker get together, what kind of meal can you…

Leah McGrath, RDN, LDN

Ingles Markets Corporate Dietitian

twitter.com/InglesDietitian

facebook.com/LeahMcgrathDietitian

800-334-4936