Cereal and milk are a classic breakfast combination, but milk isn’t the only option for topping your morning bowl of cereal. Lots of other ingredients can add flavor and nutrients to your cereal bowl. So what are some alternatives to milk that you can pour over your favorite cereal? Here are some quick answers to common questions about non-dairy milk options for cereal:
What non-dairy milks work well on cereal?
Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, and rice milk all work well on cereal. They have a similar consistency to regular dairy milk. Just avoid nut-based milks if you have a nut allergy.
Do plant-based milks make the cereal soggy?
Some plant milks can make cereal a little soggy if left to sit too long, especially oat milk which is thinner. For the best texture, pour the milk over the cereal right before eating. You can also opt for unsweetened varieties which are usually thicker.
What about yogurt or kefir?
Plain yogurt and kefir offer a creamy, tangy alternative to milk on cereal. Greek yogurt is especially thick. Just avoid sugary flavored yogurts which would overwhelm the cereal.
Can I use juice or other beverages?
Fruit juices like orange juice or apple juice can moisten cereal, but watch out for extra sweetness. Water is obviously too thin. Coffee, tea, and nut-based milks like almond milk are better options.
Nutrition Comparison
Here’s how the nutrition of common non-dairy milk options compares to regular cow’s milk:
| Milk Type | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Calcium | Vitamin D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole milk | 146 | 8g | 8g | 12g | 276mg | 124IU |
| 2% milk | 122 | 8g | 5g | 12g | 293mg | 127IU |
| Skim milk | 83 | 8g | 0g | 12g | 299mg | 115IU |
| Soy milk | 100 | 8g | 4g | 12g | 299mg | 101IU |
| Almond milk | 60 | 1g | 3g | 8g | 548mg | 101IU |
| Oat milk | 120 | 3g | 5g | 16g | 350mg | 100IU |
| Coconut milk | 230 | 0g | 24g | 6g | 18mg | 0IU |
As you can see, most non-dairy milks have a different nutritional profile from cow’s milk, with less protein and different vitamin levels. Soy milk comes closest to the protein and vitamins in regular milk.
Non-Dairy Milk Options
Here’s a more in-depth look at some of the best non-dairy milks to use on your morning cereal:
Almond Milk
Almond milk has a light, nutty flavor that works well on most cereals. It’s made from ground almonds and water, plus often extra nutrients like calcium and vitamin E. The texture is a little thinner than regular milk. Shake the carton before pouring to distribute the almond particles evenly. Look for unsweetened varieties since the flavored kinds have added sugar.
Oat Milk
Oat milk is made from blended oats and water. It has a mild, creamy taste. Oat milk contains fiber, making it one of the more nutritious milk alternatives. But it’s also thinner than other non-dairy milks, so your cereal may get soggy faster. Give it a stir before pouring or choose quick-eating cereals like granola.
Soy Milk
Soy milk has the most similar consistency, nutrition, and flavor to cow’s milk. It’s made from soaked, ground soybeans. The protein content is comparable to dairy milk. Soy milk also contains fiber and micronutrients like vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D. The plain versions taste best on cereal.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is naturally sweet with a tropical coconut flavor. Use the thinner carton varieties rather than the thick canned coconut milk. It has a high fat content, so a little goes a long way on cereal. The fat content also makes it gentle on sensitive stomachs. Shake it well since the coconut cream separates.
Rice Milk
Rice milk is the most hypoallergenic option if you have food restrictions. It’s made from milled rice and water. Rice milk is naturally sweet and thin, so it may not be the best choice for soggy cereals. But it works for crispy cereals or granola. opt for unsweetened or lightly sweetened versions.
Non-Dairy Yogurt Toppings
Plain non-dairy yogurts are tangy and creamy alternatives to milk on cereal:
Soy Yogurt
Soy yogurt has a thick, custard-like texture and yogurt taste. It’s made from fermented soy milk. The probiotics offer digestive health benefits. Soy yogurt contains protein comparable to dairy yogurt.
Coconut Yogurt
Coconut yogurt is dairy-free and made from coconut milk. It has a rich coconut flavor and creamy texture. Coconut yogurt contains healthy fats and fiber. The tanginess pairs nicely with sweeter cereals.
Almond Yogurt
Almond yogurt is made from almond milk fermented with yogurt cultures. It’s creamy with a mild almond taste. Almond yogurt offers calcium, vitamin E and healthy fats. Greek-style almond yogurt is extra thick.
Oat Yogurt
Oat yogurt is made by fermenting oat milk. It has a thicker consistency more like Greek yogurt. The taste is tangy and mildly sweet from the oats. Oat yogurt provides protein, fiber and iron.
Fruit Toppings
Fresh fruit adds flavor, nutrition and natural sweetness to cereal. Here are healthy fruit options to use in place of milk:
Bananas
Sliced bananas turn cereal into an instant parfait. Bananas add potassium, vitamin C and fiber. They work especially well on crispy cereals like granola to add moisture.
Berries
Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries add juicy bursts of flavor and antioxidants to cereal. Their sweet-tart taste enhances grains. Mix in a handful or sprinkle berries over individual portions.
Apples
Chopped apples add fall flavor to cereal. Apples offer a crunchy texture mixed into granola or muesli. Leave the skin on for extra fiber. Lightly cooked apples work well too.
Peaches
Fresh peach slices or diced peaches add a sweet taste and soft texture to cereal. Peaches contain vitamin C and potassium. Grilled peaches are also delicious on yogurt-based cereals.
Pears
Pears match the creamy textures of oatmeal or chia puddings. Diced pears mix in easily for a sweet addition. Or top your bowl with fresh pear slices. They contain antioxidants and fiber.
Other Creative Toppings
Don’t limit yourself – get creative with these other tasty toppings too:
Nut Butters
A dollop of peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter or sunflower seed butter adds protein and healthy fats to cereal. Nut butters pair perfectly with granola.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds create a thick, pudding-like texture when mixed with milk alternatives. Their mild flavor works with both sweet and savory cereals. Add protein, fiber and omega-3s.
Shredded Coconut
Toasted coconut flakes lend natural sweetness and tropical flavor to cereal. Use large shreds to add texture. Dried coconut contains healthy fats and fiber.
Cinnamon
A dash of cinnamon enhances the flavor of grains with a spicy-sweet touch. It brings warmth to oatmeal, quinoa cereals, muesli and more. Add a sprinkle after cooking cereal.
Maple Syrup
While rich, a small drizzle of 100% pure maple syrup can replace sugar on plain cereal. Maple flavor perfectly complements multigrain cereals. Avoid artificial “maple flavored” syrups.
Honey
Honey is another naturally sweet option for drizzling on hot or cold cereal. The floral flavor pairs nicely with nuts and seeds. Use raw, unfiltered honey for the most benefits.
Non-Dairy Liquid Options
Don’t just think about milk – get creative with these unexpected liquid toppings too:
Coffee
Coffee adds a little perk to your morning cereal! The warmth slightly softens crispy cereals too. Coffee’s roasted flavor works with nuts and grains. Balance the bitterness with a touch of milk or sweetener.
Tea
Instead of water, brew a pot of black, green or herbal tea to pour over your cereal. Tea infuses soothing aromas and antioxidants. Chai tea is especially delicious on cereal.
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast is an umami, cheesy-flavored yellow powder. When whisked into non-dairy milk, it makes a savory, creamy topping for cereals. Especially good on popcorn cereals.
Plant-Based Protein Powders
Add extra protein by mixing plant-based protein powders into your milk alternative before pouring on cereal. They dissolve easily into liquids for a nutrition boost.
Sparkling Water
Fizzy sparkling water or seltzer adds a light, refreshing flavor to cereal. The bubbles help crisp up soggy cereals too. Infused flavors like grapefruit or lemon add citrus zing.
Conclusion
With so many options like fruit, non-dairy milks, yogurt, seeds and more, you can enjoy cereal without the dairy. Get creative mixing and matching toppings to make your bowl of cereal even more nutritious and delicious. The combinations are endless once you start thinking beyond just milk! So whether you avoid dairy or just want to change up your usual cereal routine, give some of these tasty milk alternatives a try.