There are several reasons why you may have decided to adopt a dairy-free lifestyle; maybe you have recently found out you are lactose intolerant, decided to go vegan or simply don’t feel good after eating dairy products. Whatever it is, going dairy-free is sometimes easier said than done.

If you are ready to make the change but don’t know where to start, the beginner’s guide to dairy-free living below will tell you everything you need to know.

What food products should you switch to?

Dairy-free milks

When it comes to dairy-free milk, you are spoilt for choice, with so many options on the market including soya milk, coconut milk, oat milk, cashew milk, hemp milk, almond milk and so many more.

The nutritional value of each type of dairy-free milk is something to consider, as well as personal preference regarding taste. You can find most of these types of milk at all the major coffee houses, so you may want to pop in and carry out a taste test. Alternatively, you could choose to make your own dairy free milk and customize it to suit your personal preferences.

Dairy-free butter and margarine

Dairy-free butter and margarine are a little harder to understand as many people wrongly believe that all vegetable-based spreads are dairy-free. However, this is not always the case as many of these contain whey powder or buttermilk.

Look for butters and margarines that are made from vegetable oils such as rapeseed oil, olive oil, or sunflower oil, and always check the label before purchasing to be sure that they do not contain any hidden dairy products.

Dairy-free cheese

Dairy-free cheese can be harder to source than other types of dairy-free products, especially ones that actually taste good. That being said, they do exist; you just need to know where to look.

Most health food stores offer a good selection of non-dairy cheeses including varieties of cheddar, edam, mozzarella and parmesan. However, it is worth knowing that these tend to be more expensive than their dairy counterparts. When eating out, turn your attention straight to the vegan menu options as these will use dairy-free cheese on dishes such as pizza and baked pastas.

Dairy-free ice creams

If you love ice cream, you may be feeling understandably worried about finding a good dairy-free alternative to your favorite brand. While the choice of dairy-free ice creams used to be hugely limited, you can now find options to suit all budgets and tastes.

Some of the most popular dairy-free ice creams are made using either coconuts or almonds and they are just as delicious and creamy as traditional ice creams.

Dairy-free chocolates

Due to a surge in veganism in the past few years, there have never been more dairy-free options for chocolate lovers, with dark, milk, and white varieties all available.

Dairy-free chocolate is made from plant-based alternatives such as almond milk, coconut milk, and oat milk. Generally, it provides a light and creamy texture combined with a subtly sweet taste.