8 Dairy Hacks for Vegans

One of the biggest concerns I hear from new clients is, I hate to give up dairy. That creamy taste that they don’t think can be replicated with vegan alternatives.

Personally, I am more fond of some of the milk alternatives that I am of milk (in fact, I never like the taste of dairy milk like others do) and certainly, beyond the taste, as a Nutritionist I find these alternatives are very healthy. 

But there is more to dairy products than just milk, and I have put together a quick list of 8 hacks to help replicate your Dairy Desires.

Did you know you can easily make vegan buttermilk by adding vinegar or lemon juice to any non-dairy milk.

Fancy some ice cream, but you are trying to be healthy?

Peel and freeze ripe bananas and blend them with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, and a dash of cacao.

This makes a delicious soft serve ice cream that’s healthy and great for kids.

Heat your plant milk in a pot on the stove for a couple of minutes before adding to your tea/coffee or hot drink to prevent it from curdling/splitting.

This one is so simple.

Refrigerate a can of coconut cream overnight.

Add some vanilla extract and a little sugar and whip!

**tip** Full Fat Coconut Cream works best (don’t we deserve a rich treat!).

As my old Granny would say – this is easy peasy.

Add two vegan probiotic capsules with a can of coconut milk and refrigerate for 24 hours.

Voila!

For those with a sweet tooth – add some berries or mango.

Slice tofu to resemble halloumi cheese slices

Add a little lemon juice, nutritional yeast, olive oil and salt

Fry in the pan – One of my favourites, and it’s delicious.

Cheesy taste for Everything

Nutritional yeast is a great cheese topping substitute.

Sprinkle on pasta, tacos, burritos, homemade sauces, on top of lasagne, into soups and anything savoury that you would like to have cheese like flavour.

It tastes great – and better yet it’s packed full of B12 which is essential on a vegan diet. 

Raw cashews (soaked for 2 hours) drained and rinsed

Add nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Put into a food processor.

Add water and some more flavour (like dill for example).

Continue blending until a nice smooth and thick consistency.

And you have lovely soft vegan cheese.