Versatile and delectable in equal measure, yoghurt is a cream dream of breakfast cuisine.
The early-morning staple will drench even the driest of cereals in a coat of silky sweetness. This also goes for dairy-free renditions, which have garnered a cult status among the plant-based community.
Yoghurt is typically considered a dairy fest. The product is made using fermented cow’s milk and is religiously stocked on the shelves of high street supermarkets to meet consumer demand.
The fermented dairy product is produced by lactic acid bacteria and can also be sourced from animals such as sheep, yaks, camels and water buffalo. Many find this concept hard to swallow and opt for plant-based alternatives devoid of teet transference instead.
Dairy-free yoghurt is made from plant-based ingredients such as soy, coconut, cashews and oats. They are available to shop in a variety of flavours and textures, such as regular, Greek and kefir-style probiotic drinks.
Why eat dairy-free yoghurt?
Dairy-free yoghurts tend to be vegan and boast many health and environmental benefits. In terms of the former, they can be kinder to your gut. For example, coconut yoghurt is a natural probiotic. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are described as ‘good’ or ‘healthy’ bacteria. When consumed in sufficient amounts, they are thought to aid and restore the natural balance when it’s been damaged by an illness such as IBS. A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that coconut, almond, and cashew yoghurts all contained significantly higher amounts of iron, a nutrient hard to regularly incorporate into a vegan diet.
On the flip side, however, traditional cow’s milk yoghurt contains higher quantities of protein, calcium, potassium, and vitamin D, plus it tends to contain less additives than dairy-free options. Gums and starches are often used in dairy-free recipes to mirror the texture of regular yoghurt and also often include allergens such as soy and nuts.
It’s no secret that the food system is a major contributor to environmental damage. According to a 2021 study published in the National Library of Medicine, dairy cattle are responsible for 20 per cent of all livestock emissions and rank second after meat products in relation to food-related greenhouse gas emissions. Dairy products contribute 3.1 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent per year, with dairy production having a significant effect on water quality through acidification and biological and chemical pollution.
Even more shockingly, the study states that demand for dairy products has resulted in 1 billion hectares, or 7 per cent of the Earth’s land surface, being used to feed dairy animals. Deforestation, biodiversity loss and habitat loss are just a handful of fall-outs from carving out arable land to meet dairy demand.
Zoe Ellis, Head of Nutrition & Science Communication at Danone notes: “Dairy-free alternatives to yoghurt can be consumed as part of a healthy balanced diet and are included as part of the UK Eatwell Guide.” She adds: “There is a growing awareness amongst global organisations, policymakers and scientists that changing your diet to include more plant-based foods can be part of the solution to help the planet. Looking at Alpro soya-based alternatives to yoghurt as an example, recent analysis indicates they have lighter footprints for both carbon, land use and water consumption when compared to dairy equivalents.”
In short, Consider what your gut needs and adapt your shopping basket accordingly.
Read on to discover the best dairy-free yoghurts to brighten up your breakfast menu with some creamy excellence.
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Alpro Plain No Sugars Yoghurt Alternative
Alpro’s Plain No Sugars Yoghurt Alternative proves that life can be even sweeter without the sugar. Featuring a natural taste to dress up with berries and granola, the vegan product is packed with protein thanks to its soya base. Vegan yoghurts are often devoid of calcium, but not this one. It has 120 mg of calcium and 4g of protein, making this pick a healthy staple for quick and easy breakfasts.
Buy now £2.10, Ocado
Alpro Greek Style Plain Dairy Free Yoghurt Alternative
Going sugar-free is obviously the healthier option, but sometimes the taste isn’t quite as good. Alpro’s Greek Style Plain Dairy Free Yoghurt Alternative is still a low-sugar option, featuring just 2.5g of the ingredient. However, its creamy consistency makes it a popular pick for early-morning pick-me-ups and late-night snacks. Not only is it delicious, but the yoghurt is a source of calcium and vitamins B2, B12 and D. Layer up with fresh fruit for a delectable light bite.
Buy now £1.50, Waitrose
The Coconut Collaborative Natural Coconut Yogurt Alternative
Love it or hate it, you can't deny that coconut is bursting with goodness. The Coconut Collaborative’s Natural Coconut Yogurt Alternative is delightfully thick while being naturally low in sugar. Not only is it great before work, but it can be incorporated into a creamy curry recipe later that evening. The highly versatile product is packed with minerals and live cultures to aid digestion and help your gut to flourish.
Buy now £4.35, Ocado
Koko Dairy Free Greek Style Yogrt
Go loco over Koko. Blend your Dairy Free Greek Style Yogrt into fruit smoothies, lassis and milkshakes for an indulgent vegan sweet treat. Low in sugar but highly tempting, the yoghurt is rid of preservative nasties that will irritate your gut. Get your calcium hit with the 160g of the nutrient knowing you’re providing your body all the goodness it requires to ace the day.
Buy now £2.20, Ocado
Biotiful Kefir Yogurt Natural
Boost your immunity in the tastiest way possible with Biotiful’s Kefir Yogurt. The whippable wonder is a great source of vitamin B12 which supports the normal functioning of the immune system as well as calcium which aids the function of digestive enzymes. Containing billions of live cultures, the kefir blend is kind to your gut and kind to the planet.
Buy now £1.85, Ocado
Verdict
Sugarless and soya-based, Alpro Plain No Sugars Yoghurt Alternative comes out on top. Not only can it be dressed up as you please with fruit or vegan chocolate, but it’s saturated with goodness such as calcium and protein to ensure your plant-based diet is well-rounded and rejuvenating.
