Favourite dairy free alternatives

I’ve always had issues digesting dairy products even when I was an infant. It has always been one of the main food groups to cause my IBS flair ups, but it wasn’t until adult life that I had a formal diagnosis; a dairy allergy.

Once I had that diagnosis I cut dairy products from my diet and instantly felt a lot better. No more bloating to the point of looking pregnant, no more painful cramps or other less pleasant symptons! But I was missing two of my favourite snacks, Nestle Rolo chocolates and Tesco cheese snacks.

I soon found there were many suitable alternatives available on market. So to celebrate Veganuary I’d like to share some of my favourite dairy free alternatives with you.

Tesco giant chocolate buttons

These have been a life saver when I’ve needed a chocolate fix and very reasonable at £2.00 a bag. The chocolate itself can be best described as tasting like “own brand” advent calendar chocolates.

As well as eating them as a snack they also melt reasonably well so I’ve been able to use them in baking and for making shaped chocolates.

Alpro unsweetend soya milk

Alpro soya milk has been my go to alternative for milk. I prefer the unsweetened version and love it over cereal, in a mug of hot chocolate or used to make some fluffy mashed potato.

Alpro chocolate soya milk

When I’m craving milkshake, the Alpro chocolate soya milk is my favourite. It actually tastes chocolate-y and I enjoy having one of the small cartons as a treat. Ive yet to find a good banana milkshake substitute though! So if you have any recommendations, please let me know.

Flora dairy free spread

I’ve tried various dairy free spread but Flora is definitely my favourite and, from what I remember, resembles the dairy version very well. In fact my family couldn’t tell the difference!

Tesco free from grated mozzarella

Although it doesn’t melt well and has a very distinct smell (I think it’s the coconut), it does taste good and is the best grated cheese alternative I’ve found. I like to use it in a pasta bake, sprinkled on top of spaghetti bolognese or in various Mexican dishes.

Violife sliced cheese

These are great for topping a burger (vegetarian or otherwise), in a sandwich or grilled. I’ve always been known to snack on them.

Tesco free from white lasagne sauce

After trying various free from ready meals with tasteless sauces I decided to give this sauce a try. It has that same distinct smell as the grated cheese above, but is perfect to use in white pasta bakes and in lasagne dishes.

Kirstys free from margherita pizza

Although it’s on the pricey side at £3.00 each this pizza is perfect! The cheese melts well and it tastes exactly like I remember a real pizza tasting. I love adding my own toppings to it such as chicken or pepperoni.

What about desserts?

Sugar free jelly has always been my favourite dessert, even as a child. Other than jelly I have been enjoying Tesco free from chocolate mousses and Coconut Collaborative’s dairy free salted caramel pots, both are very “more-ish”. I can never have just one.

As for ice cream, I’m very happy that Ben and Jerry’s offer an almond milk version of their chocolate fudge brownie ice cream now. It’s delicious!

What are some of your dairy free favourites? Have you tried any of the ones I’ve listed? Let me know in the comments. 😊