• Soy milk: a reliable classic
• Almond milk: a strong second place
• Coconut milk: a classic rediscovered
• Rice milk: the lean of the lean
• Oat milk: light and nutritious
• Millet milk: for gluten-free people
• Hemp milk: a protein powerhouse
• Spelled milk: not only for grain coffee
• Buckwheat Milk: Still waiting for her chance

Although cow's milk is still by far the most well-known consumed in Poland and around the world, its plant-based alternatives are quickly gaining popularity. Gone are the days when it was uncommon to order soy milk at the coffee shop: on the contrary, there are so many plant-based options on supermarket shelves and online shops that it can get confusing at times!

While cow's milk is usually divided into several types simply based on the fat content (and a lactose-free variant has recently become available), plant milks - drinks made by mixing nuts or grains with water and squeezing the resulting liquid - are different, depending on which plant they come from. They come in a variety of flavors, textures, and often even colors—and most importantly, uses. That's why we've compiled a list of the most popular types of plant-based milks for anyone just starting their adventure with these delicious, nutritious, and importantly, animal-free beverages.

Soy milk: a reliable classic

soy milk was the first plant-based drink to gain widespread popularity, and despite growing competition, it's still the drink most often turned to by those who avoid cow's milk. Its consistency, properties and nutritional values are similar to cow's milk, making it suitable for all of its traditional uses: baking and cooking, whitening coffee, pouring porridge or breakfast cereals and even - especially in flavored versions like vanilla - for drinking.

Almond milk: a strong second place

If any beverage could oust soy milk from its position as the most popular vegan alternative to cow's milk, it would be Almond milk. Its consistency is similar to that of skimmed cow's milk, and the taste should be clearly perceptible almonds. It has less protein and fat and therefore fewer calories than soy milk, but is generally considered to be tastier. It can replace cow's milk in almost all applications.

Coconut milk: a classic rediscovered

coconut milk is a traditional ingredient in the cuisine of many Asian countries, especially Thai cuisine. It only became really popular in Poland a few years ago. There are two types of coconut milk: canned and carton. The tin is much thicker and fatter than the cardboard one and has other uses: it is best for cooking and preparing desserts. After about a day in the fridge, it separates into two fractions: lean and fat. You can even make vegan whipped cream from the fat! Because of its thick consistency and high fat content, some people use this milk instead of cream for coffee, but its intense coconut flavor makes it an option for ko(ko) desserts. Coconut milk in a carton has a very fine taste, the consistency of a typical plant-based milk and can be used like almond and soy milk.

Rice milk: the lean of the lean

If you're looking for something just slightly different from water, this is rice milk a good option. A good choice for people allergic to lactose, soy, nuts and gluten.

Oat milk: light and nutritious

Slightly grainy in taste, oat milk has less protein than most other milks (except rice milk), but contains the right amount of an oat drink heard, a decent amount of fiber. Suitable for all common uses, but hardly suitable for coffee (although that is a matter of taste).

Millet milk: for gluten-free people

Millet has become very popular lately - and that's a good thing, because it's delicious and healthy! Hirsemilch has a characteristic yellowish color. It does not contain gluten and is therefore suitable for people who avoid this protein. It has a slightly bitter aftertaste and some describe it as slightly cheesy. It doesn't work well in coffee or cereal, but you can use it for cooking.

Hemp milk: a protein powerhouse

Hemp is one of the plants richest in complete protein: no wonder the drink made from it also contains a large (comparable to soy milk) percentage of this ingredient! It tastes a bit milky and nutty, has a slightly creamy texture and... sometimes a slightly creepy greenish color. But don't let that fool you: it's a great substitute for cow's milk, good for all of its typical uses! It is also suitable for nut allergy sufferers.

Spelled milk: not only for grain coffee

Another great alternative to cow's milk: it's even good for making cappuccinos because it foams well. It has a delicate, slightly grainy and nutty taste and a characteristic beige colour. Thanks to the naturally occurring sugar, it is slightly sweet even without the addition of sweeteners.

Buckwheat Milk: Still waiting for her chance

One of the least popular types of milk - and it's hard to say exactly why. It's delicious, slightly sweet, and packed with nutrients. It is a good substitute for cow's milk and is also suitable for people who are gluten-free and have nut allergies.