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Are you looking for smart ways to substitute for milk in smoothies? This list of 19 easy substitutes is all you will need!
Smoothies are a beloved staple, offering a delightful fusion of flavors and a refreshing burst of nutrition. While milk has traditionally been a go-to base for many smoothies, there’s a world of delicious possibilities waiting to be explored.
Whether you’re lactose intolerant, following a plant-based diet, or simply looking to infuse new tastes into your smoothies, this guide is your ticket to smoothie innovation. Keep reading to discover the 19 best substitutes for milk in smoothies.
Here’s a list of the 19 best milk substitutes for smoothies:
- Almond Milk
- Soy Milk
- Oat Milk
- Coconut Milk
- Cashew Milk
- Rice Milk
- Hemp Milk
- Flax Milk
- Hazelnut Milk
- Pistachio Milk
- Macadamia Milk
- Pea Milk
- Evaporated Milk
- Tigernut Milk
- Cashew Yogurt
- Coconut yogurt
- Greek Yogurt
- Silken Tofu
- Avocado
- Banana
These milk substitutes offer a wide range of flavors and textures to enhance your smoothies while catering to various dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
The best ways to substitute for milk in smoothies
Almond Milk
Almond milk is a popular choice, known for its subtle nutty flavor and creamy texture.
It’s a great dairy-free option and pairs well with fruits like strawberries and bananas, greens, and even protein smoothies.
Soy Milk
Creamy and protein-rich soy milk complements a wide range of smoothie flavors. It’s an excellent choice for plant-based protein smoothies. It adds creaminess and a subtle bean-like flavor that pairs well with berries and spinach.
Oat Milk
Oat milk is a popular and versatile milk substitute that works well in smoothies. It provides a creamy texture and a slightly sweet, oaty flavor that can complement a variety of different smoothies.
Oat milk is a great way to enjoy creamy, dairy-free smoothies with a hint of oat flavor. As such, oat milk is a great milk substitute in green smoothies and oatmeal-based smoothie bowls. Plus, it’s suitable for vegans and those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is creamy and rich and brings a tropical twist to your smoothies. You can use coconut milk in any type of smoothie, but it pairs excellently with pineapple and mango. So use it as a milk substitute in tropical smoothies.
Cashew Milk
Cashew milk has a mild, nutty flavor that works well in various smoothies. Try it with a mix of tropical fruits like mango, papaya, and kiwi for a refreshing experience.
Rice Milk
Neutral-tasting rice milk is an allergy-friendly option, suitable for most smoothie recipes. It complements ingredients like spinach, mixed berries, and a drizzle of honey.
Related: How to replace milk in kraft mac and cheese
Hemp Milk
Nutrient-dense hemp milk has a subtle earthy note that works well in smoothies. It pairs wonderfully smoothies made with greens and superfoods like kale, spirulina, and chia seeds.
Flax Milk
Flax milk provides a mild, slightly nutty flavor that complement smoothies well. In the absense of milk, use it to make any type of smoothie recipe!
Hazelnut Milk
If you’re looking for another milk substitute for smoothies, then you should know that Hazelnut milk’s rich, nutty taste shines in chocolate-flavored smoothies. Combine it with cocoa powder, a ripe banana, and a handful of hazelnuts for a Nutella-inspired treat.
Pistachio Milk
If you’re out of regular milk, or looking to switch up your smoothie, you can easily make a smoothie with pistachio milk instead of regular milk. Pistachio milk carries the rich, earthy notes of roasted pistachios, giving it a satisfyingly nutty taste.
It is also quite creamy (although not as creamy as dairy milk) and adds a velvety texture to smoothies and other beverages. It’ll add a unique nutty taste to your smoothie, but if you’re looking for something different it is work a try.
Related: 15 ways to make creamy coffee without milk
Macadamia Milk
Macadamia milk is creamy and buttery and delicately nutty and makes the perfect substitute for milk in smoothies. It adds a luscious touch to your smoothies and goes well with smoothies that include pineapple, coconut and other tropical flavors.
Pea Milk
Pea milk is a protein-packed milk substitute for smoothies that makes the perfect option for post-workout smoothies.
Pea milk, also known as pea protein milk, is a plant-based milk alternative made from yellow peas (Pisum sativum). It’s a relatively new entrant to the plant-based milk market and is gaining popularity as a dairy-free, lactose-free, and nut-free option.
The flavor of pea milk is generally mild, slightly sweet, and neutral. It lacks the strong nutty or beany notes found in some other plant-based milk alternatives. Its mild flavor makes it versatile and suitable for making smoothies and many other recipes.
Evaporated milk
If you’re out of regular milk, evaporated milk is a great milk alternative in a smoothie. But it’s important to keep in mind that evaporated milk has a richer and creamier texture compared to regular milk. As a result, using evaporated milk will make your smoothie thicker and more indulgent.
It’s a great option if you enjoy thicker and more decadent smoothies. However, keep in mind that evaporated milk is not a dairy-free option, so if you have lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, you may want to consider dairy-free milk alternatives instead.
Tigernut Milk
Sweet and nutty tigernut milk adds a unique flair to your smoothies. Try it in a cinnamon-spiced smoothie with tigernuts, dates, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Cashew Yogurt
Cashew yogurt is a dairy-free option that adds creaminess and probiotics to your smoothies. It is a great dairy free substitute for milk and pairs well with smoothies that include mixed berries as well as a ton of other smoothies.
Cashew yogurt adds a pleasant creaminess and nutty flavor to your smoothie, making it a great option without milk.
Coconut yogurt
Like cashew yogurt, coconut yogurt is another awesome dairy free alternative for milk in smoothies.
Greek Yogurt
Thick and protein-packed Greek yogurt enhances the creaminess and protein content of your smoothies.
Greek yogurt is a thick and creamy and adds a delightful texture to your smoothies.
Silken Tofu
Silken tofu is also a really good milk sub for smoothies.
Silken tofu creates a silky texture and adds plant-based protein to smoothies.
Silken tofu is an excellent option for adding creaminess and protein to your smoothies without using dairy milk.
Just blend it in with your other smoothie ingredients for a delightful smoothie recipe!
Related: How to replace milk in pancakes
Avocado
Creamy avocado adds healthy fats and a luscious texture to your smoothies. Try it with spinach, pineapple, and a squeeze of lime for a green and tropical fusion.
Banana
Frozen banana chunks serve as a natural sweetener and thickener for your smoothies. Blend them with cocoa powder, peanut butter, and a dash of cinnamon for a decadent chocolate-banana treat without any milk!
FAQS
Q: Can you replace milk with water in smoothie?
A: Yes, you can replace milk with water in a smoothie if you prefer a lighter and lower-calorie option or if you’re looking for a dairy-free and vegan alternative. However, note that water will make for a smoothie with a less creamy texture compared to milk or other milk substitutes.
Recipe Ideas
- Silken tofu berry smoothie
- Coconut yogurt green smoothie
- Pumpkin pie smoothie with evaporated milk and greek yogurt
- Hemp milk smoothie
There is a world of delicious possibilities when it comes to substituting milk in smoothies. Whether you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking to explore new flavors and textures, the 19 milk substitutes listed here offer a wide range of options to suit your dietary and taste preferences.
From almond milk’s subtle nuttiness to coconut milk’s tropical richness, and from the creaminess of Greek yogurt to the unique flavors of tigernut milk, these substitutes bring a spectrum of tastes and textures to your smoothies!