What are the best rice milk brands, and what does rice milk taste like?
Rice milk is a thin, mildly sweet plant drink made from milled rice and water. Brands include Rice Dream (now sold as Dream) in the US and Provamel in Europe, and availability changes. It tastes light and sweet, a bit watery compared with dairy, and has little protein. The NHS says children under 5 should not be given rice drinks in place of breast milk, formula or cow's milk because of arsenic levels.
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In this article
What does rice milk taste like?
Rice milk is thin and mildly sweet with a neutral, slightly grainy flavor. It does not taste like dairy milk, but it is the least nutty of the plant milks and works in cereal and baking. Vanilla versions are sweeter.
What are some rice milk brands?
Rice milk brands include Rice Dream (now sold as Dream, with organic and unsweetened options) in the US and Provamel (an Alpro brand) in Europe. Some other brands have been discontinued, and availability differs by country and store. We do not rank brands because there is no official ranking.
What should I look for on the label?
- Sweetened or unsweetened: choose unsweetened to avoid added sugar.
- Organic: available from several brands, if that matters to you.
- Fortification: calcium and vitamins are added to some, not all.
- Ingredients: short lists (for example rice, water, a little oil, salt) are simplest.
- Allergens: rice milk is made from rice and is dairy-free, but check the label for allergen and cross-contact warnings.
How does rice milk compare with other milks?
| Milk | Texture | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Rice milk | Thin, sweet | Low |
| Cow’s milk | Creamy | Much higher than rice milk |
| Coconut milk drink | Thin to creamy, coconut taste | Low |
Is rice milk lactose-free?
Yes. It is made from rice, so it contains no lactose, and it is a common dairy substitute.
Safety note about young children
The NHS says babies and children under 5 should not be given rice drinks, and should not have them instead of breast milk, formula or cow’s milk, because of the levels of arsenic in these products. If a child has already had some, the NHS says there is no immediate risk, but a different milk is best. Ask a doctor or dietitian about milk alternatives for young children.
People also ask
Is rice milk lactose free?
Yes. Rice milk contains no lactose or dairy.
What does rice milk taste like?
Mildly sweet, light and thin, with a neutral flavor. Taste varies by brand.
What can I use instead of rice milk?
Oat, soy, almond or cow's milk, depending on your diet. Soy drinks are usually the higher-protein plant option, but check the label.
Sources
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