What are some milk alternatives for a milkshake?
Oat milk is the safest all-round dairy-free swap for a milkshake, because it is creamy with a mild flavor. Canned coconut milk makes the thickest shake, soy is thick and rich, and almond works in flavored shakes. Frozen fruit, banana or dairy-free ice cream does most of the thickening.
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In this article
What is the best milk alternative for a milkshake?
There is no single winner, but oat milk is the most reliable all-round choice: it is creamy and tastes mild. Pick by what you want, thickness, protein or neutral taste.
Milk alternatives compared
| Milk | Texture and taste | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Oat | Thick, creamy, mild | All-round shakes |
| Soy | Thick, rich, smooth | Everyday shakes |
| Coconut (carton) | Thin, best for cold drinks | Tropical or fruit shakes |
| Canned coconut milk | Very rich and thick, coconut flavor | Dessert-style shakes |
| Almond | Less creamy than oat or soy | Chocolate, mint or fruit shakes |
| Pea, flax or hemp | Thick; flax is nutty and hemp earthy | Smoothie-style shakes |
| Rice, cashew | Light and mild | Cereal, baking and savory cooking more than shakes |
These descriptions follow a plant-milk guide from Switch4Good and recipe sites; they are general, not taste-test results, and brands differ.
How to get a thick dairy-free milkshake
- Use less milk than you think. Start with a splash and blend.
- Freeze the fruit, or use frozen banana, for body.
- Use dairy-free ice cream or a frozen coconut base.
- Add a spoon of nut butter or cocoa for richness.
- Blend until fully smooth, then taste before adding sweetener.
Things to check
- Allergies: almond and cashew are tree nuts, soy is soy, and oat may have gluten cross-contact unless labeled gluten-free.
- Sweetened vs unsweetened: many plant milks come in both, so adjust your added sugar.
- Fortification: not all plant milks have calcium and vitamins added, so read the label.
General cooking guidance; ask a professional if you have allergies or dietary needs.
People also ask
What is the best milk substitute for milkshakes?
Oat milk for a creamy, neutral shake; canned coconut milk for the thickest; soy for a thick, rich shake.
How do I make a dairy-free milkshake thick?
Use less liquid, frozen fruit or frozen banana, and dairy-free ice cream, and blend until smooth.
Can I use almond milk in a milkshake?
Yes, it works well in flavored shakes but is thinner than oat milk, so use less and add frozen fruit or ice cream.
Sources
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