Dairy-Free alternatives

I have been dairy-free for the most part since I was a young teenager due to my 'defectiveness' as my charming other half terms it. Over the years I have had some good, and some bloody awful, dairy free alternatives. A lot of people have contacted me recently asking what I would recommend so I thought I would put it all in one easy to use place. When I became dairy-free there wasn't the same availability of products and they were an awful lot more expensive so I have had the advantage of not eating dairy for a while before introducing the free-from products as I'm sure they taste very different.

Milk

As a milk substitute I tend to use Alpro soy milk although other types of Alpro are equally nice. For me it often depends on whats on offer. I have heard reports of some milks splitting when put into tea or coffee but have not found this an issue myself. My one main issue is that I find it really hard to use an entire carton in the 3 days suggested on the pack. I have used it a couple of days after with no ill effects.

Yoghurt

I really love Alpro's new GO ON pots, a yoghurt topping with fruit underneath. Tescos own brand free from fruit yogurts are also nice along with their chilled free from puddings.

Butter

As a baker, butter is a huge part of my kitchen essentials. I use PURE butters, usually the sunflower or soy depending on availability and have found my cakes are lighter and fluffier without compromising on taste.

Ice Cream 

I love ice cream. Give me a tub and a spoon and leave me to it. My favourites have to be Swedish Glace and Alpro. Booja Booja ice cream is heaven but for me its far more of a treat at the price while the new Ben and Jerry's I found over-rated though pleasant.

Chocolate

For me, Moo-Free chocolate and Tescos own free from are the best for a quick chocolate fix while Booja Booja are the queens of the more luxurious truffles. My Moo-Free  favourite has to be their caramelised hazel nut nibs one which tastes like crunchies. Yum!

Cheese

As a vegetarian, cheese was a huge part of my diet so when I had to give it up it was a real blow and the thing I struggled with the most. Violife cheeses in general are fantastic while some of the Tesco free from ones are also good though I would avoid the red Leicester one like the plague, it smells like feet and doesn't taste much better.

I hope this can help some people perhaps going through the same thing I did or just wanting to reduce their dairy consumption. Good luck!