Ever wondered which milk alternative are available in Quebec and Canada?

Plant-based milks are gaining in popularity and the Leaves House team is happy to have served you Animal-Free products since 2016. Coffee shops and grocery stores are expanding their options for plant-based milks to include not only almond milk but also macadamia and oat-based alternatives. Below you will find a list of Animal-Free milk alternatives in Quebec and in Canada. 

People will also sometimes use the following terms depending on the kind of Animal-Free milk : milk alternative, plant-based milk, plant milk, dairy-free milk, nut milk, vegetable milk. 

Oat Milk

Oat milk is a popular vegan-friendly milk alternative made by soaking and blending rolled oats with water and then straining them. It’s often enriched with other nutrients such as iron and vitamins A and D. It’s sweeter taste makes it great for baking and its frothy, creamy texture is ideal for smoothies and lattes.

At Leaves House, we carry both Oatly and Minor Figures, in-store and online. 

Oatly  

Minor Figures

Pacific Foods

Dream Blends

Silk

So Fresh

Earths Own

 

Almond milk

Like Oat milk, almond milk is made by grinding almonds, adding water and then filtering the mixture. You get a product that looks like milk but has a much nuttier flavour, is low in calories and naturally lactose free. It works as a great substitute in many dishes (although it’s not the best option for coffee!)

If you're curious about when to use almond milk vs oat milk? Or how to make substitutions when following a recipe vegan? Check out our blog!

Pick up a single carton of Natur-a and Pacific Foods in-store or purchase a case online!

Pacific Foods

Natur-a

Dream Blends

Silk

Earths Own

Almond Breeze

President’s Choice

Naturalia

Califia

 

Macadamia Nut milk

Macadamia nut milk is creamy and delicious. It’s made by soaking macadamia nuts, then blending them with water and any additional flavours (such as vanilla, cocoa powder or sweetener). It’s not available in most grocery stores, but luckily Leaves House offers three options: regular, unsweetened and unsweetened vanilla. 

Milkadamia

 

Coconut milk

Coconut milk is based on consistency which means it can be classified as either thick or thin. Traditionally, thick coconut milk is used in desserts or thick sauces whereas the thinner version is used in soups, curries or thin sauces.

You can order a case of Pacific Foods online! 

Pacific Foods

Dream Blends

Silk

So Delicious

Riviera

Isola Bio (made with coconut and rice)

 

Soy milk

Soy is a go to substitute for most dishes as it’s great for matching the creaminess of cow's milk (not to mention many soy-based products are available in-store - not just milk). It’s the closest to dairy milk and is a good source of protein and calcium.

 If you feel like making the switch to soy milk we offer Pacific Foods and Natur-a!

Pacific Foods

Natur-a

Dream Blends

Silk

Califia Farms

 

Rice milk

 Rice milk has recently gained popularity due to its lack of allergens. It’s not only suitable for people trying to adopt a plant-based diet/ lifestyle. It’s also a great option for anyone who is lactose intolerant, gluten-free, celiac or allergic to nuts. Rice milk a much thinner drink so if you’re looking for a lighter addition to your diet, rice milk is a great option. 

 Rice milk isn’t available at Leaves House online though we do carry the Pacific Foods brand in-store.

Pacific Foods

Natur-a

Dream Blends

Isola Bio (made with hazelnuts and rice)

Isola Bio (made with coconut and rice)

 

Cashew milk

Cashew milk lacks the naturally occurring sugar you get in cow’s milk and is known for being a creamier option for those looking for plant-based alternatives. It’s often used in baking, or to mimic cream cheese in desserts like cheesecake. It’s also great in smoothies, ice cream and savoury dishes. 

Elmhurst

Silk

Dream Blends (made with hazelnuts, cashews and almonds)

 

Walnuts milk

Milk alternatives in Quebec and Canada have also expanded to include lesser known products such as walnut milk. Walnuts are healthy and contain several antioxidants and walnut milk is typically fortified with other ingredients such as vitamins A, E and D.

Elmhurst

 

Hazelnut milk

 Hazelnuts are an excellent source of vitamin E which promotes healthy hair and skin. Here’s the catch. It has a much stronger taste than other plant-based milks. While it may be a great for baking or a way to give your morning coffee a flavour boost, it’s less versatile than other almond or soy milk.

Elmhurst

Dream Blends (made with hazelnuts, cashews and almonds)

Isola Bio (made with hazelnuts and rice

 

Hemp Milk

Hemp milk is a great sustainable alternative with a nutty taste. The texture sits somewhere between almond and soy milk and it’s very high in protein. It’s stronger taste means it’s more suitable for savory dishes than desserts.

 Leaves House offers a barista addition Hemp Milk (so expect to be crafting the perfect cappuccinos.)

Elmhurst 

Pacific Foods

 

Pea Milk

The most popular brand when it comes to pea milk is Ripple. Pea milk is much higher in protein than other plant-based milk alternatives such as almond or oat options. Ripple is even comparable to cow's milk as it provides the same amount of protein! It is also lower in calories and has a rich and creamy texture.

Ripple

What milk alternatives in Quebec and Canada have you tried? Let us know!