Best Dairy-Free Milk for Creamy Milkshakes
The best dairy-free milk for milkshakes is often almond milk for its creaminess, but oat milk also provides a rich texture and flavor that enhances shakes.
Dairy-free milkshakes can be just as rich and creamy as traditional ones when you choose the right plant-based milk. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just exploring new flavors, these options will transform your shakes.
Top Dairy-Free Milks for Milkshakes
1. Coconut Milk (Canned)
Full-fat canned coconut milk creates the creamiest texture. Its high fat content mimics dairy perfectly. Use 1/2 cup per shake and blend with dairy-free ice cream for maximum richness.
2. Cashew Milk
SoDelicious makes a cashewmilk frozen dessert that works beautifully in shakes. The natural creaminess comes from cashews’ high oil content. Perfect for cookies & cream flavors.
3. Oat Milk
Oatly’s full-fat version blends smoothly and adds subtle sweetness. It’s ideal for chocolate or coffee shakes. The beta-glucans in oats create a thick, satisfying texture.
Pro Tip:
For extra thickness, freeze your plant milk in ice cube trays before blending. This works great with almond or soy milk too.
Flavor Pairing Guide
| Milk Type | Best Flavor Pairings | Texture Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Coconut | Chocolate, tropical fruits, mint | 5/5 |
| Cashew | Vanilla, caramel, peanut butter | 4.5/5 |
| Oat | Coffee, strawberry, matcha | 4/5 |
Equipment Matters
Your blender makes a huge difference in achieving that perfect shake consistency. For best results, use a high-powered blender that can crush ice and frozen ingredients smoothly.
Blending Tips:
- Start with 1/4 cup milk and add more as needed
- Blend in pulses for better control
- Add a banana or avocado for extra creaminess
Creative Dairy-Free Shake Ideas
1. Mint Chocolate Chip
Use coconut milk with dairy-free vanilla ice cream, fresh mint leaves, and vegan chocolate chips. Add spinach for color without affecting taste.
2. Salted Caramel
Blend cashew milk with date caramel sauce and a pinch of sea salt. Top with crushed pretzels for crunch.
3. Tropical Turmeric
Combine coconut milk with frozen pineapple, mango, and a dash of turmeric for an anti-inflammatory boost.
According to Running With Spoons, adding plant-based protein powder can improve texture while boosting nutrition. Vanilla protein works well in most flavors.
Store-Bought vs. Homemade
While brands like SoDelicious and Oatly make excellent dairy-free frozen desserts, homemade versions allow complete control over ingredients and sweetness. Try making your own cashew or coconut milk ice cream base for shakes.
For those who enjoy experimenting, Be Plant Well suggests using frozen bananas as an ice cream alternative. Blend with nut butter and cocoa powder for a quick chocolate shake.
Troubleshooting Thin Shakes
- Add 1 tbsp chia seeds and let sit for 5 minutes
- Include 1/4 cup rolled oats while blending
- Use less liquid and more frozen ingredients
- Try xanthan gum (1/8 tsp per shake)
