14 Best Milk Substitutes for Your Cereal Bowl

Rohit Panwar

An increasing number of people around the world are giving up dairy and looking for milk substitutes. Looking for vegan milk for cereal is one of their most common queries.

In this blog, I am sharing with you some of the most nutritious and best tasting milk substitutes for cereal. So, read on, till the end.

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What is the Best Vegan Milk for Cereal?

Whether you are a new vegan or just a plant milk lover looking for vegan milk for cereal, I got your back. Here are some of the best options – 

1. Almond milk

Almond milk is one of the most loved and consumed plant milks. It is low in calories and fats which is why many non-vegans also prefer it over dairy.  

Almond milk is, however, not suitable for everyone since it is low in proteins and calcium. You can opt for commercial (unsweetened) versions that are fortified with these nutrients.

Nutritional Facts (1 Cup)* 
  • Calories – 40 kcal
  • Carbs – 2 g
  • Fats – 3g
  • Protein – 1 g
  • Fiber – <1g

2. Pea Milk 

A milk that truly deserves to be in your cereal is pea milk. It has almost the same amount of protein as cow milk which makes this plant-based alternative one of the best vegan milk for cereal. 

It also has a milk flavour which does not interfere with cereal’s taste. This, in my opinion as a nutritionist, is the best soy-free, nut-free vegan milk option. 

Nutritional Facts (1 Cup)* 
  • Calories – 80 kcal
  • Carbs – 6 g 
  • Fats – 4.5g
  • Protein –  8 g
  • Fiber – <1g

3. Soy milk

Soy milk was the first plant-based milk that I ever tried. It is easily available, cost effective and also tastes light & creamy which makes it an ideal choice for cereal. 

Soy milk is also higher in protein in comparison to many of its counterparts. So, it can definitely be a part of your morning nutritious bowl. 

Nutritional Facts (1 Cup)* 
  • Calories – 105 kcal
  • Carbs – 12 g 
  • Fats – 3.5 g
  • Protein –  6 g
  • Fiber – 0.5 g

4. Hazelnut Milk 

Hazelnut milk is a relatively new entry in the plant-based milk entry. It may not be easily available, but if you do get your hands on it, give it a try. Better still- make your own hazelnut vegan milk at home. 

The milk is not only rich in nutrients like vitamin E but is also delicious. Its nutty flavour goes really well with chocolate based cereals. 

Nutritional Facts (1 Cup)* 
  • Calories – 80 kcal
  • Carbs – 6 g 
  • Fats – 4.5g
  • Protein –  8 g
  • Fiber – <1g

5. Coconut Milk

Coconut milk has been a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine for ages. Its popularity as a beverage has inflated in the last few decades. Although low in protein, coconut milk makes an ideal choice for people on a low carb diet, like keto, since it is low in carbs..

The creamy consistency and mildly sweet flavour of coconut milk is one reason it is loved by so many people. Remember, the canned coconut milk is much thicker and nutrition dense than the beverage variety available in cartons. 

Nutritional Facts (1 Cup)* 
  • Calories – 45 kcal
  • Carbs – 2 g 
  • Fats – 4 g
  • Protein –  1 g
  • Fiber – 0.9 g

6. Macadamia Milk 

Ever tried macadamia milk in your cereal? If not, I strongly recommend it. The nutty richness of macadamia nuts blends really well with any kind of smoothies or morning cereals.

Finding macadamia milk is however a task, but as I always say, making one at home is always better than the store bought ones. 

Nutritional Facts (1 Cup)* 
  • Calories – 50 kcal
  • Carbs – 1 g 
  • Fats – 5 g
  • Protein –  1 g
  • Fiber – 0.9 g

7. Oat milk

Oat milk is one of the most environment-friendly plant milks out there. It is rich in fibre and contains small amounts of protein too. 

The creamy and milk oat milk is a good choice for cereals since its flavour does not interfere with the taste of your cereal. 

Nutritional Facts (1 Cup)* 
  • Calories – 120 kcal
  • Carbs – 16 g 
  • Fats – 5 g
  • Protein –  3 g
  • Fiber – 2 g

8. Hemp milk

Hemp milk is becoming very popular in recent times because of its excellent nutritional value. Low in carbs and rich in essential minerals and vitamins, hemp milk is also a very sustainable product.

Hemp milk has an earthy and nutty taste, which you might find a little strange, but it’s overall benefits make it worth a try. 

Nutritional Facts (1 Cup)* 
  • Calories – 60 kcal
  • Carbs – <1 g 
  • Fats – 4.5 g
  • Protein –  4 g
  • Fiber – <1 g

9. Flax Milk

Flaxseeds are an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids – the good kind of fat and these are inherited in its milk as well. Flax milk’s nutritional value makes it an excellent choice for adding to cereal. 

Flax milk is extremely low in calories and carbs which makes it a good option for people trying to lose weight.

Nutritional Facts (1 Cup)* 
  • Calories – 25 kcal
  • Carbs – 1 g 
  • Fats – 2.5 g
  • Protein –  <1g

10. Tigernut Milk

Tigernut milk might sound new but has been around for quite some time. It is a popular drink in parts of Nigeria and spain. 

This tuber based drink is rich and nutty in flavour and can enhance the taste of your morning cereal. The only downside is its availability and high cost.

Nutritional Facts (1 Cup)* 
  • Calories – 70 kcal
  • Carbs – 6 g 
  • Fats – 4 g
  • Protein –  1 g
  • Fiber – <1g

11. Walnut Milk

Another nut milk that is slowly gaining popularity is walnut milk. Rich in omega 3 fats, the delicious walnut milk is truly a morning treat. 

Since walnut milk is very low on carbs and has a relatively higher amount of fats, it is also a good option for people on a low carb keto diet.

Nutritional Facts (1 Cup)* 
  • Calories – 120 kcal
  • Carbs – 1 g 
  • Fats – 11 g
  • Protein –  3 g
  • Fiber – 0 g

12. Banana Milk 

Banana milk is an ideal choice for your morning cereal and oatmeal. This dairy-free, nut-free and soy-free option is also very easy to make at home. 

Bananas are rich in essential nutrients like potassium and fibre, which makes banana milk a decent nutritional drink as well. 

Nutritional Facts (1 Cup)* 
  • Calories – 60 kcal
  • Carbs – 9 g 
  • Fats – 3 g
  • Protein –  1 g
  • Fiber – 1 g

13. Cashew milk

The sweet and nutty cashew milk is a great option for cereal for beginners. Its creaminess will make you fall in love with your cereal. 

Cashew milk is also low in calories and carbs, and can thus be ideal for fitness enthusiasts. 

Nutritional Facts (1 Cup)* 
  • Calories – 24 kcal
  • Carbs – 2 g 
  • Fats – 2 g
  • Protein –  1 g
  • Fiber – <0 g

These were my top favourite picks for vegan milk for cereal. In case you are using some other type of milk, let me know in the comment section. I always love to hear from my readers. 

*All values are for market versions of  unsweetened plant milk, taken from USDA.

Rohit Panwar

Hi! I'm Integrated Nutrition Coach Rohit Panwar. I hold twin Certifications from IIN, New York & SAFM, Massachusetts. I am a passionate vocalist of holistic lifestyle and have fully committed the past several years to educate & empower people towards their wellbeing. Despite a successful yet hectic corporate stint of 21+ years, I have prioritised nutriment in my life. I truly hope my personal journey from illness to wellness helps everybody reading this forge their own path.