For many of us, dairy products are a big part of our daily breakfast routine. Whether we’re pouring milk over our cereal or eating spoonfuls of yogurt as we run out the door, traditional breakfasts and dairy seem to go hand in hand.
However, there are a ton of delicious and nutritious ways to integrate dairy free breakfast and lactose free breakfast ideas into your daily routine. Perhaps you’re indulging in dairy free smoothies with a coconut water base, or whipping up a batch of granola to top with the nut milk of your choice. Whatever your meal of choice, dairy free meals can be a creative and great way to start the day that will energize you for the morning ahead. Plus, they taste incredible!
Here are some potential benefits of opting to go dairy free in the morning:
- less bloating
- clearer skin
- less oxidative stress
- improved digestion
- better for respiratory health
- may reduce risk of cancer
- relief from dairy allergies or sensitivities
And here are some alternatives to dairy products:
- coconut milk
- almond milk
- rice milk
- macadamia milk
- cashew milk
- hemp milk
- soy milk
- coconut yogurt
- almond milk yogurt
- soy yogurt
Dairy Free Breakfast Ideas
Whether you are trying to go dairy free with oatmeal and granola or opt for smoothies and breakfast shakes, here are some of our favorite dairy-free recipes for breakfasts. Use them as a base for inspiration to fuel your nutritious mornings ahead.
Coconut Chai Smoothie
This recipe for a Coconut Chai Smoothie was developed by superfood goddess Julie Morris. She combines ⅓ cup Almond Protein Powder, 2 tablespoons macadamia nuts, 1 large Medjool date, 1 cup coconut water, 1 1/4 cups ice, and 1 tablespoon shredded coconut to create a blended and frosty super drink. This nutritious smoothie is a wonderful way to start the day—although it tastes so good, you may find yourself wanting to end the day in the same way. If you’re looking to pack more of a punch to this drink, consider topping it with a handful of homemade granola or a few tablespoons of chia seeds. Alternatively, you can also make it into a bowl and add sliced banana or berries on top.
Tropical Breeze Smoothie
Looking to escape to the tropics midweek by way of a healthy beverage? Give this Tropical Breeze Smoothie a try. It’s an excellent source of protein and fiber with 240 mg of omega-3 per serving. It’s also rich in iron and is vegan as well. It’s kid-friendly, made with just the nutritional booster, coconut milk, pineapple juice, and fresh fruit like mango chunks and banana. Simply combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. The end result is sweet, fruity, and refreshing. We suggest sipping it outside in the summertime sunshine under a swaying palm tree, if possible. While you’re at it, you might want to consider throwing in a paper umbrella to add to the tropical vibe.
Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
This Chocolate Cherry Smoothie introduces the classic and decadent combo of chocolate and cherries—but in your morning smoothie. Another creation from superfood chef Julie Morris, the smoothie is made with a blend of Almond Protein Powder, dried goji berries, Unsweetened Coconut Flakes, frozen cherries, unsweetened almond milk, and ice. Chock full of nutrition, this smoothie powerhouse is a sure way to fuel your body and start your day in a positive and uplifting way. After just one sip, you’ll see why this smoothie has such a devout and loyal following of dairy free breakfast lovers.
Apple Cinnamon Walnut Brown Rice Farina
Farina is a form of milled wheat that’s often prepared as a hot cereal. This recipe for Apple Cinnamon Walnut Brown Rice Farina is quick to throw together (roughly 10-12 minutes) and is delicious with its flavors of cinnamon and maple syrup. It’s made with Brown Rice Farina, chopped walnuts, and apple, and will soon become a well-loved breakfast for both kids and parents alike. Serve it up warm and fill yourself up from the inside out.
Basic Preparation Instructions for 10 Grain Hot Cereal
Our 10 Grain Hot Cereal is created with freshly milled grains, beans, and seeds, including whole grain hard red wheat, rye, triticale, oat bran, oats, corn, barley, soybeans, brown rice, millet, and flaxseed meal. It’s also Bob’s favorite! It makes for a nutritious and hearty breakfast porridge and can be prepared with just water and sea salt. Serve it with honey, almond milk, and chopped nuts for an incredible breakfast bound to satisfy even the hungriest of morning eaters. Top it with fresh berries or apples for a seasonal twist. Whether you’re keeping it simple or adding decorations to the top, this is the perfect meal for those just starting out on their quest for a dairy free breakfast routine.
Healthy Chocolate Protein Pancakes
The recipe for these light and fluffy Chocolate Protein Pancakes comes courtesy of Angelina Papanikolaou from Baked Ambrosia. They’re packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients including probiotics. The pancakes are made using Gluten Free Oat Flour, Almond Protein Powder, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, coconut oil, eggs, and almond milk. The delicious syrup uses bittersweet chocolate, coconut milk, maple syrup, and strawberries and bananas to create a drool-worthy drizzle for the pancakes. How’s that for a special and healthy summertime (or any time) breakfast treat?
Cherry Almond Chia Granola
This dairy free recipe for Cherry Almond Chia Granola is both high in fiber and vegan. It’s created using Regular Rolled Oats or Organic Regular Rolled Oats, Buckwheat Groats, organic quinoa grain, Organic Chia Seeds, sliced almonds, ground cinnamon, sea salt, vanilla extract, maple syrup, oil, and dried tart cherries. For a lovely taste, try using coconut oil as your oil of choice and pouring coconut milk over your granola just before serving. This is a refreshing and feel-good breakfast staple for every season from fall to summer. The coconut gives it an extra layer of luxury in the morning.
Montana Huckleberry S'mores Oatmeal
Yes, it’s true: you can have your dessert and eat it, too (even when that dessert comes at breakfast time). This Montana Huckleberry S’mores Oatmeal is as unique and amazing as it sounds. It calls for just three ingredients, Steel Cut Oats, water, and salt—with a topping of huckleberry jam, crushed graham crackers, and marshmallow fluff. Some folks find it surprising that marshmallows are dairy free, but it’s true! They’re made with just sugar, water, and gelatin, so you can feel free to add them to your breakfast of choice. To toast the marshmallow fluff, use a kitchen torch or broil in the oven for 45-60 seconds before dividing the huckleberry jam and crushed graham crackers evenly between the bowls. Whether you’re camping or enjoying this dish at your kitchen table, we’re certain you’ll love it. You can even mix up your daily oatmeal routine by topping it off with fresh fruit and almond butter.
Sweet Millet Congee
Congee is a porridge made with rice or millet that is popular in many Asian countries. Sweet potato congee, in particular, is a favorite in Taiwan. This recipe for Sweet Millet Congee can be found on our bags of Hulled Millet and is made with hulled millet, water, sweet potato, minced ginger, cinnamon, brown sugar, apple, honey, and bacon. The result is a somewhat sweet, somewhat savory breakfast porridge that is dairy free, gluten free, and high in fiber. If you’d like, you can even try this recipe in the slow cooker. Simply reduce the water by 1 cup and cook on high for 2-2 1/2 hours.
Buckwheat Granola
This recipe for sweet and crunchy gluten free granola can be found on our bags of Organic Buckwheat Groats and is perfect for both breakfast or a midday snack. It’s created with Gluten Free Rolled Oats, Buckwheat Groats, almonds, coconut flakes, cranberries, honey, maple syrup, coconut oil, ground cinnamon, sea salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract. This particular recipe also utilizes shelled sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds to add both flavor and nutrition. Bake the granola until browned and crispy, 30-35 minutes, stirring thoroughly every 10 minutes. Let cool before breaking into clumps and adding dried cranberries. Serve it with your favorite dairy free milk and a mug of tea.
Though dairy tends to be a large part of many breakfast routines, there are several creative--and tasty--options if you’re looking for a dairy free breakfast. Perhaps you’re getting acquainted with an alternative milk like rice or hemp milk, or a nut milk like almond or cashew milk. Maybe you’re trying a blueberry coconut milk dairy-free yogurt with a big dollop of coconut cream whipped topping and a sprinkle of homemade granola!
Whatever you’re choosing to eat, there are lots of amazing ways to integrate dairy free breakfasts into your world. We hope these ideas serve as a starting point for many yummy meals to come!
Have any favorite dairy free recipes or go-to meals you like to create for breakfast? Feel free to share them with us in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you.
