What Dairy Free milk is best?

Dairy is the first food allergy that I discovered.  So...I have a lot of years of experience with dairy free milk.  And I can tell you over the years I have used different products.  I used to use Soy milk because it had more protein than the other dairy free milks.  I eventually acquired the taste for soy milk.  But if you have a Soy intolerance or allergy like I do, this is not a good option.  

I can also say that it is a personal preference on taste.  I personally Love So Delicious Coconut Milk.  I have discovered that Brand DOES matter when it comes to dairy free milk.  But again let me emphasize it is a matter of personal taste.  Where as I believe So Delicious Coconut Milk is the best, One of my sister's believes that Silk Coconut Milk is the best.  I have yet another sister who thinks that Blue Diamond Almond Milk is the best dairy free milk.  I even have friends who swear by Hemp milk. 

So...My recommendation is keep a journal of the dairy free milks you have tried and which ones you liked and which you did not.  And if you try one and don't like it, don't give up try another brand or another type.  There are So many choices, Soy, Rice, Coconut, Oat, Hemp, Almond, Hazelnut, etc.

Read Labels Carefully!

As you change your life to accommodate food allergies and intolerance's read labels VERY carefully!

As I am working on this blog, I keep finding hidden sources of Corn.  Is it in everything?  I seem to be able to handle the really small amounts.  or perhaps, I am living in ignorant bliss.   However, knowing I have an intolerance it is possible that even the small amounts are causing damage to my body.  So I am striving for as close to corn free as I can get.  If you have an anaphalactic reaction then you will need to be pristine, and watch for cross contamination.  This goes for all food allergies.

My discovery today is that the soy free earth balance (along with the other) has corn in it.  Extremely frustrating!!!  It appears to be a small amount of the "flavorings" are derived from corn.

The lesson is read labels very closely!

Vanilla Extract has Corn

I have recently discovered that Vanilla Extract usually is made with corn.  It apparently is very easy to make yourself.  I plan to try this soon.  But it takes a month to process it when I have tried it I will give you my review on it.

I have found that if you skip vanilla in recipes they usually turn out just fine.  I have started omitting this ingredient in my baking.  Mostly, because I ran out and I kept forgetting to buy more.  But I have been surprised to discover that the taste really doesn't change much.

The hard thing about avoiding Corn is that it is in just about everything.  Even when you think you are avoiding it.  It sneaks up on you!  As in the case of vanilla

Xanthum Gum contains Corn

Xanthum Gum contains corn.  For me, my sensitivity to corn is not severe enough for this to be a problem. But for people with severe corn allergies they should substitute guar gum in all my recipes instead of xanthum gum.  

Corn is one of those sneaky culprits, that is often in things and you don't even realize it.

Powdered Sugar and Baking Powder Contain Corn

Just a quick note.

 Most baking powder's and powdered sugar have corn in them.  If Corn is a problem for you.  You will need to read the labels closely on these products.

Hain featherweight Baking Powder is corn free

Wholesome Sweeteners Fair Trade Powdered sugar is often Corn Free (double check when buying).

Other Organic Brands are often Corn Free.

There are also recipes for making your own powdered sugar and baking powder.  I have not done that yet.

Basic Gluten Free Flour Recipe #1

Gluten Free Flour Recipe #1

3 Cups White Rice Flour

3 Cups Brown Rice Flour

3 Cups Tapioca Flour

1 1/2 Cups Potato Starch

1 Tablespoon Salt

2 Tablespoons Xanthum Gum (Guar Gum if have Corn Allergy)

       Tips                    

1. Make it ahead of time and store it in the freezer.  
2. The rice flour can be a combination of brown or white rice or all white or all brown.  (You still need the tapioca flour, and potato starch, etc.)
3. Can be used cup for cup for regular flour in recipes.
4. Gluten free baking you learn by trial and error.  Keep a journal of what worked and what didn't.
5. The Xanthum Gum is a lot less expensive when you buy it in bulk in the packaged bulk from Vitamin Cottage,