As a vegan, you might think that tea is not a beverage that you can enjoy, given that most times, tea is prepared with milk. However, did you know that around 65% of the world is lactose intolerant to some extent? It comes as no surprise then, that the number of alternatives to dairy are abundant. The trend of veganism is slowly taking over the world, and multiple alternatives to milk are becoming increasingly popular.

So, in case you feel that your body needs a good cleanse from all that dairy, we are here to help you with some vegan options to milk which you can add to your tea. Whether it is for health reasons or preference, here are some ways how you can continue to enjoy your daily cup of tea while avoiding regular milk!

 

SOY MILK

                                                                                     

Soy milk is a wonderful dairy free alternative to normal milk. It is the end result of grinding and soaking soybeans and then filtering out the particles that may form. It is creamy and delicious, and although not as sweet as almond milk, it is definitely a healthy alternative that many vegans enjoy with their cup of tea.

Tea tip: Steep 1 tablespoon of loose leaf black tea in 1 cup of water. Stir in 2 cups of soy milk and a tablespoon of sugar to enjoy a sweet and invigorating morning beverage.

 

ALMOND MILK

                                                                                     

This is similar to soy milk and is produced by soaking almonds in water and then straining them through a cloth. Although it is a popular alternative, you should be careful about adding it to very hot tea because it can split when added to the beverage.

Tea tip: Try adding almond milk to your regular cup of tasty Indian black tea – you won’t notice the difference, and will feel much lighter after!

 

COCONUT MILK

Another good vegan alternative to milk is coconut milk, which is often used in cooking. Coconut flesh is passed through water to produce one of the healthiest alternatives to normal milk. Coconut milk’s mild flavour makes a great addition to tea or coffee. The best part is that you do not need to add extra sugar since it is already sweet!

Tea tip: Add tapioca pearls, honey and vanilla to a cup of brewed black tea mixed with coconut milk, to make a cup of Boba (bubble) tea, a sweet treat enjoyed in many parts of Asia.

 

OAT MILK

                                                                                     

Oat milk is another option that’s coveted by vegans the world around. While healthier than normal milk, oat milk is slightly less nutritional than nut milks which use natural ingredients. Oats tend to be processed but you can find fresh ones in the market, which you can soak and strain in order to make this milk substitute.

Tea tip: Add some crushed rose petals, a few drops of rosewater and a dash of vanilla extract to a cup of black tea mixed with oat milk for a delicately flavoured beverage that is sure to tickle your tastebuds.

 

As a vegan these are only some of the alternatives to regular milk that you can try. Other varieties exist - hemp milk, cashew milk and even rice milk have been tested, in case you feel adventurous! Initially, while the flavour may not seem as rich to you as regular milk, you can eventually develop a taste for it, especially when you consider the ample health benefits of milk substitutes in tea. Stay healthy!