Is there good dairy free eggnog?

What is eggnog?

Eggnog is a rich, creamy holiday drink typically made with milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Traditional eggnog contains dairy ingredients like milk and cream, which give it its signature thick, creamy texture. However, there are dairy-free versions of eggnog available for those who cannot or choose not to consume dairy.

Why choose dairy-free eggnog?

There are a few reasons one may want to opt for dairy-free eggnog:

• Dairy allergies or intolerances – Some people are allergic to milk proteins or lactose intolerant, meaning they cannot comfortably digest the milk sugar lactose.
• Vegan diet – Vegans do not consume any animal products, including dairy. Dairy-free eggnog allows vegans to enjoy this seasonal beverage.
• Preference for plant-based milks – Some prefer the taste of plant-based milks like almond, soy, or oat milk over dairy milk.
• Environmental concerns – Dairy farming generates significant greenhouse gas emissions. Opting for plant-based alternatives helps reduce one’s carbon footprint.

What are the main dairy-free eggnog options?

There are a few popular dairy-free bases used to make vegan and non-dairy eggnogs:

Soy milk eggnog

Soy milk has a creamy, dairy-like consistency that makes it a great base for eggnog. It’s one of the most popular plant-based milk options. Make sure to stick with unsweetened, unflavored soy milk.

Almond milk eggnog

Almond milk is lower in calories than soy and works well in eggnog. Like soy milk, opt for an unsweetened, unflavored variety.

Coconut milk eggnog

Coconut milk is naturally thick and creamy. Full-fat coconut milk makes an indulgent, dairy-free eggnog. Light coconut milk can also be used.

Oat milk eggnog

Oat milk has a mild, creamy taste that blends well in eggnog. It’s naturally sweeter than other non-dairy milks. Use unsweetened oat milk.

Cashew milk eggnog

Cashew milk has a smooth, creamy consistency. It’s on the thinner side, so adding less non-dairy milk or more eggs can help make it thicker.

Tips for making dairy-free eggnog

To make delicious dairy-free eggnog, follow these tips:

• Use full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened soy/almond milk for a richer, creamier eggnog.
• Let the plant-based milk soak overnight in the fridge with the eggs and spices to allow the flavors to fully develop.
• Add cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or vegan protein powder to help thicken it.
• Blend until completely smooth after soaking to achieve a creamy texture.
• Store in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days.
• Add rum or brandy to make an alcoholic version (alcohol helps preserve it).
• Top with ground cinnamon or nutmeg for extra holiday spice.
• Sweeten to taste with sugar, maple syrup, or agave.

Best recipes for dairy-free eggnog

Here are some top-rated recipes to try for delicious dairy-free eggnog:

Coconut Milk Eggnog

• Ingredients: 2 cans coconut milk, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup rum (optional), 6 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp nutmeg, 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.
• The coconut milk gives it a rich texture. Rum adds a festive touch.

Cashew Eggnog

• Ingredients: 2 cups cashew milk, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup rum (optional), 4 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• Soak cashews overnight, blend into milk. Whisk in remaining ingredients.
• The cashew milk has a deliciously smooth, creamy mouthfeel.

Soy Milk Eggnog

• Ingredients: 2 cups soy milk, 1/3 cup agave or maple syrup, 1/4 cup rum (optional), 1 tbsp cornstarch, 4 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• Whisk together eggs, sweetener, and cornstarch. Heat soy milk until just simmering then slowly pour into egg mixture while whisking. Return to stove and cook until thick, 2-3 minutes. Let cool completely before adding rum and spices.
• The cornstarch helps make it perfectly thick and velvety.

Almond Milk Eggnog

• Ingredients: 2 cups almond milk, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup rum (optional), 2 tbsp almond butter, 1 tsp vanilla, 4 eggs, 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• Whisk all ingredients together until smooth. For thicker eggnog, add an extra egg. Chill thoroughly before serving.
• The almond butter adds a nice nutty richness.

Where to buy dairy-free eggnog

Here are some places to purchase store-bought vegan and dairy-free eggnog:

• Grocery stores – Many larger grocery store chains now carry dairy-free eggnog options, particularly around the holidays. Look in the dairy or non-dairy milk sections.
• Health food stores – Stores like Whole Foods and Sprouts have varieties like soy, almond, or coconut milk nog from brands like Soy Delicious and Califia Farms.
• Online stores – Dairy-free eggnogs can be purchased online from Amazon, Thrive Market, Vegan Essentials, and other vegan/health food retailers.
• Specialty markets – Some coffee shops, bakeries, and gourmet markets, especially those focused on plant-based options, carry or make their own dairy-free egg nogs this time of year.

Some widely available brands to look for include:

• Silk Nog (soy-based)
• So Delicious NoMoo Chai Eggnog (coconut-based)
• Califia Farms Holiday Nog (almond-based)
• Almond Breeze Almondmilk Nog (almond-based)
• Lite N’ Lovely Coconog (coconut-based)

Always check the label to confirm the ingredients are dairy-free. Many commercial brands also make egg-free versions for vegans.

Taste test of store-bought options

To compare the taste of some popular store-bought dairy-free eggnogs, I purchased several varieties and did a blind taste test. Here is an overview of my tasting notes:

Silk Nog

• Base: Organic soy milk
• Taste: Thick, creamy, custard-like consistency. Notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Moderately sweet.
• Rating: 4/5 stars – Excellent classic eggnog flavor. Undistinguishable from dairy-based.

So Delicious NoMoo Chai Eggnog

• Base: Coconut milk
• Taste: Very thick and rich. Dominant chai flavor (cardamom, clove, ginger) with hints of coconut. Nice spice blend but sweeter than expected.
• Rating: 3/5 stars – Great if you enjoy chai spices in your nog. Not as universally crowd-pleasing.

Califia Farms Holiday Nog

• Base: Almond milk
• Taste: Smooth, creamy medium body. Subtle almond flavor. Well-balanced cinnamon, ginger and vanilla spice. Not too sweet.
• Rating: 4.5/5 stars – Excellent classic nog taste and texture. One of my favorites.

Almond Breeze Almondmilk Nog

• Base: Almond milk
• Taste: Thinner consistency than others. Mild almond flavor. Cinnamon spice needs to be stronger. Too sweet.
• Rating: 2.5/5 stars – Drinkable but not rich or flavorfully spiced enough compared to other options.

Based on taste, my favorites were the Silk Nog and Califia Holiday Nog for their deliciously creamy, custard-like consistency and well-balanced holiday spice flavors. The So Delicious NoMoo Chai Nog is also excellent if you specifically want a chai twist on traditional eggnog.

Easy homemade dairy-free eggnog recipes

To make your own dairy-free eggnog at home, here are a couple easy recipe options:

5-Ingredient Coconut Milk Eggnog

Ingredients:

• 1 (15-ounce) can coconut milk (shake, then open)
• 1 (15-ounce) can cream of coconut (like Coco Lopez)
• 1 teaspoon rum or brandy extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ground nutmeg or cinnamon, for serving

Instructions:

1. Whisk all ingredients except nutmeg together until smooth and thoroughly combined.
2. Refrigerate eggnog for at least 2 hours until completely chilled.
3. Pour into glasses and top with grated nutmeg or cinnamon.

4-Ingredient Almond Milk Eggnog

Ingredients:

• 4 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 teaspoons rum or 1 teaspoon rum extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Whisk all ingredients together until fully combined and thickened slightly.
2. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Keeps 3-4 days refrigerated.
3. Dust with nutmeg before enjoying chilled.

Both of these easy dairy-free eggnog options transform just a few ingredients into decadent, holiday-worthy drinks. The coconut milk version is thick and lush, while the almond milk one is sweet and vanilla-forward. Adjust spices to taste and enjoy!

Conclusion

In summary, there are several delicious options for dairy-free holiday eggnog. Commercial brands like Silk Nog and Califia Holiday Nog offer convenience, while making it yourself allows you to customize flavors. Coconut and almond milk make excellent bases and adding rum or spices like nutmeg round out traditional eggnog flavor. With a few minor tweaks, those avoiding dairy for health or personal reasons can still sip on this quintessential creamy, winter beverage. Eggnog is easy to prepare dairy-free for a holiday treat the whole family can partake in.