Quick Answers
There are many delicious and nutritious breakfast options without dairy. Some quick answers include:
- Oatmeal made with water or non-dairy milk
- Fresh fruit
- Smoothies made with non-dairy milk
- Toast with nut butter
- Avocado toast
- Tofu scramble
- Vegan yogurt
- Granola with non-dairy milk
- Overnight oats
- Tofu breakfast tacos
Non-Dairy Milks
One of the easiest substitutions to make for dairy milk is to use non-dairy milks such as:
- Almond milk
- Soy milk
- Coconut milk
- Oat milk
- Rice milk
- Cashew milk
These can be used on cereal, in smoothies, in coffee drinks, and for any recipe that calls for regular milk. Just check the labels to be sure you choose unsweetened varieties without added flavors.
Hot Cereals
Hot cereals are a breakfast staple and most can easily be made dairy-free. Here are some hot cereal ideas without milk:
- Oatmeal – Use water or non-dairy milk instead of cow’s milk. Dress up with fruit, cinnamon, nut butter, etc.
- Cream of Wheat – Prepare with water or non-dairy milk. Top with syrup, jam, fresh berries, etc.
- Millet – Cook millet in water or broth and top with maple syrup and chopped nuts.
- Quinoa – Make quinoa in water or non-dairy milk. Mix in dried fruit and cinnamon.
- Rolled oats – Use rolled oats to make overnight oats with non-dairy yogurt, chia seeds, fruit, etc.
Egg Dishes
Eggs are naturally dairy-free, so there are many egg-based breakfast options:
- Scrambled eggs – Flavor with herbs, salsa, mushrooms, veggies, etc.
- Fried eggs – Serve over toast or rice.
- Boiled eggs – Make ahead for a quick protein-packed breakfast.
- Egg sandwiches – Use non-dairy cheese or skip the cheese.
- Breakfast burritos – Fill with eggs, veggies, avocado, etc.
- Frittatas – Bake egg dish with veggies like spinach, peppers, onions, etc.
Tofu Scramble
For a high protein, dairy-free alternative to scrambled eggs, try making tofu scramble:
- Drain and crumble firm or extra firm tofu.
- Cook tofu in oil over medium heat until lightly browned.
- Add spices like turmeric, nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, etc.
- Mix in chopped veggies like peppers, spinach, onions, mushrooms.
- Cook until heated through.
- Enjoy on toast, in a breakfast wrap/burrito, with rice, etc.
Protein-Packed Breakfasts
Without dairy products like yogurt and cheese, make sure to include other protein sources at breakfast:
- Non-dairy yogurt – Look for soy, coconut or almond-based yogurts.
- Nut butter – Peanut, almond, cashew butter on toast, fruit, oatmeal.
- Nuts and seeds – Sprinkle on cereal, oatmeal, salads.
- Protein powder – Add to smoothies or make protein pancakes.
- Cottage cheese – Dairy-free versions available made from soy.
- Edamame – Add shelled edamame to scrambles, grain bowls, etc.
Fruit-Based Breakfasts
Fruit is naturally dairy-free and makes a refreshing, fiber-filled breakfast:
- Fruit salad – Fresh chopped fruit like melon, berries, citrus, etc.
- Berries with nut milk – Top berries with almond milk or another non-dairy variety.
- Green smoothies – Blend banana, greens, non-dairy milk, etc.
- Parfaits – Layer non-dairy yogurt with granola and fruit.
- Fruit bowls – Top chopped fruit with seeds, shredded coconut, nut butter, etc.
- Orange juice – Fresh squeezed is best.
Blueberry Coconut Breakfast Smoothie
- 1 banana
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup non-dairy milk
- 1/4 cup coconut flakes
- 2 tbsp nut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Ice cubes
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Tweak flavors to taste. Sprinkle with added coconut flakes.
Vegan Breakfast Options
Those following a vegan diet exclude all animal products, including eggs and honey. Here are some vegan-friendly breakfast ideas:
- Tofu scramble – Seasoned pan-fried tofu is an excellent egg substitute.
- Vegan pancakes – Make batter with non-dairy milk and use egg replacer.
- Vegan muffins – Bake a batch with plant-based ingredients.
- Oatmeal – Cook with water or non-dairy milk.
- Smoothies – Use fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, etc.
Fluffy Vegan Pancakes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup non-dairy milk
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Whisk dry ingredients together. Mix milk and vinegar and let sit 1 minute. Add wet to dry and mix just until combined. Cook on lightly oiled griddle. Top with fruit compote, syrup, nut butter, etc.
Gluten-Free and Grain-Free Breakfasts
Those avoiding gluten or all grains have many tasty breakfast options:
- Smoothies – Load up on fruits, veggies, nut butters, etc.
- Fruit salads – Mix and match fresh, seasonal fruits.
- Beans on toast – Use gluten-free bread and baked beans.
- Tofu veggie scramble – Add beans, potatoes, other veggies.
- Chia pudding – Chia seeds soaked in non-dairy milk make a creamy parfait.
Quinoa Breakfast Porridge
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 1 cup water or non-dairy milk
- Pinch of salt
- Raisins, chopped apples, cinnamon
- Walnuts, almonds, pecans
Simmer quinoa in water or milk with salt until creamy. Remove from heat and stir in mix-ins. Top with additional nuts and fruit.
Simple Toast Toppers
Start your day right with these easy dairy-free toast-topping ideas:
- Nut butter – Almond, peanut, cashew, etc.
- Smashed avocado – For avocado toast!
- Sliced bananas or apples – Add cinnamon too.
- Hummus – Protein-packed and delicious.
- Jam, jelly – Look for ones without gelatin.
- Nutritional yeast – Cheesy, savory flavor.
Vegan Avocado Toast Recipe
- 1 slice bread, toasted
- 1/2 avocado, mashed
- Lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Optional: Everything bagel seasoning, hot sauce, salsa
Mash avocado and season with lemon juice, salt, pepper flakes to taste. Spread on toast. Customize with spices and extras.
Conclusion
This covers many delicious dairy-free breakfast options to start your day off right. Focus on whole foods like fruit, grains, nuts, seeds, eggs, beans, veggies and quality protein from foods like tofu. Use non-dairy milks and yogurts. Read labels to avoid hidden dairy ingredients. With a little creativity, you can enjoy tasty and satisfying mornings without the dairy!
