Rice milk has become a popular plant-based milk alternative for those who are lactose intolerant, allergic to dairy, following a vegan diet, or simply want a dairy-free option. Rice milk is made from milled rice and water, sometimes with added vitamins and minerals. It has a naturally sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
Compared to cow's milk, rice milk is cholesterol-free, lower in fat and calories, but also significantly lower in protein. It contains some key nutrients like calcium, vitamin B12 and vitamin D, especially in fortified versions. When choosing a rice milk, it's important to consider the ingredients, flavor, consistency, added vitamins and minerals, as well as dietary needs.
Rice Dream Organic Rice Milk Drink
Rice Dream Organic Rice Milk Drink is a delicious and refreshing dairy-free beverage. This rice milk has a light and sweet flavor that comes from the brown rice. It's easy to digest and 99% fat free with no cholesterol.
You can enjoy this rice milk in many ways. Pour it over your cereal or fruit in the morning for a tasty breakfast. Blend it into smoothies to make them creamy and dairy-free. Use it in recipes that call for milk as a substitute. Or simply drink a nice cold glass on its own - it's very satisfying!
This rice milk is enriched with calcium and vitamins D, A, and B12. So it offers good nutrition in addition to great taste. It's also USDA certified organic and free of common allergens like gluten, dairy, and lactose.
Key features:
- Made with organic brown rice
- Delicious light and sweet flavor
- Enriched with calcium and vitamins
- USDA certified organic
- Free of common allergens
Pros:
- Refreshing taste
- Easy to digest
- Nutritious
- Versatile to use in recipes
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than dairy milk
- Needs refrigeration after opening
Dream Beverage Rice Original Classic Organic
Dream Beverage Rice Original Classic Organic is a fantastic dairy-free milk alternative. It has a deliciously light and refreshing flavor that comes from organic brown rice. There's a hint of sweetness too.
This rice milk is very easy to digest since it's 99% fat free with no cholesterol. You can feel good pouring it on cereal, using it in smoothies, or just enjoying a nice cold glass. It's a satisfying and nutritious beverage.
Some key highlights of this product are that it's USDA certified organic and verified by the Non-GMO project. It's also free of common allergens including gluten, dairy, lactose, and nuts.
Key features:
- Made with organic brown rice
- Light, refreshing flavor
- 99% fat free, no cholesterol
- USDA organic and Non-GMO verified
- Free of common allergens
Pros:
- Delicious taste
- Easy to digest
- Nutritious
- Versatile to use in recipes
Cons:
- Needs refrigeration after opening
- Can be expensive compared to dairy milk
Rice Dream Original Classic Rice Milk
Rice Dream Original Classic Rice Milk is a great dairy-free alternative with a deliciously light and refreshing flavor. It's made from organic brown rice and has just a hint of sweetness.
This rice milk is easy to digest since it's 99% fat free with no cholesterol. You can feel good pouring it over cereal, using it in smoothies, baking, or simply enjoying a cold glass. It's a tasty and nutritious beverage.
Some key features of this product are that it's USDA certified organic and contains no common allergens. It's gluten, dairy, lactose, and nut free. It also comes in convenient single-serve aseptic cartons that do not require refrigeration until opened.
Key features:
- Made with organic brown rice
- Deliciously light and refreshing flavor
- 99% fat free, no cholesterol
- USDA organic certified
- Free of common allergens
Pros:
- Great dairy-free alternative
- Easy to digest
- Convenient aseptic cartons
Cons:
- Needs refrigeration after opening
- Can be more expensive than dairy milk
Rice Dream Enriched Original Rice Milk
Rice Dream Enriched Original Rice Milk is a fantastic dairy-free milk alternative with a deliciously light and refreshing flavor. It contains organic brown rice that gives it a hint of natural sweetness.
This nutritious rice milk is enriched with calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, and vitamin B12. It's easy to digest, 99% fat free, and contains no cholesterol. You'll enjoy the great taste and nutrition whether you pour it on cereal, blend it into smoothies, or drink it cold.
Key features of this product include that it's USDA certified organic and kosher. It's also free of common allergens like dairy, lactose, gluten, and nuts. The shelf-stable packaging keeps it fresh for up to 1 year unopened.
Key features:
- Made with organic brown rice
- Deliciously light and refreshing
- Enriched with vitamins and minerals
- USDA organic and kosher certified
- Shelf-stable packaging
Pros:
- Great dairy-free milk alternative
- Easy to digest
- Nutritious
- Long shelf life when unopened
Cons:
- Needs refrigeration after opening
- Can be more expensive than dairy milk
Rice Dream Vanilla Rice Milk Drink
Rice Dream Vanilla Rice Milk Drink is a deliciously refreshing dairy-free beverage. It's made with organic brown rice and has a light vanilla flavor. The hint of sweetness comes from the rice and vanilla.
This nutritious rice milk is enriched with calcium and vitamins D, A, and B12. It's easy to digest, 99% fat free, and has no cholesterol. Enjoy it poured over cereal, in smoothies, or straight from a cold glass.
Key features of this rice milk include that it's verified by the Non-GMO project. It also contains no common allergens like dairy, lactose, gluten or nuts. The convenient single-serve cartons are shelf-stable for up to 1 year until opened.
Key features:
- Made with organic brown rice
- Lightly flavored with vanilla
- Enriched with vitamins and minerals
- Non-GMO verified
- Free of common allergens
Pros:
- Deliciously refreshing taste
- Easy to digest and nutritious
- Convenient single-serve cartons
Cons:
- Needs refrigeration after opening
- Can be more expensive than dairy milk
Better Than Milk Organic Rice Milk Unsweetened - Dairy-Free Vegan Friendly
This organic rice milk from Better Than Milk provides a creamy, dairy-free beverage that is perfect for vegans or anyone avoiding lactose. Made simply from spring water, organic rice, sunflower oil, and seaweed extract, it contains no added sugars or preservatives.
You'll love the fresh, light taste straight from the shelf-stable carton. It can be enjoyed by itself or poured over cereal, blended into smoothies, or substituted in recipes. This wholesome plant-based milk offers the protein and nutrients of rice without the allergens found in dairy.
The eco-friendly packaging is designed to minimize waste. The aseptic cartons come from responsibly managed forests, and the caps are even made from renewable plant sources! This is a sustainable, ethical milk alternative you can feel good about buying.
Key features:
- Organic and non-GMO certified
- Dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free
- No added sugar or preservatives
- Shelf-stable convenience
Pros:
- Creamy, fresh taste
- Environmentally friendly packaging
- Simple, wholesome ingredients
- Nutritious rice protein without allergens
- Works for cereal, smoothies, baking
Cons:
- Only available in large multi-packs
- Needs refrigeration after opening
Rice Dream Original Rice Milk
Quench your thirst with the light, sweet flavor of Rice Dream original rice milk. Made from wholesome brown rice, this nutrient-rich beverage offers a dairy-free, vegan alternative to traditional milk. The recipe is straightforward - just filtered water, organic brown rice, and a touch of expeller-pressed oils.
You'll enjoy the drinkable, creamy texture straight from the fridge or warmed up. It's delicious on its own, poured over cereal, or added to smoothies and recipes. This versatile non-dairy milk provides vitamin A, vitamin D, and calcium for strong bones and overall wellness.
The convenient 32 oz recyclable cartons are easy to store and use. Rice Dream is ideal for people with lactose intolerance, nut allergies, or anyone seeking a tasty, animal-free beverage. Make the switch to this affordable, sustainable plant milk today!
Key features:
- Dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free
- Fortified with vitamins A, D
- Recyclable carton packaging
Pros:
- Light, sweet, drinkable taste
- Affordable compared to nut milks
- Shelf-stable convenience
- Nutritious and calcium-fortified
Cons:
- Contains natural sugars
- Thinner texture than dairy milk
- Limited flavor options
Koita Italian Rice Milk - Non Dairy, Plant-Based, Vegan
Discover the wonderfully fresh flavor of Koita Italian rice milk. Crafted from Italian rice and mineral-rich spring water from Northern Italy, it offers a delicious plant-based beverage. This dairy-free, vegan-friendly milk has a naturally sweet flavor that works for drinking, pouring over cereal, or using in recipes.
The ingredients list is refreshingly simple - just water, organic rice, sunflower oil, and sea salt. There are no added sugars, preservatives, or stabilizers. It provides protein, carbohydrates and calcium for a nutritious boost.
The convenient shelf-stable 1L cartons keep without refrigeration until opened, then last 5 months chilled. Koita rice milk is packaged sustainably, and the company ethically sources all ingredients. Make the switch to this premium imported milk alternative today!
Key features:
- Shelf-stable convenience
- Sustainably packaged
- Naturally sweet taste
- Organic and non-GMO
Pros:
- Refreshing, light flavor
- Minimal, wholesome ingredients
- Nutritious rice protein and carbs
- Ethically and sustainably produced
Cons:
- Expensive compared to domestic brands
- Contains natural sugars
- Only available in large multi-packs
Zimmermann Organic Rice Milk Powder - Vegan Milk Substitute
Enjoy the ease and versatility of Zimmermann rice milk powder. This shelf-stable powder whips up into a tasty, dairy-free beverage with the simple addition of water. Made from organic rice, it contains no added sugars or preservatives.
The finely milled powder mixes easily into water for a light, mildly sweet drink. It can also be added to smoothies, coffee drinks, cereals, and recipes. One 2.2 lb package makes up to 10 liters of rice milk, so you can stock up without waste.
This organic, vegan-friendly powder is ideal for people avoiding dairy due to allergies or diet. It requires no refrigeration until made into liquid, offering convenience. Switch to this eco-friendly alternative and make nutritious plant-based milk in minutes!
Key features:
- Shelf-stable convenience
- Organic, vegan, gluten-free
- Makes up to 10 liters
- No added sugar
Pros:
- Stock up without wasting milk
- Mixes easily into water or recipes
- Affordable bulk pricing
- Avoid dairy allergens
Cons:
- Light, plain flavor
- No scoop included
- Nutritionally minimal
Dream Organic Rice Dream Milk
Treat yourself to the deliciously creamy taste of Rice Dream organic rice milk from Dream. Made simply from filtered water and organic brown rice, it offers a smooth, drinkable beverage without dairy, soy, or nuts. Naturally sweet with a hint of vanilla, this vitamin-enriched milk makes a nutritious breakfast or snack.
The recyclable cartons provide shelf-stable convenience perfect for pantry storage. Just chill and enjoy straight from the container or poured on cereal, blended into smoothies, or added to recipes. Rice Dream provides protein, calcium, vitamins A and D for well-rounded nutrition without allergens.
This sustainable USDA organic milk alternative is ideal for vegans, the lactose intolerant, or anyone seeking an affordable, easy-to-use plant-based milk. The wholesome taste will make you a lifelong fan!
Key features:
- Organic, dairy-free, vegan
- Vitamin and calcium enriched
- Recyclable cartons
- Shelf-stable convenience
Pros:
- Deliciously creamy, drinkable taste
- Affordable pricing
- Nutritious added vitamins
- Avoid common allergens
Cons:
- Thin, watery texture
- Contains natural sugars
- Strong vanilla flavor
Rice Milk Buying Guide
There are many varieties of rice milk available, each with their own characteristics. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a rice milk:
Ingredients
- Rice Type - Rice milk can be made from white, brown, sweet, or black rice. Brown rice milk retains more nutrients from the grain, while black rice milk contains the highest antioxidant levels.
- Milling Process - Look for rice milk made from whole grain rice rather than rice flour. Milling the whole rice helps retain more nutrients.
- Sugar - Many rice milks contain added sugar to enhance the sweetness. Look for unsweetened or low sugar varieties if you want to limit sugar intake.
- Thickeners - Some rice milks use natural thickeners like tapioca starch or guar gum to improve texture. Avoid carrageenan which may have detrimental health effects.
- Vitamins and Minerals - Opt for rice milk fortified with calcium, vitamin B12, vitamin D and other nutrients, especially if not consuming dairy milk.
Flavor
- Taste - Rice milks have a naturally sweet, creamy, and nutty taste. Try a few brands to find one with the most appealing flavor for your preferences.
- Variants - Flavored rice milks like chocolate, vanilla or strawberry are available for a different taste. But these often contain more added sugars.
- Unsweetened - For cooking or a less sweet option, look for unsweetened rice milk. It will have a more subtle, grainy flavor.
Consistency and Texture
- Creaminess - Rice milk tends to have a thinner consistency compared to dairy milk. Shake cartons well and look for thicker, creamier varieties.
- Mouthfeel - Low fat rice milks can feel watery. Look for medium to high fat content for more viscosity and richness.
- Shaking Required - Separation is common so be sure to shake cartons before pouring to re-blend the solids.
Nutrition Profile
- Calories and Macronutrients - Rice milk is lower calorie than dairy milk with almost no protein. Ensure rice milk meets your nutritional needs.
- Vitamins and Minerals - Check if the rice milk is fortified with calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and other nutrients you want.
- Sugar Content - Rice milk has about 12-15 grams of carbohydrates per cup. Look for unsweetened varieties if limiting sugar.
- Allergen-Free - Rice milk is lactose, dairy, soy, nut and gluten free making it safe for many allergies. But check labels for any added allergens.
FAQs
Is rice milk healthy?
Rice milk can be a healthy dairy-free alternative as long as it is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12. Opt for unsweetened varieties and use plain rice milk for cooking to limit added sugars.
What is the best rice milk brand?
Some top recommended rice milk brands include Rice Dream, Pacific Foods, Califia Farms, and EcoMil. Try a few different ones to find your preferred taste and consistency.
Is rice milk good for babies?
Rice milk is not suitable for babies under 1 year old. It is low in fat and protein required for infant growth. Consult your pediatrician before giving rice milk to young toddlers as well.
Does rice milk cause constipation?
Rice milk contains insoluble fiber from the rice which helps prevent constipation. It does not cause or worsen constipation compared to dairy milk.
Is rice milk Keto?
Unsweetened rice milk is relatively low in carbohydrates and can fit into a Keto diet. But with only 0.5 grams of protein per cup, it should not be a main beverage on a high protein Keto plan.
Can I make my own rice milk?
Yes, you can make homemade rice milk using short grain brown rice and water. Boil rice then blend with water and strain. Be sure to fortify with calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12.
Does rice milk have caffeine?
Regular rice milk does not contain any caffeine, unlike coffee creamers. But there are flavored coffee-style rice milks that do include added caffeine for an energizing beverage.
Is rice milk good for smoothies?
The mild flavor and creamy texture of rice milk work well in smoothies. Use unsweetened rice milk and limit other sweet ingredients for a healthier balanced smoothie.
How long does rice milk last?
Unopened rice milk lasts 5-7 days past the printed expiration date. Once opened, it stays fresh for 5-7 days in the fridge. Rice milk separates so shake well before each use.
Conclusion
Rice milk can be a tasty and nutritious dairy-free milk option, as long as you choose wisely based on your dietary preferences and restrictions.
Look for varieties made from whole brown rice, fortified with vitamins and minerals, and with few added sugars or thickeners.
Focus on flavor, consistency, and nutritional profile when selecting the ideal rice milk to enjoy with cereals, in smoothies, or simply as a refreshing beverage.
Resources
- Don't Waste the Crumbs: This website provides a recipe for homemade rice milk that costs only 6 cents to make. The recipe is easy to follow and requires only rice and a blender. The website also discusses the pros and cons of commercially made rice milk.
- Whole New Mom: This website provides a recipe for homemade rice milk that is dairy-free and vegan. The website discusses the benefits of rice milk, including its easy digestibility, and provides step-by-step instructions for making the milk.
- The Blender Girl: This website provides a recipe for homemade brown rice milk. The website discusses the benefits of rice milk for people with food allergies and provides tips for making the milk taste better.
- Kidney Kitchen: This website provides a recipe for homemade rice milk that is slightly sweet and creamy. The website suggests adding vanilla extract or other flavorings to the milk to make it taste better.
- Kids with Food Allergies: This website provides information on how to substitute milk in recipes for people with milk allergies. The website discusses the taste and consistency of different milk substitutes, including rice milk, soy milk, and oat milk. The website also provides tips for using these substitutes in different types of recipes.