Half and half is a dairy product attained by blending one part of milk and one part of cream in a 1:1 ratio. It is lower in fats and thinner in consistency than heavy cream.
Half and half is a healthy alternative for people who wish to sweeten their dishes with low calories involved. It is less processed and comes with high-density lipoproteins and without any added sugar or additives.
However, lactose-intolerant or vegan individuals cannot relish this healthy treat and wish to look out for dairy-free and vegan alternatives.
8 Best Vegan Substitutes for Half and Half
In this segment, we bring you our chosen top eight vegan substitutes for half and half. They are equally creamy and nutritious, like half and half.
Cashew Cream
Cashew cream is a non-dairy alternative made from whole cashews and water. It is rich and creamy in consistency and available in sweetened and unsweetened variants.
Cashew cream reduces the chances of contracting heart diseases as they come with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Magnesium subsides risks of high blood pressure and diabetes.
Antioxidants present in cashew creams like zeaxanthin and lutein prevent cellular eye damage by nullifying free radicals’ oxidative effects. The vitamin K content assists in ideal and timely blood coagulation to prevent excess blood loss.
Summary
Cashew cream contains unsaturated fatty acids along with magnesium that boost heart health. Antioxidants protect your eyes, while vitamin K supports blood coagulation.
Almond Cream
Almonds originate from the Middle East. Almond cream is lactose-free and loaded with nutrients which makes it an ideal substitute for half and half.
Almond cream is fused with magnesium that is responsible for monitoring our blood sugar levels and metabolism rates. It is low in carbohydrates and calories, making it safe for the heart. Fortified almond cream contains calcium that boosts bone health.
Its vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and prevents degenerative cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s. It safeguards you from stroke, heart diseases, and even cancers.
Summary
Almond cream contains magnesium that controls blood sugar, calcium that protects bones, vitamin E that prevents Alzheimer’s disease, and prevents stroke and cancer.
Coconut Cream
Coconut cream is a more condensed form of coconut milk. It is crafted by crushing the tender meat of ripe coconuts.
Coconut cream intake reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. It secures you from peptic ulcers by preventing damage to the inner linings of your stomach. It aids in reducing heart attack and stroke risks.
It moisturizes your skin and boosts your immune health due to the presence of lauric acid. It comes with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
Summary
Coconut cream secures you from stomach ulcers and has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. It is excellent for your skin and immune health.
Pea Milk
Pea milk is derived from yellow peas and comes with high volumes of plant proteins. It has a vibrant taste that will make you fall in love with veggies.
It contains calcium, potassium, iron, vitamins A and D to suffice your vegan diet. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA derived from algal oil that reinforces your brain and immunity.
It is low in calories yet creamy enough to substitute half and half. Unsweetened variants of pea milk are low in sugar and carbohydrates.
Summary
Pea milk contains calcium, potassium, iron, vitamins A and D, and omega-3 fatty acids with low carbohydrate and calorie levels, making it ideal for your well-being.
Oat Milk
Oat milk is free from soy, nuts, gluten, and lactose while having a delicious flavor that endorses bone and heart health.
It comprises a soluble fiber called beta-glucan that promotes good heart health. It comes with riboflavin and vitamin B12 that work towards curbing oxidative stress, boost skin, nails and, hair health while elevating your mood.
Oat milk consumption results in a decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterols and increases heart health. Fortified oat milk contains calcium that strengthens your bones.
Summary
Oat milk contains beta-glucan that boosts heart health, riboflavin, and vitamin B12 that combat oxidative stress. Fortified oat milk comes with calcium for bone health.
Silken Tofu
Silken tofu is the hydrated version of the regular tofu that is unpressed and undrained. It is curated by compressing uncurdled soy milk. It is low in calories and gluten-free.
Soy isoflavines in the silken tofu help reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterols while its antioxidants prevent cancers, namely prostate and breast cancers. Individuals who have type 2 diabetes and kidney diseases should consume silken tofu.
Renal functions improve with the intake of silken tofu. Soy isoflavones increase bone mineral density and prevent osteoporosis.
Summary
Silken tofu prevents cancers, type 2 diabetes, kidney diseases, and osteoporosis. It boosts renal functions and reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterols.
Pureed Pulses
Pureed pulses are a blend of whole pulses with water to form a thick paste. Pulses are seeds without pods and include tons of variants like lentils, dry peas, and chickpeas.
Pulses come with zero gluten, making them an ideal food for celiac diseased individuals. Pulses aid in blood sugar control as they have a low glycemic index. They are an excellent source of proteins, vitamins, and minerals like zinc and iron.
They are high in fiber and thus assist in improving your bowel movements and support weight management. They are low in fat and sodium.
Summary
Pureed pulses are great for diabetic and celiac diseased individuals due to their reduced gluten and glycemic index. They are low in fat and sodium while high in fiber.
Onion Cream
Onion cream is derived from onions and is vegan, less and fats and calories. It is made from yellow onions, olive oil, and water and comprises health benefits similar to raw onions.
Onion cream contains vitamin C that regulates your immune response against pathogens, and aids in tissue repair, iron absorption, and collagen production. Vitamins B6 and B9 boost your metabolism and red blood corpuscles synthesis.
It reduces cholesterol and secures your heart. It has cancer-fighting elements that prevent colorectal and stomach cancers while monitoring your blood sugar and increases your bone density.
Unfortunately, individuals having onion allergies can experience rashes, nausea, vomiting, and red eyes.
Summary
Onion cream can regulate your immunity, boosts tissue repair, iron absorption, collagen production, metabolism rates, and red blood cell production while fighting cancer.
FAQs
Heavy cream is made from high-fats of milk while half and half consists of equal parts of milk and cream. Heavy cream contains up to 36% fats, while half and half come with 18%.
The prime difference between dairy-based and non-dairy yogurt is the milk and protein used while making the yogurt. Regular yogurt is made from milk that contains lactose.
Soy milk and olive oil mixture can act as a substitute for half and half. You can mix 2/3 cup of soy milk with 1/3 cup of olive oil to replace one cup of half and half.
Bottom Line
Half and half is fused with nutrients and rich taste. But environmental and physical health circumstances may call for substitutes. The above-discussed alternatives are wholly vegan and have a nutritional value similar to half and half.
We hope this article was insightful and provided substantial health benefits of several vegan half and half replacements. Do let us know in the comments sections regarding your most desired vegan substitute if we skipped it this time.
I have not yet been able to find a half-and-half substitute that is just as creamy as Cows half-and-half. I gotta have the creaminess in my coffee and would like to switch to a healthier version of half-and-half, I’m thinking possibly vegan type. Do you know of any that would be as creamy as regular half-and-half?
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