Do you have a child with severe food allergies? My son, Anthony, has cystic fibrosis and extremely severe allergies to dairy. However, after extensive research, I have discovered numerous non-dairy and dairy-free nutrition options that will delight your child! Plant-based milk tastes delicious and is easy to adjust to.
For families dealing with severe childhood allergies, providing adequate nutrition can be a constant struggle.
Anthony has cystic fibrosis and needs well-balanced nutrition to grow and develop properly.
Who doesn’t enjoy a tasty ice cream treat on a hot summer day? Anthony can now indulge in this delight. I am happy he can also enjoy pizza and tacos with non-dairy options.
In addition, the biggest win for Anthony was eating pizza with cheese, thanks to the non-dairy options available.
Milk can be a significant allergen, often a dietary staple, leaving parents like you and me searching for creative solutions to keep our little ones healthy and thriving.
Moreover, the good news is that a vibrant world of delicious and nutritious dairy-free options awaits you! So, rest assured and explore these options for your loved ones.
Embracing Variety: A Rainbow of Non-Dairy Choices
These days, people with dietary restrictions have more options than ever before regarding non-dairy products.
Whether you’re shopping online or at your local supermarket or specialty store, many delicious and nutritious alternatives to dairy products are available.
In fact, I’ve noticed that there are even more non-dairy choices than ever before this year, which is excellent news for people like Anthony who rely on them.
These trendy options have helped normalize meals and treats for those who can’t consume dairy, and it’s exciting to see the variety of non-dairy nutritional possibilities now available.
Plant-based milk is the wave of the future, and I can’t wait to see what else comes out. Let’s take a look at some of the best options out there!
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Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives
Fortified plant-based milk like soy, almond, oat, rice, and coconut provides calcium and vitamin D, becoming a favorite in many homes.
In various recipes, including cereal, smoothies, and baking, it’s worth noting that alternative milks such as oats, almonds, and soy milk are great substitutes for cow’s milk.
Unfortunately, Anthony experiences a mild rash when he consumes alternative milk instead of dairy milk, which is unfortunate.
Each type of milk has a distinct flavor and nutrient composition, allowing for experimentation and customization. However, with so many options available, choosing can be overwhelming.
To find the best non-dairy milk for your child, try different brands and varieties and see which one they prefer. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different types of milk.
Which dairy-free milk would I recommend?
Anthony’s favorite is Califia Farms Oat Milk with Protein LINK.
Fun fact: Did you know this milk contains more calcium, vitamin D, and potassium than cow milk? Don’t believe it? Check the stats below!
I typed up the main nutrition facts since the label is hard to see.
- Total Fat: 7g with a 9% daily value
- Cholesterol: 0mg with a 0% daily value
- Total Carbs: 10g with a 4% daily value
- Protein: 8 with a 15% daily value
- Vit. D: 5mcg with a 25% daily value
- Calcium: 590mg with a 45 %daily value
- Potassium: 480mg with a 10 % daily value
Fantastic!!!
I recently discovered that plant-based oat milk with added protein is also my new favorite.
It is especially important because my son Anthony has cystic fibrosis and requires a diet rich in calcium and protein due to his illness.
Finding an alternative milk that met his dietary needs was quite challenging, but after hours of research and trying out various brands, we finally found one that we both gave the thumbs up to.
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Non-Dairy Yogurt
- Many love yogurt, a delicious and creamy treat. However, fantastic non-dairy alternatives are available.
- Plant-based yogurts from coconut, soy, or almond milk can be enjoyed plain or with fruit, granola, or chia seeds for a fulfilling breakfast or snack.
I am on the lookout for a yogurt that Anthony will enjoy. Fortunately, I came across an informative article on RealSimple.com discussing the pros and cons of non-dairy yogurt.
The article recommends top picks of coconut, almond, and cashew yogurts. You can check it out here to learn more about yogurt alternatives.
If you have a non-dairy yogurt your child enjoys, please share it with me.
You can contact me via LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook above or below this page. I would love to know which option you prefer the most for your child.
Dairy-free Cheese
- Many plant-based cheeses are discoverable online, offering exciting alternatives to traditional dairy-based cheeses.
- These cheeses come in different forms, from melty slices to creamy shreds, and are made from nuts, soy, or peas, providing unique taste and texture combinations.
- Thanks to Amazon’s selection of delicious plant-based cheese options, Anthony can enjoy his favorite sandwiches, pizzas, and pasta dishes without compromising his dietary preferences.
- You can also find some of these Cheese alternatives at your local Publix.
Which Non-Dairy cheese would I recommend?
For pizza, I recommend dairy-free Parmesan by Follow Your Heart
- This dairy-free cheese is high in calcium, soy, and lactose. A fun bonus is that it’s non-GMO.
- I used all three cheeses that are on this blog post to make the pizza. Anthony enjoyed it very much.
- To learn how to melt this cheese correctly, check out this quick video!
What about Dairy-free Cheese for Sandwiches?
If you’re looking for a delicious replacement for cheddar, you will enjoy this brand:
This is vegan, Just Like Cheddar’s Slices brand.
I can’t wait to make a creamy mac and cheese with this, but so far, we have enjoyed it with broccoli and grilled cheese sandwiches, which taste very close to dairy cheddar!
To learn how to melt dairy-free vegan cheese properly for his sandwich, click here to watch an excellent one-minute video explaining the process.
I wish I had seen this before, but it’s ok; Anthony and I will try again!
Another creamy and delicious plant-based cheese is from the Chao brand.
CHAO creamery plant-based cheese is also great for sandwiches and tastes very good on tacos. It’s a lighter color than the cheddar cheese slices, almost resembling muenster cheese.
Hidden Gems
In addition, don’t forget to explore the bounty of naturally non-dairy foods!
Leafy green vegetables, fortified tofu, beans, and calcium-fortified orange juice are all excellent sources of essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and protein, crucial for healthy growth and development.
Bonus: Hidden Valley has come up with an astonishingly delicious plant-powered ranch!!
We also add Earth Balance butter or extra virgin coconut oil to his meals, which are excellent healthy alternatives!
IMAGE OF US HUGGING lol
Beyond The Plate: Making Dairy-Free Mealtimes Fun And Engaging
Although dietary restrictions pose challenges, they allow you to get creative and explore new culinary horizons with your child. Here are some tips to make mealtimes fun and engaging:
Involve Your Child
- Nothing says bonding, like preparing a delicious and nutritious meal together.
- I let Anthony help with meals by giving him age-appropriate tasks to complete. Easy tasks like spreading butter, peeling garlic, and seasoning foods make it a fun experience for him because he’s included.
- Getting creative with meals and bonding fosters a sense of ownership and builds positive associations with food.
Get Playful
Experiment with different shapes and colors using cookie cutters or vegetable molds. On the other hand, it’s fun to arrange meals into designs on Anthony’s plate to spark his interest in trying new foods.
- Make it a family affair: Although we’re a family of four, my mom, Anthony, Gadget, our playful cat, and me, it’s an enjoyable process to make new non-dairy foods together.
- The idea is to foster community and belonging, making healthy choices more natural.
Remember, You Are Not Alone!
I know what you are going through and how difficult it is to navigate childhood allergies.
Finding a way to enjoy food that others eat is challenging at times. Anthony’s friends enjoy pizza and ice cream; now, thanks to these options, he can, too, with these dairy-free options.
In addition, I have found great support groups online and spoken to other families that have children with Navigating Childhood allergies.
It can feel overwhelming, but remember there’s a supportive community of families, registered dietitians, and healthcare professionals ready to help.
Connect With Other Parents
Online forums and support groups can connect you with others who understand the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with allergies.
I’ve learned much from the YouTube and Reddit communities, commenting with other parents and gaining new meal ideas.
Seek Professional Guidance
Our registered dietitian, Dr.Erica Feinglass, at Nemours is extremely helpful! With her guidance, we manage Anthony’s nutrition with no issues.
She always finds a variety of great alternatives for Anthony to try that are non-dairy. Under Dr. Feinglass’s guidance, we follow a personalized nutrition plan that considers Anthony’s needs.
Celebrate The Journey
Focus on the positive side, nourishing your child’s body with healthy and delicious alternatives. Every bite they take is a step towards a thriving future.
Together, meal times can become fun again. Many restaurants are opening around us that have a vegan menu and even vegan pizza now!
In fact, various blogs state that cheese is good to eat within 1-2 weeks. However, the dairy-free parmesan cheese can last up to three weeks and three months in the freezer!
Anthony can’t wait to go to the local spots in town and try new foods without fear of an allergic reaction.
In addition, by embracing a world of non-dairy possibilities, fostering a positive and creative approach to mealtimes, and seeking support from the community, you can ensure your child with severe allergies receives the nourishment they need to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
Share this article with others who have dairy allergies to brighten their day!
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Marlenny Linda is more than just a writer; she's a passionate bilingual advocate for families with children with medical conditions. With a background in teaching English (TESOL/TEFL) and a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, she crafts engaging, SEO-optimized content that informs, inspires, and connects with these families.
Her specialty is long-form content, where she dives deep into the topics that matter most, from navigating educational resources to fostering a fulfilling life for your child. Marlenny's innovative approach keeps audiences engaged and coming back for more.
