Going vegan can seem hard to most people. Giving up things like meat, dairy and eggs may seem like an impossible thing, but I am here to tell you that it is far from that! Replacing things like dairy products can seem like second nature, once you get the hang of it!
Before going vegan, I loved dairy products. Ice cream, yogurt, milk, sour cream...all that kind of stuff. Now that I am vegan and I don't eat dairy products, I still love those same things...just the vegan version of them!
Replacing the dairy in your diet with the vegan versions is easier than you might think! Its helpful to know what products are vegan and where you can find vegan friendly dairy-substitutes, and that is what this post is about!
Ice Cream
Okay, so when I found out about vegan ice cream, my world changed! I didn't have to live without my favorite ice cream flavors after all!
Ben and Jerry's has added several non-dairy ice cream flavors to its products in the past year. There are flavors like Coffee Caramel Fudge, PB+Cookies, Cherry Garcia, Brownie Fudge, and so many more! My favorite is the PB+Cookies, but they are all delicious! 
Brands like Coconut Bliss, So Delicious, Soy Dream, and Sprouts (to name a few) all have delicious nondairy ice cream options. They vary from coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk and cashew milk in their bases and have so many flavor options to offer! I personally like coconut milk and cashew milk bases best, but they all are delicious! 
Most grocery stores carry at least one non-dairy ice cream option in their freezer section. Often its under " Ice Cream Novelties" or in the " Healthy" section. Look around and don't be afraid to ask for help, its worth it!
Places like Baskin Robbins often have a non-dairy option. Most of the time is a sorbet, or something similar. And while these aren't true 'ice creams' they still are delicious and saves you from watching your friends or family members enjoy a treat at an ice cream shop. You can join in too, you just have to know what to look for!
'Vegan' Dairy Products
If you enjoy products like cheese, sour cream, coffee creamer, yogurt,and chocolate milks, then have no fear! There are vegan options for you! I personally haven't tried very many vegan cheeses, sour creams, or cream cheeses, there are lots of options out there!
Daiya , Field Roast , Follow Your Heart are all brands that carry vegan cheeses and cheese like products. Try a few of them, or all of them to find the brand you like best!
For vegan yogurt, my go-to brand is Silk . They have so many flavors to choose from and they all are delicious! I often get a large container of vanilla or plain flavor to have for breakfasts, or grab a few smaller containers of the flavored yogurts!
For vegan milks, creamers and flavored milks, I like Silk , So Delicious, and Califia Farms. They carry unflavored milks, sweetened milks, coffee creamers and more! During the holidays they often carry a few holiday flavored drinks that are fun to have for a change!
Tips
Here are a few tips for replacing the dairy in your diet with a non-dairy option.
When ordering coffee out, ask for a non-dairy creamer option. 9 times out of 10, they have one.
Always scan the menu and ask the waiters at restaurant for non-dairy options for things. Most of the time they can work with you!
Buy sweetened non-dairy milk for things like ice coffees and unsweetened for baking, cereals and cooking.
Try our your options before deciding that you don't like non-dairy products. Every brand and flavor is different. You will find one you like, trust me!
So there you are! How to go vegan, replace dairy products and still enjoy the same foods you used to! I really hope this helps you, whether you are going vegan, already vegan, have a dairy allergy, or just curious!
Please share this post with your friends and family to help others explore the world of non-dairy foods and spread the love of living a healthy lifestyle!
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Hannah
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