Flavoured Milk
Flavoured milk is a ready-to- drink product that combines the natural goodness of fresh milk with edible flavourings, sugar and stabilisers. It is a healthy alternative to carbonated beverages.
Research suggests that children who regularly consume flavored milk have higher intakes of nutrients than those who don’t drink flavored milk.
Strawberry
Strawberry milk is a huge hit with kids and can be made quickly and easily. It’s also a great way to get your kids to drink more milk and meet their calcium needs. This strawberry milk is also lower in sugar than store-bought flavoured milk and can be made with dairy or non-dairy milk.
To make strawberry milk, simply simmer a mixture of strawberries, sugar and water on the stove until it thickens. Then strain out the solids to leave you with a sweet strawberry syrup. Whisk the strawberry syrup into a glass of your choice of milk and serve with a reusable straw. If you want to make this strawberry milk vegan, simply swap the milk for the plant-based milk of your choice.
This strawberry milk is delicious on its own or mixed with other berries to make strawberry yogurt and even strawberry ice cream. It’s also an excellent base for smoothies and can be added to no-churn ice cream recipes. This strawberry milk can be made with any type of milk but whole milk will give you the richest, tastiest drink.
Chocolate
Chocolate flavoured milk is one of the most popular flavoured milk beverages available in the market. It contains all the essential nutrients found in regular milk and also offers a combination of carbohydrates and protein that are beneficial for post-exercise recovery. It is also a great source of calcium and other minerals.
The milk used to prepare this beverage is tested and standardized for its milk fat percentage and SNF content. It is then mixed with a suitable proportion of flavoured milk sweet syrup and flavour and colour. The product is then stabilized against creaming and sedimentation of cocoa particles by adding k-type carrageenan. The milk is then cooled and filled into cleaned bottles.
There are several brands of healthy chocolate flavoured milk that can be purchased in stores, including Amul and Gowardhan. However, it is important to choose a brand that is not overly sugary or contains high amounts of artificial colours and flavours.
Vanilla
Vanilla milk is a milk-based drink that’s been flavored with vanilla, either artificially or naturally. It can be drunk as a beverage or used in recipes, including cake dough. It is high in protein and calcium, as well as potassium and magnesium, making it an important part of a balanced diet.
It’s easy to make at home with dairy or plant-based milk and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. It’s also an excellent warm drink at bedtime, especially if you add a little bit of cinnamon. It’s also good for cold days, and a nice alternative to hot chocolate.
To make your own vanilla flavoured milk, put 2 cups of plain milk and a teaspoon of vanilla extract into an airtight container. Leave in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or longer if you prefer a stronger flavor. Then, stir or shake before use. It can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. It’s best to store it in the back of the fridge, away from the door, where it will be exposed to warm temperatures.
Banana
Banana milk is an increasingly popular dairy-free alternative that’s suitable for a vegan diet. It’s typically made from bananas, water, and often vanilla or other flavorings. It’s easy to make at home and can be used in recipes or enjoyed as a drink. It may not have the same nutritional profile as other alt-milks, but it’s suitable for those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies.
One cup (237 mL) of homemade banana milk contains 60 calories, baking flavoring which come from the natural sugars in the fruit. It’s also a good source of potassium, which can be beneficial for those with diabetes or high blood sugar levels. Store-bought versions may have more added sweeteners and ingredients, including guar gum and gellan gum to keep the liquid from separating.
Some brands add tyramine, an amino acid that can trigger migraines in people who take medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). If you have tyramine sensitivity or headaches, avoid large quantities of banana milk. It’s also worth noting that banana milk doesn’t have as much protein as cow’s milk, so it might not be the best option for a meal.
Peppermint
This flavored milk is a tasty and refreshing treat during the winter months. Its brisk minty flavor is perfect for holiday parties and children’s birthday celebrations. For an extra festive touch, dip the rim of each glass in melted chocolate and crushed peppermint candies.
This dairy-free flavored milk recipe is easy to make and is great for the whole family. Simply combine almond milk and cocoa powder in a blender and blend until smooth. If you want a thicker texture, add more milk or even some ice cubes. Then, stir in a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of vanilla and peppermint extract.
This flavored milk is a copycat version of the popular Chick Fil A peppermint shake. It’s very simple to make at home and can be enjoyed all year round. If you have peppermint oil on hand, use a few drops instead of extract. This will give the drink a stronger flavor, and you’ll only need a few drops. Alternatively, you can replace the peppermint extract with a shot of peppermint schnapps for an adult-oriented version.