Dairy-Free Eggnog Alternatives

Wouldn’t it be great if sprinkling that dash of nutmeg on a cup of eggnog made it healthy? This holiday favorite boasts close to 350 calories and 20 grams of fat a cup, and that’s just a simple, carton-poured cup – not the version spiked with bourbon and vanilla ice cream.

You can forgo the eggnog altogether and celebrate with a light delight such as a white wine spritzer, which contains only 100 calories and no fat. If, however, the holidays aren’t the same for you without that eggnog flavor, here are a couple of lighter alternatives you might want to explore:

Bolthouse Farms Perfectly Protein® Vanilla Chai Tea contains a blend of soy protein, brewed green tea, chai spices, and an accent of vanilla. This creamy drink provides an additional nutritional boost with healthy doses of Vitamin C, B6 and B12, iron, zinc, magnesium, and 18 amino acids per 1 cup serving. The product is dairy-free, contains no preservatives or artificial ingredients, and is low in fat and cholesterol. An 8 fl. oz. serving contains only 160 calories.

Alternatively, you can make your own without the heavy cream and full-fat milk. Here’s a recipe for a smooth eggnog-like beverage, minus the fat and high calorie load:

Ingredients:

2 cups chilled soy milk
21 ounces silken tofu
2/3 cup honey or brown rice syrup
Generous pinch sea salt
1 cup cold water
1 cup cold rum
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
20 ice cubes
Cinnamon (optional)

Blend first 4 ingredients together until smooth. Whisk in the water, rum and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, blend half the mixture with 10 ice cubes until smooth, then repeat with remaining mixture and ice. Serve cold with sprinkles of cinnamon, if desired. Makes 10 servings.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Jennifer C.

10:35PM PDT on Aug 2, 2011

Thanks for the recipes.

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Michele W.

9:01AM PDT on Jul 23, 2011

Thank you

Cindy M.

2:33PM PDT on Jun 8, 2011

Silk egg nog just doesn't do it for me, though I've tried a few vegan recipes that haven't done it either, I'm still hopeful, and also glad that others are happy with it. Silk does use gmo soy beans unless it's organic, so be wary. Until I find something though, I do weaken and enjoy Organic Valley egg nog. I, like Belinda, have that indulgence only once a year and they make the best I've ever had. Plus they're a much better company than silk is, so I figure I'm weighing my options when I go for them instead.

Ornella M.

11:10PM PST on Dec 1, 2010

Nice recipe going to try without the rum ...

jane r.

11:04PM PST on Nov 27, 2010

Thanks

Grace J.

12:24PM PST on Nov 27, 2010

thanks

Past Member .

2:09PM PST on Nov 24, 2010

Thank you for the recipe!

Sylvia W.

11:54AM PST on Nov 23, 2010

Thanks!!! I have been enjoying the Silk egg-nog too, but having a party-worthy alternative is great, since I have lots of vegetarian & vegan friends ;-)

Intz W.

7:58PM PST on Nov 22, 2010

The chai sounded good, but for eggnog, I liked the Silk eggnog they put out last year. It is soymilk with the egg nog spices, I don't remember the calories because my worry was the amount of sugar, but I had a small glass each day and it was wonderful.

Betty C.

8:04AM PST on Nov 22, 2010