Saint InnocentHalf and half is simply the combination of half whole milk and half cream that has now become a trend in recent times, one which, though it is creamier, doesn’t appear to be as heavy as cream, though it is importantly known for its balanced flavor profile and versatility inside of plenty of recipes.
Half and half goes beyond being a milk substance that should be added to your coffee, as it is a blend of half milk (usually whole) and half cream, whose result is thicker than milk but not as thick as cream, as highlighted above.
Generally, due to their velvety finish and creamy taste, you would most likely find them being used inside soups, sauces, and stews, with their silky and luxurious texture making it possible to be used inside coffee as well.
However, on days when half and half are unavailable for you to make use of, going in search of a fitting substitute may not seem as easy as it seems, especially when you have to make a choice based on texture and taste preference.
Whichever one it is, at the end of the day, this article is well structured to give you a proper guide in making the right choice of selecting a reliable half-and-half substitute on days of unavailability. In that regard, below have been highlighted 7 of the best vegan substitute for half and half.
Vegan Substitute For Half and Half
1. Almond milk
Almond milk as your vegan substitute for half and half is one you can always trust to do the job perfectly well inside your soup, sauce, and baking recipes. Remember, to arrive at the same result with half and half sticking with the almond milk, it is expected you add some kind of fat to it as well.
To get the process right, you are advised to blend in 1/4 cup of almond butter for every 3/4 cup of almond milk. However, there is also the option of adding 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter if you fancy having your result thickened.
Additionally, there is also the option of pairing your almond milk with cornstarch, which also holds the capacity to thicken any liquid.
2. Oat milk
Oat milk as a vegan substitute for half and half is a popular choice of a substitute stick, famous for being one of the creamiest plant-based milks out there, complemented by a fairly neutral flavor. A combination that works best for coffees and inside of every other recipe that ordinarily calls for the presence of milk.
To arrive at the same thickened result consistency of half and half, making use of the oat milk, all that is expected of you to do is to initially have your oats soaked in water, sticking with the ratio of 2:1 of water to oats before proceeding to have them blended.
Moving on, there is also the option of adding a drizzle of grape seed, canola, or sunflower oil to help guarantee its mixture’s consistency. However, you are advised to shun the olive oil should you be preparing something sweet, though it remains a nice choice inside of savory soup or sauce.
3. Soy milk
Holding the bragging rights of being that plant-based milk with the most neutral taste, soy milk comes in next on our list of ideal vegan substitute for half and half that works quite well in literally almost all recipes, so long as you can get the consistency right.
Talking about getting the consistency right, to get started with that, all that is expected of you to do is to add a quarter cup of olive oil per cup of soy milk. However, you shouldn’t expect the soy milk to go well with your coffee or sweet baking recipe, but rather inside of any savory recipe that ordinarily calls for half and half.
4. Coconut milk
Coconut milk is an ideal vegan substitute for half and half. Is one with the most distinct flavor of the plant-based kinds of milk compared to the rest of the substitutes for half and half, one that also happens to be the sweetest by far as well.
Based on the assumption that it is the sweetest compared to every other substitute for half and half, people tend to mistake it for the fact that it is only fit for baked goods. However, that is not true, as coconut milk can also complement the flavors in soups and sauces as well.
Sticking with the coconut milk alone cannot fetch you the same thick consistency as half and half, but with the addition of the coconut cream, that can be very possible. Still confused about where to source the coconut cream from? Simply refrigerate a large can of full-fat coconut milk and watch the coconut cream come on top of it.
5. Cashew cream
Cashew cream is a vegan substitute for half and half that is not only dairy-free but also ticks all the diet-friendly boxes, one of which is also characterized by its slightly nutty flavor and sweetness.
Additionally, with cashew cream as your choice of substitute for half and half, you have no cause to worry as regards it altering your dish or coffee’s taste, with its mild taste and silky texture saving you from such distress.
To get the very best of results from this option of a substitute, all that is expected of you to do is to have them soaked in water overnight before proceeding to have them blended with more water until you arrive at a smooth consistency.
6. Pea protein
Sourced and made from yellow peas, the pea protein milk as a vegan substitute for half and half is a high-protein cow milk choice or a substitute to stick with, made with no traces of nuts, soy, or carrageenan inside of its content.
Generally, they are made from the blend and combination of pea protein and sunflower oil, coupled with some other ingredients they are paired alongside with, resulting in a product known for its rich and creamy texture at the end of the day that can easily be swapped for half and half as well.
7. Silken tofu cream milk
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Simply-Recipes-Silken-Tofu-METHOD-02-75aab02b248141478dc7a5caaabb6ed7.jpg)
Though it might appear surprising to you, the silken tofu cream milk is yet another reliable vegan substitute for half and half, owing to its high water content, which is undrained and unpressed, making it easier for it to replicate half and half when blended.
Resulting in a smooth half-and-half texture when blended, the silken tofu cream milk is also characterized by its creamy and rich texture when used and applied inside desserts, soups, and cream sauces.
Nutritionally, silken tofu cream milk as your substitute for half and half guarantees you a higher protein content, offering nearly 5 grams of protein per every 100-gram portion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, swapping in vegan-based half and half in all your recipes has a way of bringing an entirely different and unique flavor profile inside of your dishes, especially inside of your coffee, where it does add its little splash of sweetness inside of, as well as your favorite recipes.
Emmanuel
