Non-Dairy Alternatives.
The soy, rice and almond non-dairy beverage category is still on the rise and dairy dilemmas may be the driving force.
One of the most sacred of all sacred cows in American society is the milk of the cow itself. Most parents wouldn't think of raising their children without the benefit of cow's milk to help them grow big and strong.

Because of milk's pure, healthful image (and perhaps its huge congressional lobby), it's taken years for dairy-related conditions to be considered seriously.

Research indicates that cow's milk can lead to not only lactose intolerance, but also many other conditions such as iron deficiency anemia, allergies, diarrhea, heart disease, colic, cramps, gastrointestinal bleeding, sinusitis, skin rashes, acne, increased frequency of colds and flus, arthritis, diabetes, ear infections, osteoporosis, asthma, autoimmune diseases, and more, possibly even cancer, according to Frank Oski, MD, author of Don't Drink Your Milk!

Each individual is different, and so many of us may not have any reaction to dairy products. Researchers say that cow's milk is perfect for young calves, like human breast milk is ideal for human infants, however, once we pass out of infancy and grow teeth, our need for dairy diminishes.

Most US cows are fed a regular dose of antibiotics and hormones, which may also be troublesome. According to the US Centers for Disease Control, this practice diminishes the power of antibiotic medicines when we need them to combat serious illnesses. The extra hormones which end up in our bodies may also lead to health risks, as well, according to the CDC.

Because this information is now more readily available, the food industry has seen explosive growth in alternatives to milk. One of the most popular milk alternatives, soy, continues to grow in popularity. Soy is said to be effective in reducing cholestorol, treating kidney disease and preventing cancers.

Rice products are also making their way as an alternative to dairy. Rice milks and frozen desserts are tasty and are growing in popularity.

Additionally, many rice and soy products offer enriched varieties, offering the vitamins traditionally found in dairy products. These dairy-free products often have a light, refreshing flavor and are perfect for baking, over cereal, or straight out of the container.

This business of selling dairy alternatives has been big, and for good reason. Haddon House has paid careful attention to this trend and we ensure that the very best items are represented in our product mix. For more information about the non-dairy items carried at Haddon House, please contact your sales representative or our marketing department.

Photo by Dena O'Hara.