What kind of mustache do you wear — dairy or nondairy? More and more people are going alternative with the nondairy, new "milk" type. If you've wheeled a cart down the grocery store aisles lately, you're sure to have noticed the growing availability of these products. So what's the deal with these trendy beverages?

Milk alternatives, or the new "milks", don't actually contain any milk. They're non-dairy beverages that many people consume instead of dairy milk. Others consume them in addition to dairy milk, as another beverage choice.

Three popular alternatives are soy, rice and almond "milk". If you have an allergy to milk, are lactose intolerant, or simply prefer not to drink milk, then milk alternatives can be your healthful milk-replacement solution.

Each of these beverages has its own distinct texture, color and flavor. But make no mistake, they don't taste like milk; they have refreshing flavors of their own. There's plenty of variety — vanilla, chocolate, carob and cappuccino, for instance. Milk alternative lovers have actually been known to compare the taste to a milkshake! If you haven't tried these beverages lately, or perhaps ever, then try one. Better yet, experiment with several.

Cooking With Milk Alternatives
Often milk alternatives can be used in cooking or baking just like dairy milk. But, since some of them are sweet, you may need to reduce other sweet ingredients in a recipe. The next time you're in the mood to experiment in the kitchen, try to replace part or all of the dairy milk in a recipe with a non-flavored milk alternative instead.

They don't contain casein, the main protein found in milk, making them suitable for people with a cow's milk allergy. Milk alternatives are also naturally lactose free. Lactose is the sugar in cow's milk that many people are unable to digest. If you're not sure what the difference between a true milk allergy and lactose intolerance is, see the sidebar.

Even if you don't have an allergy and you currently consume milk or lactose-reduced dairy milk, don't think of milk alternatives as replacements. Rather, use milk alternatives as additional, nutritious beverages.

What Is a Milk Allergy?
A true milk allergy involves an abnormal response of your immune system. An allergic reaction typically involves many parts of your body, such as swelling, hives, rash, nasal congestion, asthma, nausea, diarrhea or gas.

Lactose intolerance, often confused with an allergic reaction, doesn't involve the immune system. It occurs due to an inability to digest the milk sugar called lactose. Symptoms of lactose intolerance vary but generally include cramps, bloating, gas, diarrhea and nausea. Your healthcare provider can help evaluate and diagnose if you have an intolerance or allergy.