Breakfast Ideas
# Top 11 Plant-Based Drinks for Breakfast
Published: 08/07/2026
AuthorNestlé Cereals
Reading time: 5 min.
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Looking for dairy free breakfast ideas that make mornings delicious and easy? You are in the right place! Whether you are vegan, lactose intolerant or simply curious about plant-based drinks, there are so many tasty options to pour over your favourite breakfast cereals.
Milk has always been a breakfast favourite. It makes coffee creamy, gives smoothies that perfect texture and brings out the crunch in your cereal. But if you are choosing a dairy free breakfast, there are now lots of fortified alternatives that taste just as good. From oat and almond, to pea and macadamia, there is a plant-based drink for everyone.
## What are plant-based drinks?
Before we jump into the list, let’s take a moment to talk about plant-based drinks. These are dairy free options made from nuts, grains, seeds or legumes. They are great for accompanying dairy free breakfast foods such as cereal, porridge or [smoothies](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/blog/gluten-free/smoothie-ideas).
## Oat milk-alternative
Oat drinks are featured in pretty much every list of the best non-dairy drinks. So, if you haven’t tried it yet, here’s what to expect: a creamy texture, a mild flavour and a naturally sweet taste. It’s great for cooking, delicious to drink on its own and a match made in heaven for cereals, smoothies and lattes.
For oat fans, oat drinks and our delicious [Cheerios®](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands/cheerios) make a great combination. Give it a go!
## Pea milk-alternative
The new-comer on the plant-based drinks aisle are pea-based drinks. But before you imagine your breakfast cereals sloshing in a bowl of green juice that tastes just like peas, you’ll be happy to know pea beverages come in a creamy colour and don’t have the vegetable’s flavour. Wondering how to use pea beverages? Add it to cereals, smoothies and your favourite [pancake recipe](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/cereal-recipes/kids/mini-pancakes). Pour it over coffee, whip up with [overnight oats](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/cereal-recipes/balanced/apple-overnight-oats), or enjoy it in a glass on its own.
## Soy milk-alternative
Soy drinks come in many different flavours, from classic to chocolate, vanilla or coconut. If you choose a flavoured option, it will make a tasty twist to your morning bowl of cereal.
## Almond Milk-alternative
Who knew that a combination of finely-ground almonds and water could taste so heavenly? The nutty flavour is unmistakeable, but it’s all wrapped in a smooth, slightly sweet drink you can use in pretty much everything that requires milk. Try it with your morning cereals, add your favourite [cereal topping](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/blog/breakfast-ideas/cereal-topping-ideas)s and you’ve got a delicious breakfast without milk.
If you’re not sure what cereals work best with an almond drink, give the crunchy [Shredded Wheat ® Honey and Nut](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/brands/shredded-wheat/honey-nut) a go for a supremely nutty morning meal.
## Macadamia nut milk-alternative
Another new addition to the non-dairy drinks family, macadamia beverage might soon become a favourite in coffee shops. Its creamy texture makes it ideal for a morning coffee and adds a special twist to lattes, golden milk recipes and [smoothies.](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/blog/gluten-free/smoothie-ideas) If you love a nutty flavour to accompany your breakfast cereals, give macadamia drinks a go.
## Rice milk-alternative
If you’re on a plant-based diet, but avoiding nuts, or you’re not a fan of nutty flavours, a different plant-based drink to try is rice milk-alternative. But the great thing about it is that rice milk-alternative works with almost anything. It’s a great substitute in recipes and works well as a base for smoothies. When it comes to a cereal breakfast, a plant-based rice drink makes good combinations with whatever ingredients you choose to add as a topping, since it doesn’t come with an overpowering flavour. We’re thinking fresh berries to sweeten it up or a sprinkle of cocoa powder to give it a nice chocolatey taste.
## Cashew milk-alternative
If you love almond drinks, give cashew beverages a go too. The two drinks are both favourites with fans of nutty flavours, and you can even find blends that mix the two together, so you have it all in one cup. Fans of cashew milk-alternative also recommend it as a great addition to your morning tea, so why not take a chance on this tasty plant-based drink. It might turn out to be your favourite of them all.
If you want more inspiration for gluten free mornings, take a look at our [Delicious Gluten Free Breakfast Ideas](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/blog/gluten-free/top-breakfast-ideas).
## Coconut milk-alternative
If you love coconut, the subtle flavour of this beverage will win you over. You can find coconut drinks either in a carton, or in a can, however, if you’re planning to pour it over your morning cereals, go for the more diluted carton version. Its tropical taste makes it quite special among the rest of non-dairy drinks, so if you’re looking to add a special twist to your dairy-free breakfast, a coconut drink is the way to go. If you enjoy coconut drinks, you might also like our [Shredded Wheat® Coconut and Mango Smoothie Recipe](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/cereal-recipes/smoothies/coconut-mango), made with coconut water for a light and fruity taste.
There are many plant-based drinks to choose from, but if you’ve got your favourite already, here are a few ideas for incorporating milk or non-dairy drinks into your [post-workout meals](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/blog/breakfast-ideas/what-to-eat-after-workout).
If you want more inspiration for gluten free mornings, take a look at our [Delicious Gluten Free Breakfast Ideas](https://www.nestle-cereals.com/uk/blog/gluten-free/top-breakfast-ideas).
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