Low-Carb Dairy Alternatives Guide

17 items classified under standard Low-Carb guidelines.

How do dairy alternatives fare on the Low-Carb diet? The answer depends on carbohydrate content. This guide breaks down all 17 items in this category with their classification, nutritional data, and the reasoning behind each status.

Quick Reference

Food Status Net carbs (per 100g)
Almond Milk Allowed 1.5g
Canned Coconut Milk Allowed 2.8g
Cashew Milk Allowed 27.3g
Coconut Milk Allowed 2.9g
Lite Coconut Milk Allowed 2.9g
Plain Coconut Yogurt Allowed 9.3g
Unsweetened Almond Milk Allowed 1.1g
Almond Milk Creamer Limited 1.5g
Canned Coconut Cream Limited 53g
Coconut Cream Limited 53g
Coconut Creamer Limited 0.8g
Coconut Yogurt Limited 0.8g
Flavored Almond Milk Limited 9g
Flavored Coconut Yogurt Limited 10.5g
Hemp Milk Limited 68.3g
Rice Milk Limited 8.9g
Soy Milk Limited 8.2g

Classification Breakdown

7 Allowed — These dairy alternatives are low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. 10 Limited — These items have a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones.

Low-carb spans from about 150g/day down to 20g/day, so the same food can be in or out depending on which end of the spectrum.

Allowed Dairy Alternatives (7)

Almond Milk

Allowed

With 1.5g net carbs per 100g, Almond Milk earns a Allowed classification on Low-Carb. This means it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. Among the 17 items in this category, almond milk sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Almond Milk Creamer at 1.5g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiberNet Carbs
Unsweetened15kcal0.6g1.2g0.3g0g0.3g
Sweetened30kcal0.5g1.2g4.3g0g4.3g

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Canned Coconut Milk

Allowed

Canned Coconut Milk is classified as Allowed on Low-Carb, with 2.8g net carbs per 100g. The classification reflects that it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. Nutritionally, it also delivers 21.3g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Almond Milk Creamer and Coconut Milk for net carbs, ranking 6 of 17.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

197kcalCalories
2gProtein
21.3gFat
2.8gCarbs
Fiber
2.8gNet Carbs

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Cashew Milk

Allowed

Cashew Milk is classified as Allowed on Low-Carb, with 27.3g net carbs per 100g. The classification reflects that it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. Nutritionally, it also delivers 12.1g protein and 53g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Flavored Coconut Yogurt at 10.5g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

609kcalCalories
12.1gProtein
53gFat
30.3gCarbs
3gFiber
27.3gNet Carbs

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Coconut Milk

Allowed

At 2.9g net carbs per 100g, Coconut Milk falls into the Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. This means it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. Within this category, it falls between Canned Coconut Milk and Lite Coconut Milk for net carbs, ranking 7 of 17.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiberNet Carbs
Canned (full-fat)357kcal1.2g16.3g53.2g0.2g53g
Carton (beverage)31kcal0.2g2.1g2.9g0g2.9g

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Lite Coconut Milk

Allowed

At 2.9g net carbs per 100g, Lite Coconut Milk falls into the Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. This means it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. Within this category, it falls between Coconut Milk and Soy Milk for net carbs, ranking 8 of 17.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

31kcalCalories
0.2gProtein
2.1gFat
2.9gCarbs
0gFiber
2.9gNet Carbs

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Plain Coconut Yogurt

Allowed

At 9.3g net carbs per 100g, Plain Coconut Yogurt falls into the Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. This means it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. Within this category, it falls between Flavored Almond Milk and Flavored Coconut Yogurt for net carbs, ranking 12 of 17.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

66kcalCalories
2.6gProtein
1.8gFat
9.7gCarbs
0.4gFiber
9.3gNet Carbs

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Unsweetened Almond Milk

Allowed

At 1.1g net carbs per 100g, Unsweetened Almond Milk falls into the Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. This means it is low enough in carbohydrates to fit within a typical low-carb daily target. Among the 17 items in this category, unsweetened almond milk sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Almond Milk at 1.5g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

15kcalCalories
0.4gProtein
1gFat
1.3gCarbs
0.2gFiber
1.1gNet Carbs

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Limited Dairy Alternatives (10)

Almond Milk Creamer

Limited

Almond Milk Creamer is classified as Limited on Low-Carb, with 1.5g net carbs per 100g. This means it is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. Within this category, it falls between Almond Milk and Canned Coconut Milk for net carbs, ranking 5 of 17. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

20kcalCalories
0.5gProtein
1.2gFat
1.5gCarbs
0gFiber
1.5gNet Carbs

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Canned Coconut Cream

Limited

With 53g net carbs per 100g, Canned Coconut Cream earns a Limited classification on Low-Carb. It is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. Beyond the primary classification, canned coconut cream also provides 16.3g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Cashew Milk at 27.3g. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

357kcalCalories
1.2gProtein
16.3gFat
53.2gCarbs
0.2gFiber
53gNet Carbs

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Coconut Cream

Limited

With 53g net carbs per 100g, Coconut Cream earns a Limited classification on Low-Carb. This means it is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. It also contains 16.3g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Canned Coconut Cream at 53g. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

357kcalCalories
1.2gProtein
16.3gFat
53.2gCarbs
0.2gFiber
53gNet Carbs

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Coconut Creamer

Limited

Coconut Creamer is classified as Limited on Low-Carb, with 0.8g net carbs per 100g. This means it is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. It also contains 99.1g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 17 items in this category, coconut creamer sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Coconut Yogurt at 0.8g. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

895kcalCalories
0gProtein
99.1gFat
0.8gCarbs
0gFiber
0.8gNet Carbs

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Coconut Yogurt

Limited

Coconut Yogurt is classified as Limited on Low-Carb, with 0.8g net carbs per 100g. This means it is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. It also contains 99.1g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 17 items in this category, coconut yogurt sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Unsweetened Almond Milk at 1.1g. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

895kcalCalories
0gProtein
99.1gFat
0.8gCarbs
0gFiber
0.8gNet Carbs

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Flavored Almond Milk

Limited

Flavored Almond Milk is classified as Limited on Low-Carb, with 9g net carbs per 100g. This means it is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. Within this category, it falls between Rice Milk and Plain Coconut Yogurt for net carbs, ranking 11 of 17. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

50kcalCalories
0.6gProtein
1.3gFat
9.4gCarbs
0.4gFiber
9gNet Carbs

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Flavored Coconut Yogurt

Limited

At 10.5g net carbs per 100g, Flavored Coconut Yogurt falls into the Limited category under Low-Carb guidelines. It is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. Beyond the primary classification, flavored coconut yogurt also provides 8.1g protein per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Plain Coconut Yogurt at 9.3g. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

92kcalCalories
8.1gProtein
1.7gFat
11gCarbs
0.5gFiber
10.5gNet Carbs

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Hemp Milk

Limited

Hemp Milk is classified as Limited on Low-Carb, with 68.3g net carbs per 100g. The classification reflects that it is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. Nutritionally, it also delivers 7.6g protein and 13.8g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Coconut Cream at 53g. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

446kcalCalories
7.6gProtein
13.8gFat
71.7gCarbs
3.4gFiber
68.3gNet Carbs

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Rice Milk

Limited

Rice Milk is classified as Limited on Low-Carb, with 8.9g net carbs per 100g. This means it is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. Within this category, it falls between Soy Milk and Flavored Almond Milk for net carbs, ranking 10 of 17. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

47kcalCalories
0.3gProtein
1gFat
9.2gCarbs
0.3gFiber
8.9gNet Carbs

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Soy Milk

Limited

With 8.2g net carbs per 100g, Soy Milk earns a Limited classification on Low-Carb. This means it is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. Within this category, it falls between Lite Coconut Milk and Rice Milk for net carbs, ranking 9 of 17. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

64kcalCalories
3.4gProtein
2gFat
8.3gCarbs
0.1gFiber
8.2gNet Carbs

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