For the past decade Europe and North America have battled back and forth in innovation for the free-from market. Soymilk became a common term in the UK before it really hit the mainstream in the US, and companies like Oatly in Europe jumped on the opportunity for soy-free, dairy-free needs. But North America responded with an even bigger selection ... almond milk, hemp milk, and most recently coconut-based milk alternative. As someone who is dairy-free I can vouch that the selection is wonderful. I enjoy the varying tastes and properties of every last option, and was very pleased with the richness of the latest coconut milk beverage. So I am thankful to see that the UK now has their own coconut milk beverage from Kara dairy free. From Talking Retail:

"Launching this January is Kara Dairy Free, the UK's first coconut based non-dairy milk. Aimed at consumers seeking a more natural and better tasting alternative to milk, Kara Dairy Free is freshly pressed coconut milk enriched with calcium. Like semi-skimmed milk, it contains just 2% fat, but has the added benefits of being cholesterol and lactose free, and contains the richest source of Lauric Acid of any kind of milk. Lauric Acid is a medium chain fatty acid, which is healthier than saturated animal fats and also helps control cholesterol.

Kara Dairy Free also contains no artificial flavourings, colourings or preservatives and is a versatile cooking ingredient. Coming out top in recent taste tests it was the preferred choice to leading soya and rice drinks.

With a shelf life of 9 months Kara Dairy Free is available in one-litre cartons with an RRP from £1.29. It will be available from Tesco Extra stores, Whole Foods and Planet Organic from January. Further stockists are expected throughout early 2010."

Kara actually manufactures a wide range of coconut products, from coconut cream to coconut spread. See their website for more information on the new non-dairy coconut milk and their full product range - www.kara.com.sg.

Article by Alisa Fleming, founder of GoDairyFree.org and author of Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook for Milk Allergies, Lactose Intolerance, and Casein-Free Living. In addition to her own dairy-free lifestyle, Alisa has experience in catering to the needs of various special diets, including gluten-free, soy-free, egg-free, vegan, and multiple food allergies. Go Dairy Free the book is available to purchase from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Overstock, Buy.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk, Whole Foods and through other book retailers. Need Go Dairy Free now? Order the E-Book for immediate delivery or download it to your Kindle