Ever thought about cheating on dairy milk with a sexier, plant-based alternative? Whether you're vegan, lactose intolerant, bored or just feel like living on the edge, the shelves nowadays are heaving with various concoctions that promise the moon… hold the cow.

Julie Pace, a registered dietitian-nutritionist with a functioning sense of humor, assures that these 'milk' alternatives are not just for the intolerant or the hipsters among us but also for anyone keen on nutritious, sustainable grub. "Plant milk comes loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and a much friendlier calorie count," she reveals.

This piece is intended to walk you through our top rated plant-based milk choices based on nutrition, taste, texture, and your peculiar health aspirations. Here's some of our darlings:

-Almond milk enthusiasts might find love with Malk Organic Unsweetened Almond Milk. Not too creamy but will tickle your palate with its simple and tasty charm. -Califia Farms Oat Barista Blend froths like a dream, perfect for homemade baristas with a world-class latte in mind. -Coffee lover's paradox solved with Nut Pods Almond and Coconut Creamer. Adds a nice touch of richness without butting heads with your beloved java. -Elmhurst Milked Almonds, Unsweetened is a jaw-dropper, with just water and almonds in its formula. Yet it comes swooping in higher in protein than its almond comrades. -Califia Farms Organic Original Oat Milk gets thumbs up from kids and adults alike for its smooth, subtly sweet finish. -West Life Organic Unsweetened Soymilk keeps it old school, providing a creamy, slightly nutty nod to nostalgic plant milk lovers. -365 Organic Unsweetened Coconut Milk breezes through your morning smoothie with a full-bodied, creamy finish. You may want to keep the coconut flavor blended with other flavors though.

But hold on, not all plant milks are born equal. Check the labels for sneaky sugars, salt, thickeners, and other wizardry to improve taste and texture. Particularly if you're looking for a protein boost, which cow's milk provides in abundance.

We know, there's a lot to milk here. But whether that enticing plant milk is right for you depends on your nutrition goals, taste preferences, or conservation objectives. Whichever you select though, just make sure it doesn't mess with your gut or your morning latte. It shouldn't be hard; after all, milking a nut can't be that difficult, can it?