I Use Dairy in my Coffee—and you know what, it tastes better than using a nut-sourced milk

If you spend any time here at all, you know a little bit about my journey down the eat-everything to pescatarian to vegetarian to vegan to flexitarian road … meaning I have lived a little bit on every single path imaginable—at least when it comes to eating. So, how’d I get here? And how did I “fine my way back”? Well … the story goes like this …

I’m a food writer and editor—or at least I was—meaning I actually get/got paid to write about everything from emerging trends (think cauliflower) to food policy (I’ve worked side-by-side with folks from the FDA and the USDA), to celebrity chefs, to swanky new restaurant openings. When COVID was at its height and work mostly disappeared for those of us who relied on crowds (food festivals, resort living, restaurants, etc.) I used some of my downtime to study plant-based nutrition.

I also used some of my downtime to taste test vodkas and learn the difference between cacao and cocoa, AND maca and matcha.

And so … after a few months, I opted to give veganism a try. And … admittedly, my biggest challenge when I first walked the vegan road was finding a plant-based cream for my morning coffee that didn’t, well, taste like shit (I even wrote about it).

Because let’s face it, a lot of plant-based creams taste like shit.

But I did find one, and for a while, I was semi satisfied. But after some soul searching, the real deal—as in dairy—has made its way back into my morning mug and I now use half and half (gasp, I know) in my coffee. And to be honest, at first I felt guilty about it. Truth be known, I felt like a failure. Why? Mostly because I had gotten so much flak from the folks still on the vegan road about my “unconsciousness,” etc., etc., etc. As if someone was going to come along and revoke my vegan card. Which, is a bunch of bull shit.

Flash forward 2-3 years, and you know what … I’m OK. I am still adding half and half to my morning coffee and believe it or not no one showed up at my door to scream at me or tell me I was killing the planet. Although, I have earned my fair share of haters on social media. But why? I am doing what I can to be aware of our planet and her failing immune system. I use cloth napkins. I usually remember my own grocery bags when I go to the store. I turn the water off when I wash dishes. I use a refillable water bottle. I try not to waste food. And I eat a plant-based diet most days. And … insert drum roll … I like half and half in my coffee. It tastes better—at least to me—and it makes my mornings better. So there. I said it. Feel free to DM me and tell me I’m horrible, whatever. I don’t care. I’m just doing what I can to live consciously AND enjoy my time here on Earth for as long as possible … and yes, like Chardonnay, a damn good cup of coffee is always welcome. So, there you go.