It's true. I can't believe it's true. The lactose intolerant are now welcomed to Christmas with what can only be the most amazing present ever: dairy-free eggnog. Almond Nog from Trader Joe's is here and it's ready to blow our collective mind. I love eggnog. It's basically the calling card that should accompany Game of Throne's famous saying, "Winter is Coming." Holiday nog welcomes in the cold nights, the snowy mornings, and the frost on the window of our cars.
Videos by Wide Open Country
It epitomizes holiday spirit and combined with alcohol, it tastes absolutely amazing... and also creates the perfect unhealthy storm. I mean, how many holiday drinks will taste equally as delicious when mixed with either rum, brandy, or bourbon? You could probably mix peppermint schnapps into it and it would be amazing.
Sadly, herein lies the eggnog problem - it makes me feel like crap, whether it's homemade eggnog or not. Correction, I feel great while drinking it. Later, when I think about all that cream and all those sugary yolks, I feel not so great.
Like maybe I want to start my New Years diet meal plan a few weeks early (or months early, don't judge me...). Enter Trader Joe's, my new favorite grocery store (and daresay my hero) with their game-changing, dairy-free recipes.
Meet Trader Joe's Almond Nog
Almond Nog. It's rich. It's creamy. And it's not just for those looking for dairy substitutes. No, no indeed, this TJ's almond-milk replacement isn't just for the non-dairy consumers amongst us. It's not just for those on a dairy-free diet using soy milk, coconut milk, or nut milks as a way to avoid dairy products. It's for all of us: a low-fat, low-sugar, high-calcium way to enjoy my favorite holiday drink.
Already, Redditers are taking to the forums to see how the newest in TJ's dairy-free products line taste, and vegans are freaking out about this new plant-based alternative. If it turns out the eggnog is gluten-free (which, by all rights, it should be grain-free like its traditional counterpart), it will have officially won the dietary restriction trifecta.
It's not surprising to see a product like this come from the grocery chain. Trader Joe's products often support lactose intolerance and vegan diet lifestyles. Earlier this year, they came out with private label almond milk Pumpkin Spice Beverage, and in 2011 they made actual eggnog-flavored almonds. To browse their full non-dairy products list, check out their website.
I for one can't wait to give it a try. The only question is which of my favorite liquors will I be mixing in there?
