WIC stands for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. It is a federal program that provides food and nutrition assistance to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as to infants and children under the age of five. WIC does not currently cover almond milk. However, they do cover other types of milk, such as cow’s milk, soy milk, and goat milk. Almond milk is a plant-based milk that is made from almonds. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin E. It is also a good source of protein. However, it is not as good a source of protein as cow’s milk.
WIC-Eligible Food Categories
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal program that provides healthy foods to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age 5. WIC-eligible foods include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean protein
- Milk
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Peanut butter
- Canned fish
- Infant formula
- Baby food
Almond Milk and WIC
Almond milk is a plant-based milk made from almonds. It is a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients. However, WIC does not cover almond milk because it is not a dairy product.
| Eligible Milk Types | Ineligible Milk Types |
|---|---|
| Cow’s milk | Almond milk |
| Goat’s milk | Soy milk |
| Sheep’s milk | Rice milk |
If you are a WIC participant and you want to drink almond milk, you can purchase it with your own money. You can also talk to your WIC nutritionist about other plant-based milk options that are available to you.
Plant-Based Milk Alternatives
WIC, or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, infants, and Children, provides food and nutrition assistance to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and to infants and children up to the age of 5. WIC benefits include a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products. Almond milk is not currently covered by WIC, but there are several other plant-based milk alternatives that are.
- Soy milk
- Oat milk
- Coconut milk
- Hemp milk
- Cashew milk
These plant-based milk alternatives are all good sources of calcium and vitamin D, and they can be used in place of dairy milk in a variety of recipes. If you are looking for a plant-based milk alternative that is covered by WIC, talk to your WIC nutritionist or healthcare provider.
Benefits of Plant-Based Milk Alternatives
- Lactose-free
- Cholesterol-free
- Lower in calories and fat than dairy milk
- Good source of vitamins and minerals
- May be more environmentally sustainable than dairy milk
Comparison of Plant-Based Milk Alternatives
| Plant-Based Milk Alternative | Protein (g/serving) | Calcium (mg/serving) | Vitamin D (IU/serving) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soy milk | 7 | 100 | 110 |
| Oat milk | 5 | 70 | 80 |
| Coconut milk | 4 | 40 | 50 |
| Hemp milk | 4 | 30 | 40 |
| Cashew milk | 3 | 20 | 30 |
Ultimately, the best plant-based milk alternative for you will depend on your individual nutritional needs and preferences. Talk to your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to find the best option for you.
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Well, that’s the skinny on whether or not WIC covers almond milk. I know it can be a lot of info to take in, so feel free to come back later and refresh your memory. In the meantime, be sure to check out some of our other great articles. Thanks for stopping by!