What is the alternative milk for WIC?: An Essential Nutrition Guide

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, fortified soy beverages are the only plant-based milk alternative that is typically approved for the majority of WIC participants. For families needing a milk alternative, the question of what is the alternative milk for WIC is critical for ensuring proper nutrition for women and children.

Quick Summary

The WIC program offers specific, nutritionally comparable substitutes for dairy milk, primarily fortified soy beverage. Other alternatives like lactose-free milk and fortified pea protein milk may be available depending on state and participant needs. Options like almond, rice, and oat milk are generally not included due to different nutritional profiles.

Key Points

Approved Soy Milk: Fortified soy milk is the primary non-dairy milk alternative available through the WIC program for those with qualifying dietary needs.
Key Fortification: Approved soy milk is specially fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and Vitamin D, to be nutritionally comparable to cow's milk.
Ineligible Alternatives: Common alternatives like almond, rice, and oat milk are not WIC-approved because they lack the protein and balanced nutrition found in cow's milk.
Eligibility Reasons: Participants can receive alternatives like soy or lactose-free milk for reasons including allergies, lactose intolerance, vegan diets, or cultural preferences.
Medical Documentation Removed: Recent updates have removed the need for medical documentation for most non-dairy milk substitutions, reducing participant burden.
State-Specific Options: Some states offer additional alternatives, such as pea protein milk for children, so checking with your local WIC office is important.
Tofu as an Alternative: In addition to soy milk, fortified tofu is an approved milk substitute in many state WIC programs.

WIC-approved alternatives to cow’s milk

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program provides specific, nutritious food packages designed to meet the dietary needs of pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. While cow's milk is a staple, WIC recognizes that participants may need alternatives due to allergies, lactose intolerance, or other dietary choices. The program has strict nutritional guidelines for all approved foods, including substitutes, to ensure that participants receive adequate levels of key nutrients like protein, calcium, and Vitamin D.

Fortified soy milk and tofu

For many participants, the primary non-dairy alternative offered by WIC is fortified soy milk. WIC-approved soy beverages are fortified to be nutritionally similar to cow's milk, containing important vitamins and minerals such as calcium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin A. This fortification is crucial because unfortified plant-based milks lack the necessary nutrients for developing infants and children. State WIC agencies have a list of specific approved brands and sizes for soy milk. In addition to soy milk, firm or extra-firm tofu with calcium sulfate is also an approved milk substitute in many states.

Lactose-free and evaporated milk

For individuals with lactose intolerance, WIC provides lactose-free cow's milk. This option offers the same nutritional benefits as regular milk without the lactose, making it suitable for those with digestive sensitivities. Additionally, evaporated milk and nonfat dry powdered milk are often available as substitutes, particularly in food packages for women and children.

Emerging options: Pea protein milk

Recent changes have expanded the choices for some participants. For instance, the Texas WIC program now includes pea protein milk as an alternative for children aged 1–5. This addition addresses the needs of children with allergies or sensitivities to both cow's milk and soy. The specific availability of options like pea protein milk depends on state-specific WIC policies, so checking with a local WIC office is essential.

Who is eligible for milk alternatives?

To receive milk alternatives, WIC participants can discuss their nutritional needs with a WIC nutritionist. Reasons for qualifying for alternatives include:

Milk allergy
Lactose intolerance
Vegan or vegetarian diet
Cultural or religious practices

Recent USDA updates have made it easier to access some plant-based alternatives by removing the requirement for medical documentation to issue milk substitutions outside of certain food packages.

Important nutritional considerations

While many plant-based milks are widely available, WIC's nutritional standards are very specific. Options like almond, oat, and rice milk are generally not covered by WIC benefits because they are not nutritionally equivalent to cow's milk or fortified soy milk. Almond milk, for example, is very low in protein, while rice milk often has low protein and high sugar content. This focus on nutritional value ensures WIC recipients get the best possible start in life.

Comparing milk alternatives for WIC participants

To help understand the differences between approved and unapproved options, here is a comparison table outlining key nutritional differences based on WIC's standards:


Feature	Fortified Soy Milk (WIC-approved)	Almond Milk (Generally NOT WIC-approved)	Cow's Milk (WIC-approved dairy)
Protein	Fortified to be comparable to cow's milk (approx. 8g/cup)	Much lower protein (approx. 1g/cup)	High in protein (approx. 8g/cup)
Calcium	Fortified with added calcium	Often fortified with calcium	Naturally high in calcium
Vitamin D	Fortified with Vitamin D	Often fortified with Vitamin D	Often fortified with Vitamin D
Nutritional Equivalence	Considered nutritionally equivalent by WIC standards	Not considered nutritionally equivalent	The nutritional standard for milk products
Eligibility	Approved for those who qualify based on dietary needs	Not eligible for purchase with WIC benefits	Approved for most participants
Added Sugars	Unflavored and unsweetened varieties must be chosen	Often contains added sugars, even in "original" versions	Flavored options are not allowed

Conclusion

For participants in the WIC program, the alternative milk options are specifically selected to meet high nutritional standards for growing children and mothers. While a wide array of plant-based milks exists on store shelves, fortified soy milk remains the most consistent and widely available non-dairy substitute offered by WIC. Depending on your specific needs and state regulations, you may also be eligible for lactose-free milk, evaporated milk, or even pea protein milk. The key is to consult with a WIC nutritionist to determine which options are right for you and your family while ensuring that your child receives the critical nutrients needed for healthy development.

Additional guidance is always available from your local WIC office or on official state WIC program websites, which provide detailed lists of approved foods and formulas to help you shop with confidence. For more information on WIC food package updates, refer to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, WIC benefits generally do not cover almond milk, oat milk, or rice milk. These beverages are not considered nutritionally equivalent to cow's milk because they typically lack the necessary levels of protein and other essential nutrients required by WIC standards.

The main alternative is fortified soy milk. If your child has a soy allergy in addition to a milk allergy, your WIC nutritionist may be able to authorize a special formula or medical food with a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Yes, WIC offers lactose-free cow's milk for participants who cannot tolerate lactose. This provides the same nutritional benefits as regular cow's milk.

No, according to recent USDA regulations, medical documentation is no longer required to receive plant-based milk alternatives like fortified soy milk for most WIC food packages. You can discuss your dietary needs with your WIC nutritionist.

Yes. WIC may offer other alternatives like evaporated milk, powdered milk, cheese, yogurt, and tofu as substitutes for fluid milk. Some states, like Texas, also offer pea protein milk for children.

No, each state has a specific list of WIC-approved brands and sizes for soy milk and other products. It is important to check your state's WIC shopping guide or list for approved options before shopping.

Fortification is key to ensuring that milk alternatives meet the high nutritional standards set by WIC. This guarantees that growing infants and children, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women, receive essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and Vitamin D that support proper development.