Dairy products are usually cited as the main food sources of calcium, which can be difficult for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply dislike dairy. Luckily there are a number of non-dairy sources of calcium that aren’t as well known, and many of them are quite surprising. Here are a few of the best.
- Nuts and seeds. Healthy snacks like nuts and seeds don’t just quell your hunger, they also provide you with a beneficial dose of calcium. Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, and chestnuts are some of the most calcium-rich nuts, and they taste great in salads or on their own. Seeds like tahini, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are also wonderful sources.
- Green vegetables. As if you needed another reason to eat your veggies, many greens are very high in calcium. In fact, it’s much easier for your body to digest vegetables like broccoli, kale, and spinach than it is to digest milk.
- Tofu. Everyone’s favorite meat substitute isn’t just a great source of protein, it’s also filled with healthful calcium. Many brands of tofu are fortified with a calcium sulfate, which can easily be found on the ingredient list.
18 Surprising Dairy-Free Sources of Calcium [Greatist]
18 Surprising Dairy-Free Sources of Calcium [HuffPost]
Surprising Calcium Sources for Dairy Haters [Reader’s Digest]
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