Got Milk? Or is it Really a Plant-based Beverage?

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What are the reasons people choose to consume a plant-based beverage over cow’s milk? Many people have lactose intolerance or self-proclaimed lactose intolerance. Some have an actual milk allergy. Some believe that plant-based beverages are healthier. Many are following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle and prefer not to consume cow’s milk. Then there are people with ethical concerns for the production of cow’s milk. No matter what the reason, more people than ever are reaching for the soy, almond, coconut, hemp, pea, cashew, and rice beverages. 

Why am I calling them plant-based beverages vs milks? Well, technically, the FDA defines milk as “the lacteal secretion… from the complete milking of one or more healthy cows… and shall not contain less than 8 ¼ percent milk solids” Plant-based beverages are not nutritionally the same as cow’s milk. Even within themselves, all plant-based beverages are not nutritionally the same. Almond beverage from one company may contain more protein or calcium than another. 

Moral of the story? Consider why you’re reaching for those plant-based beverages and if you decide that you’d prefer the plant-based beverage, look at the nutrition labels to decide which is the best choice for you. Some important considerations when doing so include: protein, calcium, fat, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and iron. One more important consideration is the flavor and sugar content of the beverage you are choosing. Many of the beverages come in vanilla, chocolate, original, and sweetened and unsweetened. To opt for an option closest to cow’s milk, choose an unsweetened, original beverage with about 8g of protein, 314mg calcium, 98IU Vitamin D, 0.9 mcg B12, and 0.1mg iron. These components of cow’s milk can be seen below being compared to many other options. 


-BC


Sources: 
https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/0918p28.shtml
https://nutrition.org/going-nuts-about-milk-heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-plant-based-milk-alternatives/

Comments

  1. ELDecember 3, 2020 at 9:55 AM

    This is a very interesting post! I have been very curious to know people's thoughts and reasoning behind their choices in milk and plant-based beverages. I feel like this topic is similar to the gluten craze. People who do not have Celiac's or gluten sensitivities choose to eat gluten free because they believe it is healthier. I think people choose almond milk or other plant-based beverages even though they aren't lactose intolerant because they believe it is healthier. While these beverages do have key nutrients, I feel as though milk and dairy products are demonized and people don't value the benefits of milk. Great post! -EL

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dave YakunichDecember 6, 2020 at 5:33 PM

    Great topic! We have seen a massive decline in the amount of milk consumed here within the United States over the past four decades. A lot of people are opting for plant-based "milks" instead of going for the traditional cow milk. I like how you state the myriad of reasons why people have chosen to transition to plant-based options. If one chooses to leave cows milk for the plant alternative, it is good that they know why they are choosing to do so, not merely following a fad or trend.
    -Dave Y-

    ReplyDelete

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