More and more people are choosing plant-based alternatives to traditional meat and dairy products.
Whether you’re considering switching from dairy for animal rights, health, environmental reasons, or if you just prefer the taste, the options are increasing all the time.
Plant milks have been made and used for hundreds of years, but until recently, the only common dairy alternative available was soymilk – although a good option it’s not to everyone’s taste. Choices now include rice, oat, hemp, or coconut milk, as well as a variety of nut milks. Nut milks are naturally gluten, lactose, and soy-free.
If you are looking for environmentally- friendly alternatives, almond milk comes under criticism for consuming a large amount of water during farming and production. It’s still less than dairy milk, but certainly not ideal. Greenhouse gas emissions and land use for the production of plant-based milks are lower than for dairy milk.
The nutrition content depends upon the plant source and the processing. Typically, nut based milks are highly diluted; therefore don’t contain high quantities of nutrients. For this reason, many are fortified with vitamins and minerals. They can also have sugar and other additives, so it’s worth checking the packaging for a full run-down of the ingredients.
Nut milks have less protein and calcium than cows’ milk and therefore they are not recommended as a complete milk replacement for children, teens or pregnant women. On the other hand, people who need to limit their calories or saturated fat intake may benefit from some plant-based milks.
COMMON NUT MILKS
• Almond milk is a popular choice as it’s widely available, and its neutral flavour makes it versatile.
• Hazelnut milk has a creamier colour and a stronger nutty flavour, making for a ‘love or hate’ relationship.
• Cashew milk has a mild flavour and creamy feel, and is becoming more widely available.
• Coconut milk is not from a true nut, but is a good alternative for those with nut allergies. Lovers of the taste will find it makes a delicious hot chocolate, but it has the highest fat content of the non- dairy milks.
With a huge range of nut milks and other dairy alternatives, have fun finding your personal favourite or making your own!