Alternative Milks: The Plants Challenging the Dairy Industry
updated on Jan 2, 2018
In recent years, the “clean eating” movement has more of us questioning the nutritional value of the food and drinks we consume. While cow’s milk has its benefits, including high levels of calcium and B vitamins, it isn’t without problems. Allergies, acne and high cholesterol are all part of the risks with dairy.
The statistics speak for themselves, with research from the US showing that people are now drinking 40% less cow’s milk than they were a few decades ago. To replace it, people are turning to alternatives – milks made from plants, all of which come with their own unique nutritional qualities.
To find out if these plant-powered super drinks stand up to their reputation, the Happiful team put five alternative milks to the test.
Free from: soya & nuts
A cup of hemp milk will set you up with half the calcium you need a day, and is rich in phosphorus, B vitamins, and magnesium.
RRP: £1.60
TASTE: 5/5
PACKAGING: 2/5
HAVE IT AGAIN?: Yes
Soya milk contains all nine of the essential amino acids your body needs. It also contains 30% of daily calcium, B vitamins, iron and protein.
RRP: £1.40
TASTE: 4/5
PACKAGING: 3/5
HAVE IT AGAIN?: Yes
"I liked it! It was very creamy and reminded me of condensed milk" – Ali
Almond milk is high in vitamin E, phosphorus, potassium and zinc, and is free of saturated fats and cholesterol. However, it is also high in carbohydrates and low in calcium.
RRP: £1.80
TASTE: 5/5
PACKAGING: 3/5
HAVE IT AGAIN?: Yes
Rice milk contains niacin, vitamin B-6, iron, copper and magnesium. However, it is very high in carbohydrates and sugar, and low in protein and calcium.
RRP: £1.40
TASTE: 3/5
PACKAGING: 3/5
HAVE IT AGAIN?: Maybe
Low in fat and cholesterol free, oat milk contains 10 different minerals and 15 vitamins with 36% of your recommended daily allowance of calcium in one cup.
RRP: £1.45
TASTE: 3/5
PACKAGING: 5/5
HAVE IT AGAIN?: Maybe
"Actually, not too bad! I tried it with tea and I would have it again, but I wouldn't choose it over normal milk" – Ross
Despite the general rise of alternative milks, only 33% of our reviewers had tried these alternative milks before, and just 16% were aware of any nutritional benefits in the milks. But, despite a rather tentative start, a staggering 83% said they definitely would (or would consider) having these milks again.
On the whole, Happiful enjoyed the milks we tried. The hemp milk was a surprise hit among our reviewers, although we wouldn’t be surprised to see “a soy latte to-go” becoming a more popular order for the office coffee rounds.
All these milks can be found in major supermarkets.
