It’s crazy how popular milk alternatives have become in past years. Ten years ago, the thought of putting oat milk in your coffee would have sounded really weird, now, it’s the norm. So is plant milk better for you? Typically, they are lower in fat content than normal cow’s milk, they also have less calories and sugar. Another positive for some plant-based milk alternatives is that you will receive nutrients common to that nut or grain as well.
Some of the more popular plant-based milk alternatives include soy, almond, coconut, and oat. There are also some more interesting ones like hemp, pea, rice, and flaxseed, that are less well-known but could be a good alternative.
Almond milk is low in saturated fat and does not contain cholesterol, bonus! It is definitely one of the most popular milk alternatives and it is rich in antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin D. It can come either sweetened or unsweetened and has a nutty flavour and watery texture. Be mindful that excessive consumption of almond milk can cause some stomach issues.
Soy milk is another huge one. It contains high levels of protein which improves muscle and organ health. Soy milk also contains ‘healthy fats’ like Omega-3. When purchasing soy milk remember to check the sugar contents, some soy milks can contain high levels of sugar and artificial sweeteners to imitate the creaminess of regular milk.
Oat milk is on the rise! Arguably the most milky-tasting of the plant-based alternatives, oat milk has more vitamin D than cow’s milk. Much like soy, oat milk can contain high levels of sugar and artificial sweeteners, opt for the ‘unsweetened’ type if this is a concern of yours.
There are a lot of different factors that come into play when deciding whether you want to make the switch to plant milks. If you are lactose-intolerant or have certain allergies, they may be a great alternative. It might be useful to seek advice from your doctor or a nutritionist before making the switch, incase of any allergies or sensitivities you may have. If you’re hesitant or finding it difficult to wean yourself off of normal milk, start off with ordering it in your coffee the next time you go out for breakfast, or try mixing it in with a smoothie.
It really just depends on your preference. There’s no right or wrong milk, it’s all about finding the right one for you and your needs. There are positives and negatives to both sides, so don’t feel stressed if you prefer to stick to normal cow’s milk! 🐮