When’s the last time you had a glass of milk with dinner?
For decades, drinking 2-3 glasses of whole milk per day was encouraged to build and maintain strong bones. I can still remember those “Got Milk?” ads featuring celebrities with milk mustaches!
Today, Americans are consuming a lot less cow’s milk than they used to. According to the USDA, dairy milk consumption has declined by nearly 40% over the past 40 years while non-dairy milk sales are on the rise.
So why are more and more people choosing plants over cows? And what makes plant-based milk a better option than dairy milk?
The problem with dairy milk
For several years, the dairy industry has touted the benefits of cow’s milk by stating it’s the best source of calcium.
Calcium is an essential mineral our body needs for healthy bones, muscles and heart. When we aren’t getting enough calcium in our diet, our body begins to take it from our bones, which can cause osteoporosis.
However, new studies show that drinking milk may not promote bone health at all. In a Harvard study of male health professionals and female nurses, individuals who drank one glass of milk or less per week, were at no greater risk of breaking bones than those who drank 2 or 3 glasses of milk per week.
Additionally, a 2014 study examining osteoporosis in older adults showed that higher milk consumption in their teenage years was not associated with a lower risk of hip fracture. Even worse, drinking dairy milk may actually increase the risk of bone fractures in women.
Another 2014 study found that women who drank two or more glasses of cow’s milk a day had a higher fracture risk than their counterparts who drank less than one glass a day.
So if milk isn’t a safe source of calcium, what is? Seeds, beans and almonds all contain high amounts of calcium but without the health risks that come with dairy.
If you’re looking for another reason to ditch dairy, more troubling studies link cow’s milk consumption to higher cancer risks...
A study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that men who drink two or more glasses of milk per day were twice as likely to develop advanced prostate cancer than those who didn’t drink milk.
It’s still unclear how dairy can cause cancer. But scientists believe it may be linked to the casein protein, the hormones and antibiotics found in dairy products or the insulin-like growth factor.
Vegan Milk, the non-dairy milk alternative
There’s a lot of controversy on whether or not you can call them “milk,” considering the definition of the word milk is: “An opaque white fluid rich in fat and protein, secreted by female mammals for the nourishment of their young.” But one thing’s for sure: these non-dairy milk alternatives are here to stay!
So what makes plant-based milk healthier than dairy? For one thing, they don’t contain hormones or antibiotics. Hormones are one of the reasons why dairy is linked to acne and certain types of cancers (like prostate cancer, mentioned above).
Dairy consumption is also associated with heart disease. One study conducted by the Harvard Chan School found that participants reduced their risk of heart disease by nearly 30% when they replaced full-fat dairy products with carbohydrates from whole grains.
And unlike dairy milk, plant-based milk is lactose-free. Why does that matter? Because “65 percent of the human population has a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy.” If you’ve ever experienced bloating, upset stomach or even diarrhea after eating dairy, you may want to consider switching to dairy-free milk that’s easier on your gut!
Plant-based milk is also healthier for the planet! A study by the University of Oxford shows that a glass of dairy milk produces three times the greenhouse gas emissions than any non-dairy milk.
In case you’re not keeping score, that’s 4 points plant-based milk, 0 points dairy milk.
8 plant-based milk alternatives for you to try
When it comes to choosing your plant-based milk you have plenty of options. Since their rise in popularity, plant-based milks now come in many forms, and have different flavor profiles as well as nutritional value.
But don’t worry – we’ve done the hard work for you! We’re breaking down the most popular plant-based milk alternatives to help you decide which one may be best for you.
Bonus: Most plant-based milk is shelf-stable, which makes them easy to stock up on!
1. Almond milk
Almond milk is made from soaking blanched almonds in water.
Pros:
- Low in calories
- 50% more calcium than dairy milk
- High in vitamins E, A and D
Cons:
- Low in protein compared to other plant-based milks
- Takes about 920 gallons of water to cultivate one gallon of almond milk (which is still less water than it takes to produce a gallon of dairy milk!)
- Nuts are a common allergy among children and adults
How to use:
- Because of its light consistency, almond milk goes great in smoothies!
2. Rice milk
Rice milk is made from milled rice and water.
Pros:
- A great choice for those with nut and soy allergies
- Naturally sweeter than other plant-based milk
Cons:
- Low in nutrients
How to use:
- Because of its light consistency, rice milk is best enjoyed with cereal or by the glassful.
3. Oat milk
Oat milk is the new darling of plant-based milk. It’s made by soaking, blending then straining oats through a cheesecloth.
Pros:
- Good source of soluble fiber, which supports heart and digestive health
- Fortified with vitamins A, D, B2, and B12
Cons:
- High in calories
- Difficult to find unsweetened oat milk
How to use:
- Thanks to its creamy consistency, oat milk is perfect for making homemade lattes!
4. Quinoa milk
Quinoa milk is made by soaking, blending then straining quinoa through a cheesecloth.
Pros:
- Good source of protein
- Good source of fiber
- Low in sugar
Cons:
- Difficult to find in mainstream grocery stores
How to use:
- Add quinoa milk to smoothies, homemade lattes, and porridges!
5. Soy milk
Soy milk is the original plant-based milk. It’s made from soybeans and filtered water.
Pros:
- 7-12g of protein per cup
- Often fortified with calcium and potassium
Cons:
- Some brands use genetically modified soybeans (we recommend always buying organic soy milk!)
How to use:
- Soy milk is great for drinking plain, adding to smoothies, cooking and baking.
6. Coconut milk
Coconut Milk is made from filtered water and coconut cream. In the refrigerated aisle, it’s often referred to as “coconut beverage” as it’s more diluted than canned coconut milk, often used for cooking curries.
Pros:
- Creamy consistency
- Can be fortified to be a good source of calcium
Cons:
- Low in protein
- High in saturated fat
How to use:
- Coconut milk goes great in smoothies and curries.
7. Hemp milk
Hemp milk is made from soaking whole hemp seeds in water, then straining the liquid from a cheesecloth. (Although the hemp plant is used to produce marijuana, hemp milk doesn’t cause mind-altering effects and contains only small trace amounts of THC.)
Pros:
- Has more protein and healthy fats than almond milk
- Has fewer calories than cow’s milk
- Contains essential fatty acids
Cons:
- Commercial varieties often include thickeners and other additives.
How to use:
- Hemp milk has a natural buttery, nutty flavor so it goes best in cooking and baking.
8. Cashew milk
Similar to almond milk, cashew milk is made from soaking and straining raw cashews.
Pros:
- Contains healthy fats
- Good source of protein
Cons:
- Store bought versions often contain added sugars, oils and preservatives
How to use:
- Because of its creamy texture, cashew milk goes great in just about everything. Try it in your soup or porridge!
How to make your own cashew milk
Making your own plant-based milk is easier than you think and only requires a few ingredients.
- Soak 1 cup of cashews in very hot water for 15 minutes or in room temperature water for 1–2 hours or longer.
- Drain and rinse the cashews, then add them to a blender with 3–4 cups of water. Blend on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute or until smooth and frothy.
- If desired, add dates or maple syrup to sweeten.
- You can keep your cashew milk in a glass jar or container in the fridge for up to three to four days. If it separates, simply shake before use.
