A famous media campaigns once told us that drinking milk would make us healthy. The North America plant-based milk market size is growing as many people today are turning to this alternative owing to concerns about digestive health and the environment. However are these alternatives genuinely better than the one that comes from cows? Discover what factors to consider when selecting the options.
The Types
There are several types among the North America plant-based milk market that consumers can choose from.
1. Oat
Many people prefer oat milk as a coffee substitute because it closely resembles the texture of cow milk. Oat milk is ideal for those avoiding nuts like almonds. But it is not safe for individuals with celiac diseases owing to possible gluten contamination in some oats. It generally contains the most calories and carbs in comparison to other plant milk alternatives. Its health benefits can vary depending on the additional oils and sugars. So it is important to review the ingredient list prior to purchasing. Therefore it is important to review the ingredient information before buying.
2. Almond
The milk is produced by combining ground almonds with water and straining out the pulp. Whole almonds provide valuable protein. But almond milk lacks these nutrients unless it is homemade with some of the almonds still included in the mixture. It generally has lower calories than other alternatives especially if you choose the unsweetened variety. Some brands have carrageenan that is a seaweed extract which can be difficult for some people to digest. But almonds may not be the best choice for the Climatarian Diet. That is because they are not considered the most sustainable options.
3. Coconut
Producing the milk is by blending water with coconut meat. This therefore makes it less concentrated than coconut milk in a can which is generally for culinary purposes.
4. Pea
It comes from yellow peas that are rich in protein. This therefore makes it similar to cow milk. Peas are unlikely to trigger negative reactions. Choosing unsweetened versions can help reduce calorie intake which makes them a good fit for those managing their weight. It is a greener choice than cow milk even though the processed versions may contain unhealthy sugar so it is worth checking the label.
5. Potato
To make this milk potatoes are boiled and mixed with water. Its major advantage is its sustainability. Potatoes are naturally free from allergens. They also provide essential nutrients like calcium or folate.
Why Choose It?
The North America plant-based milk market is growing as more people prefer it for several reasons. For a long time cow milk was considered a staple in Western diets. It often comes with foods like cookies and milk or breakfast cereal. But what is causing so many individuals to shift away from this classic source of nutrients?
Some people are making the switch for health reasons or to live a more environmentally aware life. Growing understanding about food intolerances has further led many people to seek a better understanding about how specific items affect their bodies.
Plant milks are also gaining more popularity owing to their widespread presence on social media. With influencers leading the way, many followers are choosing the milks as they follow the latest trends. Its growing affordability is further expanding its reach to a larger consumer base.
Some Concerns
Even though the North America plant-based milk market provides numerous advantages it is not without its flaws. Many milk alternatives contain fewer essential micronutrients like magnesium and zinc in comparison to dairy products. Almond milks particularly have a significant environmental footprint. It basically needs more water and produces more emissions which are similar to dairy products.
People with allergies have fewer milk choices. That is because nut and soy milk can cause reactions. There is also little research on how effectively the body absorbs nutrients from these plant milks. Misconceptions about soy further continue to circulate with claims that it may impact testosterone levels or raise breast cancer risks.
