Plant-based milk: a good alternative to cow's milk or chemicals in packaging

About 6 years ago, American scientists made the unexpected conclusion that animal milk should be excluded from the list of health benefits. They cited the presence of lactose, to which some people become intolerant, and the high content of saturated fat. Unfortunately, the accumulated scientific facts and opinions of doctors have confirmed this. However, the majority grew up on the knowledge that milk is the most valuable food product that everyone should have in their home. Then scientists analyzed the desire of people to drink this drink, while maximizing its beneficial properties and came to the conclusion that vegetable milk can be a good alternative. It is about him that will be discussed in this article.

What is plant-based milk?

It is very difficult to call this herbal drink real milk, since, in fact, it is not. It is a liquid obtained after soaking nuts, sprouts or seeds. Sweeteners, fruits and other flavor-enhancing characteristics are sometimes added to it. That is why many manufacturers decorate their packages with the inscription “herbal drink”.

There is no need to say that the mass consumption of plant milk began relatively recently. However, the presence of beneficial properties in the drink was discovered by the ancestors: trying to obtain protein, they created a liquid from cereals, soybeans and poppy seeds, which helped them not only enjoy the taste, but also receive nutrition for the body.

Who prefers such a drink and why?

For many people, the appearance of plant-based milk has become a real boon, as it allowed not to radically change food habits. For others with individual lactose intolerance, this drink is an alternative to cow's milk. In any case, we can identify the target category of people who consume vegetable milk:

• people who do not eat animal products. These include vegetarians, raw foodists, and those who are fasting;
• those who, due to health problems, switching to a healthy lifestyle or on the recommendation of a doctor, stopped consuming cow's milk;
• on a special gluten-free diet;
• those who are not satisfied with the maintenance of cows and milk production, that is, the addition of antibiotics to the product, which affects the presence of nutritional properties;
• people with individual lactose intolerance who are prohibited from consuming dairy products.

To this list can be added the chefs and gourmets for whom experimenting with taste is commonplace. Thanks to vegetable milk, the masters give a peculiar shade to the dish, for example, the use of a coconut drink is typical for Thai cuisine, and poppy for Russian.

Types of plant milk

Today, such a drink is obtained from various varieties of plant raw materials, which in its composition are radically different from the animal.

Here are the main types of plant-based milk:

Soy milk

One of the most popular cow's milk replacements. Having the highest fat content among the presented species (2%), it is saturated with proteins. The production of the drink is as follows: boiled soybeans are ground, and then the liquid is removed. Depending on the varieties of soybeans, plant milk from this raw material can taste differently. In some cases, it turns out to be chalky, mustard or creamy. The most nutritious product is obtained from organic raw materials, since nowadays most manufacturers, using standard food processing technologies, like to "spice up" plants with pesticides.

Soy milk has gained wide popularity among European countries, and its amazing properties are credited with strengthening the circulatory system and creating a beneficial environment for the gastrointestinal tract. However, there are certain contraindications that you need to look at for pregnant women, people prone to digestive diseases, as well as children.

Nut milk

A variety of nut species are used as raw materials. These are mainly almonds that are made from water and sweeteners. Its benefits are invaluable: in terms of calorie content, it is significantly inferior to soy milk, and also provides greater saturation with vitamins and calcium. A huge amount of useful microelements significantly distinguishes the nut drink among its analogues. Essential vitamin E is a source of anti-aging antioxidants. This drink is expected to be very popular in 2020.

Grain milk

It is a regular and skim milk from cereals, which is divided into several categories:

Oat milk

It is made from oats ground with water with the addition of pea flour and powder of various varieties of seeds. This drink is rich in beta-glucan. It is ideal for pancreatitis and also has a sweet and creamy taste.

Rice milk

One of the sweetest, because it contains brown rice, water and rice syrup. Its beneficial properties are similar to cow's milk, as it also contains a lot of calcium and vitamins. In addition, such milk lowers cholesterol levels and helps maintain blood sugar balance.

Cereal milk

Produced from various mixtures of cereals. Like the previous options, if it is factory-made, then it has 3 types: vanilla, regular and chocolate.

Pumpkin milk

A drink with a very unusual taste, which, moreover, has a low calorie content. Thanks to its beneficial properties, it strengthens the immune system, improves vision and digestion. The product is produced from both pumpkin seeds and pulp.

Coconut milk

It is considered one of the healthiest herbal drinks. And it's not just that: thanks to one glass, a person can get the daily requirement of omega-3, vitamins B and C, as well as a large proportion of calcium. It is also the only type of plant milk that is suitable for allergy sufferers. The only harm that can be obtained from a coconut drink is associated with its conservation: manufacturers are very fond of adding guar gum, which, due to its toxicity, has a bad effect on health. Refuse to use the product is for those who suffer from fructose intolerance.

Sesame and poppy milk

They contain several times more calcium than in cow's milk. In Turkey, they are considered "natural pills" to help prevent many diseases. Sesame is an antioxidant, and poppy was used in ancient times as a powerful pain reliever.

You can read about how to cook vegetable milk yourself, from what and in what combinations here.

How to choose vegetable milk?

The selection criteria are very simple - carefully read the labels on the packaging.Plant-based milk, which contains sweeteners, is delicious, but its beneficial properties will be somewhat less than that of similar products without additives. In addition, you should pay attention to the packaging so that it is not deformed or damaged. You also need to consider in detail the production date and expiration date.

Use vegetable milk: to whom and in what quantities?

Despite the fact that plant milk is very similar in composition to cow's milk, its use is not suitable for all people.

Adults can consume a similar drink, regardless of its type. It usually takes into account the individual preferences of each person. Plant-based milk fans include athletes, vegans, and fasting people.

The only contraindication that doctors warn about is not to replace breastfeeding with herbal counterparts.

Breast milk contains all the essential vitamins and minerals to help your baby grow healthy. Being older, children can add vegetable milk to their usual diet: make various dishes from it, and also take it on their own. But it should be borne in mind that it is animal protein that contains trace elements essential for the body that help the child grow.

During pregnancy, plant milk can provide the necessary minerals and trace elements in the event that the expectant mother suffers from lactose intolerance. However, doctors in unison insist that it is better to make such a drink yourself at home - this will help make the product safer and get rid of the additives that are contained in commercial counterparts.

Best Plant Milk Producers

Thanks to this overview, you can learn how plant milk is made and choose your own favorite.

NeMoloko

A Russian manufacturer of plant-based milk, which has already managed to fall in love with many fans of healthy eating. The average price of a product is 119 rubles per 1 liter, which significantly distinguishes it from its analogues.

The product is presented in two types of plant milk: oat milk and buckwheat. Also, the abundance of tastes in the assortment pleases, so that everyone can choose for themselves what will satisfy their taste preferences. For example, oat milk is presented in the form of a classic, chocolate or vanilla dessert. As for buckwheat, today the manufacturer has just introduced this product to the market, so it is presented in one form - classic buckwheat milk with a fat content of 1.5%. The company promises to release a new line of flavors by 2020.

The composition of the product (classic oat milk) includes the following characteristics: water, oat flour, rapeseed oil, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, acidity regulator and iodized salt.

Nutritional value of 100 ml of oat milk:

Name of elements of chemical composition and energy content	Indicators
Energy value (caloric content), kJ (kcal)	250(60)
Proteins, g	1
Fat, g	3.2
Carbohydrates, g	6.5
Salt, g	0.1
Vitamin B2 (riboflamin), mg	0.11
Minerals: (calcium), mg	120

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Аlpro

Vegetable milk from a Belgian manufacturer with a wide range of products. These include cocktails, cream and desserts, as well as the very lactose-free drink in question. The company is included in the list of the best producers of vegetable milk. The average price is 200 rubles per 1 liter.

The basis for the production was the release of soy drink, which is widespread in European countries. Among the types of plant milk, you can also see almond, coconut, rice, oat, and cashew and hazelnut milk. The abundance of flavors also pleases: vanilla, chocolate, banana and sugar free.Consists of water, refined soybeans, sugar, calcium (calcium carbonate), acidity regulator, flavor, sea salt, as well as supplements of vitamins B2, B12 and D2.

Nutritional value of 100 ml of soy milk:

Name of elements of chemical composition and energy content	Indicators
Energy value (caloric content), kJ (kcal)	163 (39)
Proteins, g	3
Fat, g	1.8
Carbohydrates, g	2.5
Salt, g	0.09
Vitamin D, mg	0.75
Vitamin B2 (riboflamin), mg	0.21
Vitamin B12, mg	0.38
Minerals: (calcium), mg	120

Shelf life in unopened packaging is 8 months. The company cares so much about the quality of its products that it even received a certificate confirming the absence of GMOs and preservatives in the composition of its products. Tetra Pak packaging is decorated with a minimalistic design, which favorably distinguishes it from peers, and the volume of 1L and 250ml makes Alpro easy to transport.

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Bite

A renowned Spanish manufacturer of fruit bars that has decided to add vegetable milk to its range. Despite the relatively recent appearance of the product on the market, it is very quickly sold out in all stores. The average cost is 210 rubles per liter.

In addition, it is worth noting many types of herbal drinks: coconut, soy, oat. Consumers praise Bite almond milk for its incredible nutritional value. So far, only vanilla is presented among the tastes, but production is growing and, perhaps, the company will delight its consumers and expand the range.

Composition of Bite coconut milk: water, rice, coconut milk, sea food salt, natural coconut flavor.

Nutritional information for 100 ml of rice coconut milk:

Name of elements of chemical composition and energy content	Indicators
Energy value (caloric content), kJ (kcal)	163 (39)
Proteins, g	3
Fat, g	1.8
Carbohydrates, g	2.5
Salt, g	0.09
Vitamin D, mg	0.75
Vitamin B2 (riboflamin), mg	0.21
Vitamin B12, mg	0.38
Minerals: (calcium), mg	120

Compared to the samples presented above, the products have a very good composition without unnecessary additives, which only makes it healthier. Shelf life - 12 months in unopened packaging or 4 months after opening. The drink has the Eurasian Certificate of Conformity (EAC), which confirms that the product is completely safe. Bright and unusual Tetra Pak packaging will decorate any refrigerator!

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Isola bio

Another imported type of vegetable milk, made in the heart of Italy. Environmental friendliness is evidenced by the company's own fields and extensive production. Isola lovers note that the taste of the drink is very similar to homemade, and even the smallest particles of nuts are found in almond milk, which in consistency resembles freshly squeezed juice. The average price of one liter is about 340 rubles.

The company specializes in the production of grain, almond, soy, buckwheat and rice milk.

The composition of the drink named "Rice": water, Italian rice (17%), cold-pressed sunflower oil, sea salt.

Nutritional value of 100 ml of rice milk:

Name of elements of chemical composition and energy content	Indicators
Calorie content, kcal	73
Proteins, g	0.2
Fat, g	1
Carbohydrates, g	15.6

The composition is completely natural, the manufacturer writes about this on the package and indicates that the shelf life in this regard is 3-4 days after opening the pack. Typical Tetra Pack packaging with minimalistic design perfectly captures the spirit of Italy.

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Scotti

Another Italian brand of vegetable milk. The company has its own plantation and a waste-to-energy power plant. The average price for 1 liter of oat milk is 280 rubles.For the production, rice, oats and soybeans are grown, the naturalness of which is evidenced by numerous company awards.

Ingredients: water, oats (16%), sunflower oil (cold pressed), sea salt.

Nutritional value of 100 ml of oat milk:

Name of elements of chemical composition and energy content	Indicators
Calorie content, kcal	53
Proteins, g	0
Fat, g	1.4
Carbohydrates, g	9.3
Salt, g	0.1

The shelf life is about 14 months, which does not in any way reduce the beneficial qualities of the drink. The shelf life after opening the package is 3-4 days.

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Aroy-D

Coconut milk is a company of the same name that has hundreds of fans. The corporation even differentiated its products and began to produce a drink specifically for making desserts and various dishes. Coconut milk is produced in a 400 ml can. The average cost is 170 rubles.

In addition, this product can be used not only for food purposes: girls note that with the help of coconut milk, the hair is smoothed and becomes silky.

Ingredients: Processed Coconut Pulp 70%, Water 30%.

Nutritional value of 100 ml:

Name of elements of chemical composition and energy content	Indicators
Calorie content, kcal	187
Proteins, g	2
Fat, g	19
Carbohydrates, g	2

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Flora "Fitomilk"

Another type of product made by the same company that makes Bite. The average price ranges from 150 rubles per liter to 250.

Ingredients: drinking water, soybeans (13.5%), sea salt. That is, the product does not contain sugar and other food additives, so it can easily compete with well-known manufacturers of plant milk. In addition, Flora produces a gluten-free rice drink.

Nutritional value of 100 ml of soy milk:

Name of elements of chemical composition and energy content	Indicators
Calorie content, kcal	36
Proteins, g	3.6
Fat, g	1.8
Carbohydrates, g	1
Salt, g	0.1
Vitamin B2 (riboflamin), mg	0.11

Standard Tetra Pak packaging with recipes and useful properties of the drink adds another plus to the treasury of positive aspects of the product.

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Which of the presented types of plant milk will be the best in 2020? There is no definite answer to this question. The favorite can be determined based on your own preferences.

Pros and cons of consuming plant-based milk

The treasury of the advantages of vegetable milk includes:

Main disadvantages:

Whether or not to eat vegetable milk is the choice of every person. Some of its advantages overlap the key disadvantage - the high price. What about sweeteners? Just make your own vegetable milk.

Making vegetable milk at home

The simplest ingredient that can be used to make vegetable milk is oatmeal.

Oatmeal milk recipe

For 50 g of oatmeal, 500 ml of water (hot and cold purified water) is required, the main thing is to observe the proportions of 1:10. Cover with water and leave for 20-30 minutes to swell. The flakes will take away some of the liquid, and the rest will be cloudy. Then the oatmeal should be softened in a blender for 1-3 minutes. You need to let it settle, and then strain the oat milk.

Enjoy your meal!