Milk alternatives often fall short of milk’s standards

Milk alternatives often fall short of milk's standards

The Nutritional Differences Between Plant-Based Milk Alternatives and Cow’s Milk

There’s no denying the surge in popularity of plant-based milk alternatives in recent years. As more people opt for soy, oat, or almond milk, it’s important to be aware of the nutritional differences compared to cow’s milk. A new analysis conducted by the University of Minnesota sheds light on the topic, revealing that many plant-based milk alternatives may not provide the same essential nutrients as cow’s milk.

Nutritional Shortcomings of Plant-Based Milk Alternatives

The University of Minnesota study examined over 200 plant-based milk alternatives and found that only 12% of them contained comparable or higher levels of calcium, vitamin D, and protein found in cow’s milk. This discrepancy in nutrients between the two types of milk raises concerns about the nutritional adequacy of plant-based alternatives.

According to Abigail Johnson, the associate director of the University of Minnesota School of Public Health Nutrition Coordinating Center, “Our results provide evidence that many plant-based milk alternatives are not nutritionally equivalent to cow’s milk.” In light of these findings, consumers are advised to seek plant-based milk alternative products that explicitly list calcium and vitamin D as ingredients. It’s also recommended to supplement the diet with other sources of calcium and vitamin D.

Increasing Demand for Plant-Based Milk Alternatives

The popularity of plant-based milk alternatives is on the rise, as evidenced by dietary assessments conducted for nutrition studies. Consumers are increasingly opting for milk alternatives made from almonds, oats, or soy. However, it is essential to be mindful of the potential differences in nutritional content.

The University of Minnesota study aimed to expand the range of milk alternatives available in the database of the Nutrition Coordinating Center, which currently includes approximately 19,000 foods. The researchers collected nutrition and ingredient information from labels of 233 plant-based milk alternative products manufactured by 23 companies.

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Calcium and Vitamin D Fortification

Out of the 233 plant-based milk alternatives, approximately 170 were fortified with both calcium and vitamin D. This level of fortification was found to be similar to that of cow’s milk. Specifically, 76% of oat-based products, 69% of soy-based milks, and 66% of almond-based alternatives were fortified with calcium and vitamin D.

However, the remaining 63% of products studied were not adequately fortified, signaling a need for improved fortification practices in the industry.

Protein Content Variability

Protein is an essential macronutrient crucial for various bodily functions. The study indicated that the median protein content in plant-based milk alternatives was 2 grams per 240 milliliters of liquid, with a range from 0 to 12 grams. While 16% of the milk alternatives had protein levels equal to or greater than that of cow’s milk (8 grams per 240 ml), the majority did not meet this threshold.

Notably, milks made from soybeans or peas tended to have higher protein content compared to other alternatives.

Educating Consumers about Nutritional Equivalence

The University of Minnesota researchers stress the need for consumer awareness regarding the nutritional differences between plant-based milk alternatives and cow’s milk. They suggest that product labeling requirements and dietary guidance play crucial roles in alerting and educating consumers about these disparities.

Although the Plant-Based Foods Association was not available for comment on the study’s findings, it is essential for industry stakeholders to strive for transparency and ensure that the information provided on their products reflects realistic nutritional profiles.

Moving forward, the study’s authors plan to compare other nutrients, such as fiber, between cow’s milk and plant-based milk alternatives.

Source: American Society for Nutrition, news release, July 24, 2023
Author: Cara Murez, HealthDay Reporter

QUESTION: According to the USDA, is there any difference between a “portion” and a “serving”?

A) Yes, they have different meanings.
B) No, they are the same.

Answer: No, they are the same.