Vegan Milk: The Alternatives...

As veganism as a whole continues to grow each year, so do its individual specific products. According to the The Grocer (2020) 51% of consumers are now buying more that one type of milk. Hale (2021) explains how plant based milk now accounts for 10% of the total milk market proving there is a constant rise within the vegan community. With the main drivers of plant based milk being oat, almond and soy there are also many other dairy free milk alternatives such as: 

- Coconut

- Rice

- Hemp

- Cashew

- Pea (Quelch, no date)

With a variety of different options to pick from, there are endless ways you can swap out your traditional milk for a plant based milk in your diet! So what is plant based milk? Plant based milk was traditionally made for those who are unable to consumer dairy due to an intolerance or allergy however now with the growth of veganism and the many option, these dairy alternatives have made their way into the vegan lifestyle (Mikstas, 2022).

Why choose plant based milk? Plant based milk has a lesser effect on the environment, according to (Regan, 2021) cows produce various greenhouse gases which release CO2 as well as methane into the air that has added to climate change. Let's move on to the benefits... Plant based milk has also been known. to bette digestion due to increasing the diversity in your microbiome as well as increasing your fibre content (Brennan, 2022). As well as the many health benefits that plant based milk has to offer there is also a wide variety for consumers to pick from compared to traditional cows milk (Vanner, 2017). I know what you're thinking... its expensive right? Wrong! With ingredients you already have in you're home, making plant based milk yourself could never be easier. Using five parts water to one part cashews, almonds or hemp sends with a little sweetener or sugar you have yourself some plant based milk (Vegan.com, no date). All you need is a blender, fine mesh strainer or even a cheesecloth!

Due to the rise in vegan milk alternatives it has allowed for franchises such as Starbucks, Costa Coffee and Cafe Nero to offer customers many milk alternatives for their drinks. Meaning customers have a wider choice of how their drinks taste as well as catering to their needs whether this be health reasons or because they are vegan!