Findings from the Study
To evaluate how the dietary content of plant-based milk options compares to that of cows milk, researchers examined more than 200 plant-based milk alternative products being sold in the U.S. in 2023. This was even more items than were included in previous research studies. Compared to cows milk, just 12% of the milk alternative products consisted of equivalent or greater amounts of all 3 nutrients studied: calcium, vitamin D, and protein.
Abigail Johnson, assistant professor and associate director of the University of Minnesota School of Public Health Nutrition Coordinating Center, provided the findings at NUTRITION 2023, the yearly flagship conference of the American Society for Nutrition.
” Our outcomes supply evidence that numerous plant-based milk alternatives are not nutritionally comparable to cows milk,” said Johnson. “Based on these findings, customers ought to try to find plant-based milk alternative items that list calcium and vitamin D as ingredients. They might also wish to consider including other sources of calcium and vitamin D to their diets.”
Diving Deeper into the Data
The University of Minnesotas Nutrition Coordinating Center keeps a database of around 19,000 foods for examining dietary intake in human research study. “We know from our dietary assessments for nutrition research studies that customers are choosing more plant-based milk options,” stated Johnson. “This task aimed to increase the number of these milk alternatives available in the Nutrition Coordinating Centers database of foods.”
The study included nutrition info from nutrition truths labels and ingredient information for 233 plant-based milk alternative items from 23 various makers. They then compared the dietary content of various items within a category– for example, almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk– to each other and to cows milk.
Bottom line from the Analysis
Practically two-thirds of the products consisted of in the research study were made from almonds, oats, or soy. The scientists found that 170 of the plant-based milk alternatives were fortified with both calcium and vitamin D which the level of stronghold tended to be similar to dairy milk. Specifically, 76% of the oat-based products, 69% of soy-based, and 66% of almond-based options were fortified with both calcium and vitamin D. The typical protein content was 2.0 grams (g) of protein per 240 milliliters (ml) of liquid, with a big variability that varied from 0 to 12 g. Only 38 (16%) of the milk alternatives studied had a protein level higher than or equivalent to the 8 g per 240 ml found in cows milk. Soy- and pea-based options were more most likely to have greater protein.
” Our findings point to a requirement to make sure that customers are mindful that numerous plant-based milk alternative items in the market today are not nutritionally comparable to cows milk,” said Johnson. “Product labeling requirements and dietary guidance to the public are amongst the techniques that might be helpful in informing and informing customers.”
Future Research Directions
Next, the researchers prepare to explore other nutrients in plant-based milk alternatives that make them various from cows milk. For instance, a number of these products consist of fiber, recommending that they might assist meet some nutritional requirements that cows milk doesnt.
To evaluate how the dietary content of plant-based milk options compares to that of cows milk, researchers took a look at more than 200 plant-based milk alternative items being sold in the U.S. in 2023. Compared to cows milk, only 12% of the milk alternative products contained comparable or greater quantities of all 3 nutrients studied: calcium, vitamin D, and protein.
” Our outcomes supply proof that numerous plant-based milk options are not nutritionally comparable to cows milk,” said Johnson. They then compared the nutritional content of various items within a category– for example, almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk– to each other and to cows milk. The scientists discovered that 170 of the plant-based milk options were fortified with both calcium and vitamin D and that the level of stronghold tended to be comparable to dairy milk.
A study examining over 200 plant-based milk products found that just 12% matched or gone beyond the calcium, vitamin D, and protein content of cows milk. The bulk of these alternatives, particularly those made from oats, soy, and almonds, were strengthened with calcium and vitamin D. However, only 16% of these plant-based alternatives had protein levels equal to or higher than cows milk. The study highlights the requirement for clearer labeling and public assistance on dietary distinctions.
An analysis of 200+ plant-based milk options finds few contain the calcium, vitamin D, and protein of cows milk.
More and more individuals are turning to plant-based milk options, with oats, soy, and almonds being popular choices. Theres a question to think about: do these plant-based products offer the same nutritional benefits as cows milk? A current research study shows that, for the most part, they do not.
Cows milk has actually long been a main source of calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients are flagged by the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans as typically underconsumed, putting public health at danger. Additionally, cows milk functions as a considerable protein factor to the American diet.