Are plant milks good for you?

  • 3 Minutes Read
Amy Brownstein
Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN - Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

Plant-based milks are gaining popularity, and options abound. But are plant milks good for you? The following article reviews the nutrition content of popular plant milks and compares it to cow’s milk to help you make an informed decision.

Are plant milks good for you

Do you find yourself staring at the grocery “dairy” case, amazed at the ever-expanding plant-based, non-dairy options crowding out the cow’s milk? According to data from the USDA, Americans are drinking nearly 21% less cow’s milk now than they did in 2010. Milk consumption has been on a downward trend for years, decreasing more rapidly in recent times. Yogurt and cheese sales are thriving, so you can’t really say it is all about people wanting to decrease animal food intake.

Why have non-dairy, plant-based milks become so popular?

There are several reasons for the change in consumer demand.

Not all milks are the same nutritionally

Here are some tips to help you make your choice:

Pros and cons of plant-based milks on the market

All kinds of milk — cow or plant-based — are fluids, so they contain a high proportion of water. Still, there are important nutrient differences between milks.

The below table compares the nutrient composition of popular plant milks with cow’s milk. The nutrient content applies to one cup (8 fluid ounces or 237 milliliters) of unsweetened, fortified milk.

Milk Calories Protein Carbohydrates Fat Calcium Vitamin D
Whole Milk 150 kcal 8 g 12 g 8 g 300 mg 2 mcg
Nonfat Milk 85 kcal 8 g 12 g < 1 g 325 mg 2.7 mcg
Almond Milk 30 kcal 1 g 1 g 2.5 g 480 mg 2.5 mcg
Soy Milk 80 kcal 7 g 4 g 4 g 300 mg 3 mcg
Rice Milk 70 kcal 0 g 11 g 2.5 g 250 mg 2.5 mcg
Hemp Milk 60 kcal 3 g 0 g 4.5 g 260 mg 2 mcg
Pea Milk 70 kcal 8 g 0 g 4 g 440 mg 5 mcg
Oat Milk 90 kcal 3 g 16 g 1 g 350 mg 3.6 mcg

In general, plant milks are healthy and can be part of a nutritious and balanced eating pattern. Choose unsweetened plant milks fortified with calcium and vitamin D for more nutrition, and select a plant milk based on how it fits with your overall eating pattern.

Be smart and don’t just grab a plant-based milk simply because it’s trendy or showcased in the grocery store. Plant-based milks vary in calories, fat content, and the amount of sweetener added. Do a little homework reading the nutrition facts label to see what might fit your unique nutritional needs. If you like cow’s milk, stick with it! You can always get your plant nutrition directly from the veggies, fruits, and grains.

Adapted from original content by Brenda Braslow

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Foods & Recipes->Dairy Foods Alcohol & Other Beverages->Milk
Aug 30, 2024
Disclaimer: The information provided here does not constitute medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, please visit your healthcare provider or medical professional.

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