Did you know that it takes more than 1,000 gallons of water to make just 1 gallon of cow’s milk? Or that cows produce more than three times the amount of greenhouse gases than it takes to produce the same amount of plant-based milk?
Let’s face it: Dairy milk is not sustainable. Plus, it’s not great for your health either. A Harvard University study found that plant-based alternatives significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke.
So, if you want to do better by the planet, your health, and farmed animals, what are you supposed to mix with your morning cereal or dunk your Oreos in? Thankfully, finding and transitioning to plant-based milks has never been easier than it is today – and it’s only getting easier! Here are 6 plant-based milk options:
Almond Milk
Probably the most popular plant-based milk, you can find almond milk almost anywhere. Add it to your coffee to give it a wonderfully subtle nutty flavour. The downside to almond milk is that almonds require a lot of water to grow. So, while almond milk is certainly still better for animals than dairy, you may want to pick up a different plant-based milk if your extra earth-conscious!
Cashew Milk
Need an indulgent, creamy milk for all your baking or cooking endeavours? Well, cashew milk is the way to go. It’s so smooth that, before you know it, you’ll be taking it home every week! Low in calories and fat, it’s great for helping to stay in shape while also giving your taste buds a treat.
Coconut Milk
If you want to go tropical this summer, try picking up some coconut milk at the grocery store…no, not the coconut milk you put in curry! In the past few years, coconut milk has found its rightful place next to popular plant-based milks in the US. In fact, Starbucks introduced the plant-based milk into their line-up before they even offered almond milk! Chock full of healthy fats, coconut milk is the ideal plant-based milk.
Oat Milk
Oat milk is one of the newest plant-based milks to hit the market. Packed with fibre and devoid of some of the most common allergens like soy, tree nuts, gluten – and of course, dairy – Oat milk is a fantastic choice for those that have to be cautious with their diets.
Soy Milk
We like to think of soy milk as the original plant-based milk. It’s been around for nearly as long as tofu, which goes back centuries! Hailed as a worthwhile replacement for cow’s milk by more than 65% of the human population that’s unable to digest lactose (the sugar found in dairy milk), it’s recently gained major popularity as plant-based diets have become more and more prominent. Soy milk is also widely considered to be the most nutritious plant-based milk!
Pea Milk
Made using yellow peas, which are highly sustainable and packed with protein, pea milk is slowly become a crowd favourite. It uses a fraction of the water it takes to grow other plant-based milks, but still manages to have that creamy, indulgent taste you want.
Apart from these, there are other plant-based milks like Hemp milk, Sesame milk and Hazelnut milk which are also great alternatives.
Source: ciwf.com
