World Plant Milk Day

World Plant Milk Day

On August 22, we celebrate World Plant Milk Day because whether you know it or not, plant milk is a good, sustainable, alternative to dairy milk. Plant milk safely provides your body key nutrients and minerals, giving you the strength and endurance to live your life to the fullest.

Plant based milk has become very popular in recent decades. It is a great alternative for people with allergies or sensitivities to cow’s milk, as well as those who are health-conscious. There are many types to choose from – almond milk, soy milk, rice milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, oat milk, and more! Even for those without dairy allergies, incorporating plant based milk into your diet has many health benefits. 

Dairy-alternative milks tend to have fewer calories, less fat (except for coconut-based milk), more water content (for better hydration), less protein (except soy). Some are fortified with other vitamins and nutrients. Enriched plant based milk can be a great option for those who are looking for additional nutritional benefits of plant based milk. Another benefit of plant based milks is that they do not contain cholesterol, and they have a solid combination of mono- and polyunsaturated fats. Consumers should be aware that many types of plant based milk contain added sugar, so opt for unsweetened products. Another great thing about plant based milk is that you don’t have to worry about the expiration date! Unlike cow’s milk, boxed plant based milk is shelf-stable, though it should be consumed within 7-10 days within opening. 

An article from Harvard School of Public Health states that when choosing between cow’s milk or plant based milk, as long as the nutrient profile is the same then the choice is really about preference. Nowadays with so many options, there is a plant based milk for everyone’s taste. It can be substituted for cow’s milk in any recipe. There are also many plant-based dairy products on the market, ranging from soy-based yogurt, almond milk pudding, and more.

World Plant Milk Day also reminds us that drinking plant milk has  other benefits. You help to eliminate animal cruelty and reduce global warming — just by drinking a glass of milk!  So, do your body and the world some good by raising a cold, frothy glass of delicious plant milk in a toast to your own health and the health of our world.