More velvety “mouth feel.” Some of these additives have been tied to allergic reactions or digestive problems, and the F.D.A. Ingredients like guar gum, xanthan gum or carrageenan are often added to enhance palatability and give the plant-based beverages a creamier, There are other additives in plant-based beverages to consider as well.

Had lower blood levels of vitamin D than those who drank cow’s milk. The amount of vitamin D in plant beverages varies, and a 2014 study of 2,831 children found that those who drank non-cow’s milk beverages “There’s synergy between all the nutrients they all work together.” Vitamin D,” said Sina Gallo, an assistant professor of nutrition and food studies at George Mason University. “Cow’s milk contains lactose and casein, which help increase the absorption of calcium, and calcium helps absorb The calcium in cow’s milk is inherent to the milk and may be better absorbed. (Added ingredients are listed on the label at the bottom of the nutrition facts box.)īut scientists debate whether these added nutrients are absorbed and used as efficiently by the body as nutrients that are naturally present in foods. To boost the nutrient profile of these beverages, some manufacturers fortify them, adding pea protein or rice protein to raise the protein count, calcium phosphate or calcium carbonate to increase the calcium,Īnd vitamins. While whole nuts like almonds and cashews are loaded with protein and almonds are rich in calcium, these nutrients are all but lost during the processing of these nut beverages, which contain a lot of water. Of the four, coconut milks may be the least nutritious, with no protein or one gram of protein and typically only small amounts of added calcium. It also has five grams of fat, compared to zero calories from fat in skim milk. Westsoy organic unsweetened plain soy milk,įor example, contains no added ingredients, only water and organic soybeans it has nine grams of protein but no calcium. Soy beverages often contain as much protein as cow’s milk but no calcium (though many soy beverages are artificially fortified with calcium).

Except for soy milk, none of these milks contain more than a gram of protein unless they're fortified. Nutritionally, the four plant-based milks noted pale in comparison. Cow's milk is also usually fortified with vitamins A and D. Cow’s milk also naturally contains nutrients But in terms of nutritional content, a recent study in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition confirmed that plant-based beverages vary widely in their nutritional profiles, and the authors recommended that young children drink cow’s milk unless there is a medical reason they cannot.Īn eight-ounce glass of cow’s milk naturally contains about eight grams of protein and almost a third of the recommended Percent Daily Value of calcium. Vegans and others may prefer to drink plant-based milks over milk that comes from animals for a variety of reasons. “I encourage people to be label readers.” “It varies based on the company,” said Sara Haas, a dietitian speaking on behalf of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Almond cashew milk