Milk and plant-based drinks: different properties, for all tastes

Animal milk and plant milk have different characteristics, which can affect the health, environment and welfare of animals.

In terms of health, animal milk is a source of protein, calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients. However, some people may be lactose intolerant or allergic to casein, two components of animal milk. Additionally, excessive consumption of animal milk may be associated with an increased risk of certain diseases, such as osteoporosis, diabetes, and cancer.

Its production has a significant environmental impact since it requires large amounts of land, water and energy and high greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. Furthermore , dairy farming can have a negative impact on the health of animals that are often raised in conditions of overcrowding, stress and mistreatment, or with treatments based on antibiotics and hormones, which then end up in our food. The advice is to look for small producers, preferably local, committed to preserving animal welfare.

Vegetable drinks , on the other hand, are obtained from raw materials such as cereals, legumes, dried fruit and seeds. Suitable for those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, for those who are lactose intolerant or for those who simply prefer its taste, it is a food that is becoming popular even among omnivores. They have a lower content of proteins , saturated fats and cholesterol, which make them more beneficial for cardiovascular health, and can also be enriched with calcium and vitamin D, which it lacks, compared to animal milk.

In terms of sustainability, plant-based drinks have a lower environmental impact , but much depends on the raw material used, the cultivation method and its transformation process. For example, soy drinks have a lower impact than almond drinks, which require much more water for the cultivation and production of the fruit from which the drink is obtained. Finally, plant-based drinks do not imply the exploitation of animals , but they can have indirect effects on biodiversity, if the cultivation of the raw materials causes deforestation, soil erosion, loss of natural habitats and the uprooting of indigenous populations.

The recent increase in plant-based milk substitutes on the market has been driven by a combination of factors, including increased consumer awareness of their health benefits, growing demand for lactose-free products , and ultimately the popularity of vegan and vegetarian diets , which have led to their increased availability in large-scale retail outlets.
Vegetable drinks have in fact become an increasingly popular food even among consumers who do not follow a specific diet, but appreciate their taste and versatility in various recipes, both sweet and savoury.

Even 15% of Italians regularly consume plant-based drinks as a substitute for milk, but only 2% do so for ethical or environmental reasons . In fact, most buyers choose them for health and taste reasons. We are still far from a unanimous awareness of the problem, but the important thing is to have taken the first steps.