New research highlights nutritional differences between dairy milk, alternatives

GLOBAL – As plant-based milk alternatives gain popularity, recent study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reveals their nutritional shortcomings compared to traditional dairy milk.

The study found that milk alternatives generally contain less protein and saturated fatty acids than dairy milk, with significant variability in added sugars. This variability extends across different types and brands of alternative milks, such as oat, soy, and almond.

The study suggested that consumers may not be fully aware of the nutritional differences, highlighting a need for clearer product labeling despite dairy milk being a key source of essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, crucial for public health.

According to the peer-reviewed research, titled, Assessing the Nutrient Content of Plant-Based Milk Alternative Products Available in the United States and published in June, fortified soy-based products most closely resemble the nutrient content of dairy milk. About 70% of plant-based alternatives were fortified with calcium and vitamin D.

However, alternatives tend to have lower levels of protein, potassium, and sodium, and only minimal amounts of fiber and iron—except for oat milk, which contains more fiber.

In 2021, milk alternatives reached US$2.8 billion in sales, with almond milk leading the market. Despite this growth, both dairy and plant-based milk consumption declined in 2023, although plant-based alternatives experienced a steeper drop.

The research involved evaluating 219 plant-based milk alternatives from 21 brands using data from the University of Minnesota Nutrition Coordinating Center. The findings emphasized the need to communicate the nutritional differences to consumers effectively.

“These findings highlight the importance of communicating the nutritional differences between plant-based milk alternatives and dairy milk to consumers,” the researchers said.

They noted that the popularity of plant-based milk alternatives has implications for dietary guidelines, and they recognize how labeling discussions at the federal level are ongoing, with many plant-based milk alternative companies already pivoting their branding.

Meanwhile, ongoing discussions about labeling at the federal level are critical, with the FDA considering recommendations that would require plant-based products labeled as “milk” to include statements about their nutritional differences from dairy milk.

“In 2023 the Food and Drug Administration published draft labeling recommendations that urged manufacturers using the term milk in their name to include a voluntary statement describing how the product differs nutritionally from dairy milk. This guidance would apply to products with a nutrient composition that does not match dairy milk,” the paper said.