Vegan milk, a plant-based substitute to the traditional dairy milk that is derived from animals, has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. A marked shift has been seen as more and more people are getting concerned about animal welfare as well as environmental impact. Similar to animal milk as far as texture and flavour are concerned, this dairy free milk is used to make a variety of items. Considered to be a better alternative as compared to conventional dairy milk, vegan milk is sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Now, if you want to know more about vegan milk meaning as well as its benefits and types, keep scrolling through!
What is Vegan Milk?
Any milk that is produced only from plants is known as vegan milk. This milk is usually produced from the likes of beans, nuts, rice, coconuts, almonds, oats, and even macadamia.
The method that is used for preparing dairy free milk is dependent on the plant source. However, crushing the beans, almonds, and oats, soaking them in water, and then blending them is usually the standard procedure for manufacturing vegan milk. Then, the pulp is extracted and the mixture is filtered. The solution that you get is further homogenised. Finally, if required, any more sweets or flavourings are added. Since this vegan milk lacks adulterants and hormone injections, it is far healthier than animal milk.
Best Vegan Milk Options
These days, you can find many vegan milk options, and each boasts of a different flavour and nutrition. Owing to this, you might feel confused as to which vegan milk you should pick. In this section, we’ll explore some of the best vegan milk options available. So, without further ado, let’s proceed:
- Almond Milk: The process of making this type of vegan milk involves soaking almonds in water and then extracting the milk out of it. Known to be a healthy milk option, almond milk is a favourite option among health-conscious people because it has low calories and is an excellent source of vitamin E.
- Soy Milk: Well-known as one of the leading types of vegan milk, soy milk is quite popular among health freaks. Since soy milk is similar to cow milk and has a creamy taste, high protein content, and good accessibility, it is considered to be a perfect choice for many people switching to a plant-based diet.
- Oat Milk: Among plant-based milks, oat milk is arguably the creamiest. Because of its thick, creamy texture, it is counted among those plant-based milk types that most closely resembles dairy milk. This is why it is swiftly becoming a beloved dairy free milk substitute.
- Coconut Milk: With more fat than many plant-based milks, this creamy substitute is well-liked for baking and thickening foods like curries. Additionally, it is an excellent sustainable solution as coconut trees can serve multiple purposes alongside their minimal emissions and water requirements.
- Rice Milk: Rice milk tastes sweet and is made by mixing water and milled rice. It is available in several varieties. Because rice is made from grains, it contains a lot of carbohydrates. Compared to other milk replacements, rice milk is the most hypoallergenic and contains the optimal concentration of manganese and selenium.
Why is Dairy-free Milk a Healthier Option?
Vegan milk benefits are uncountable. Here are some of the top benefits of consuming vegan milk:
1. May Possess Higher Calcium Levels
It is a common myth that it is difficult to consume calcium if you are a vegan. But the truth is quite the opposite. Since fortified plant milk contains up to 50% more calcium than dairy milk, it’s really simple to consume adequate calcium being vegan.
Calcium is a vital mineral that helps keep teeth, bones, and the nervous system strong, eases stress, and decreases blood pressure. Furthermore, it has been observed that the acidic content of some dairy products can remove calcium from your bones, a condition that may eventually result in osteoporosis.
2. May Contain Less Sugar
Plant-based milk is available in sweetened and unsweetened varieties. Although some varieties of unsweetened milk only contain the natural sugars extracted from the nuts and seeds they are derived from, most are devoid of all sugars. The reduced sugar content of vegan milk could be gentler on your blood sugar and might not cause your glucose levels to spike. Certain plant milks may occasionally even lessen your body’s blood sugar reaction.
3. May Carry Less Calories
Plant-based milks are not only delicious but they are also relatively low in calories. They are less likely to result in weight gain or elevated blood sugar when consumed in their unsweetened form.
4. Helps in Digestion
If you suffer from a sensitive stomach or lactose intolerance, switching to plant-based milk instead of dairy products can be your best option. If you are allergic to nuts or soy, rice milk is a good substitute that you may try.
Conclusion
In the world of vegan milk, diverse options are available and they cater to various tastes and preferences of individuals. So, whether you choose almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk, the benefits extend beyond personal health to ethical and environmental considerations. As the demand for plant-based alternatives rises, the market for vegan milk is likely to expand, providing even more choices for those looking to make compassionate and sustainable choices in their dietary habits.
