Not to be confused with Horchata. Plant milk is a plant beverage with a color resembling that of milk. Plant milks are non-dairy beverages made from a water-based plant almond joy latte for flavoring and aroma. Plant-based beverages have been consumed for centuries, with the term “milk-like plant juices” used since the 13th century.
Today they are frequently referred to as plant-based milk, alternative milk, non-dairy milk or vegan milk. Across various cultures, plant milk has been both a traditional beverage and a flavourful ingredient in sweet and savory dishes, such as the use of coconut milk in curries. They are beverages that are compatible with vegetarian and are vegan lifestyles. Before commercial production of ‘milks’ from legumes, beans and nuts, plant-based mixtures that are supposed to resemble milk have existed for centuries. Recipes from the 13th-century Levant exist describing almond milk. Soy was a plant milk used in China during the 14th century.
Common plant milks are almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk, and soy milk. A blend is a plant milk created by mixing two or more types together. Common examples of blends are almond-coconut milk and almond-cashew milk. The production of almond-based dairy substitutes has been criticized on environmental grounds as large amounts of water and pesticides are used.
The emissions, land, and water footprints of plant milks vary, due to differences in crop water needs, farming practices, region of production, production processes, and transportation. Many plant milks aim to contain the same proteins, vitamins and lipids as those produced by lactating mammals. Commonly added to plant milks, which do not naturally contain significant levels of the nutrient. Vitamin A fortification is only required for skimmed milk in the US. Vitamin D fortification for milk is mandatory in the US.
Plant-based milks have emerged as an alternative to dairy in response to consumer dietary requests and changing attitudes about animals and the environment. Huffington Post stated that due to health and environmental reasons as well as changing consumer trends, more individuals regularly buy non-dairy alternatives to milk. To improve competition, plant milks are typically packaged in containers similar to those of dairy milks. A key dietary reason for the increase in popularity of plant-based milks such as pea milks is lactose intolerance, for example, the most common food causing intolerance in Australia is lactose and affects 4. In the United States, around 40 million people are lactose intolerant.