Cow’s milk or plant based milk? Which is better?

A recent study has concluded that the trend for using oat lattes and other milk alternatives might be leaving your body craving as Epidemiologists warn that plant based milks are ‘not nutritionally equivalent’ to cows milk. In the study, which analysed 233 brands of almond, oat and soy milk in the United States, it was found that nearly nine out of ten plant based milks contained fewer nutrients, such as Vitamin D, calcium and protein content, than cow’s milk.

The study went further suggesting that people who use plant based milks regularly should consider taking supplements to ensure that they do not miss out on any vital vitamins and minerals from their diets.

Overall, the plant-based milks had about 350 milligrams (mg) of calcium and three micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D per 8.1 fluid ounces (fl oz) (240 milliliters, ml) on average. They also contained about two grams (g) of protein per 8.1 fl oz (240ml).

For comparison, the US Department of Agriculture says that whole milk contains about eight grams of protein per 8.1 fl oz (240ml). It also has about 306mg of calcium and nearly three mcg of vitamin D per serving. Results showed only 28 of the plant-based alternatives had similar amounts or more of each substance compared to cow’s milk. Only 38 — 16 percent — had the same amount of protein as that found in cow’s milk, with soy and pea milk being most likely.

Milk alternatives have soared in popularity in recent years amid concerns over climate change, lactose intolerance and animal welfare.