Even if you are not one of the 30 to 50 million people in the United States who are lactose intolerant, you may, like myself and over a million others, suffer from an allergy to one of the proteins found in milk, such as casein or whey. For the allergic, it means we can’t consume any milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, or any dairy product made from cow’s milk.
While allergies and intolerances are indeed an inconvenience, there are many other reasons to avoid this animal-derived beverage touted as the number one source of calcium (hint: it’s not). Many plant-based foods — such as collard greens, spinach, chia seeds, sesame seeds, okra, and almonds — surpass cow’s milk when it comes to calcium.
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Reasons to Avoid Cow’s Milk
Today, you don’t have to be vegan to have heard about the horrors of milk production. According to the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA),
Cows produce milk for the same reason that humans do — to nourish their young — but calves on dairy farms are taken away from their mothers when they are just one day old. They are fed milk replacers (including cattle blood) so that their mothers’ milk can be sold to humans.
We are the only species that ingests another animal’s milk — and continue to do so after infancy. Cow’s milk is designed for the nutritional needs of their calves who, by the way, possess four stomachs.
In addition to this and the overuse of antibiotics, 20% of U.S. dairy farmers (on non-organic farms) still inject cows with growth hormones, such as man-made bovine growth hormones (rBGH) or synthetic recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBST) developed by agricultural biotech giant, Monsanto, to increase milk production. Genetically engineered bovine growth hormone (rBGH/rBST) has been linked to breast, colon, and prostate cancers. However, according to the American Cancer Society,
At this time, it is not clear that drinking milk, produced with or without rBGH treatment, increases blood IGF-1 levels into a range that might be of concern regarding cancer risk or other health effects.
Nonetheless, European nations, Japan, and Canada have banned rBGH to protect their citizens. But it is still legal in the United States. USDA organic milk standards, on the other hand, prohibit organic farmers from injecting their cows with growth hormones.
Plant-Based Milk: Healthier for You & the Planet
Think milk is making kids healthier? Think again. Today, one-third of children are overweight or obese, one in 10 are Vitamin D deficient, and many children and teens aged 4 to 18 don’t get enough calcium. You may hear claims that the consumption of copious amounts of milk is the best way to get the calcium needed for strong bones and good health. However, it’s interesting to note that the United States has among the highest rates of osteoporosis in the world.
Many plant-based alternatives have just as much — and many even higher — amounts of calcium per serving than cow’s milk. For example, a cup of 2% dairy milk contains 293 mg of calcium, whereas 1 cup of Original Unsweetened Ripple brand pea milk contains a whopping 450 mg of calcium. That’s 50% more calcium than cow’s milk. It also contains 32 mg of DHA omega-3 fatty acids and 8 grams of plant protein per serving; that’s more protein than an egg, which boasts only 6 grams.
In addition to nutritional factors, consider the carbon footprint of milk production. It takes about 4.5 gallons of water to produce one gallon of dairy milk. Unfortunately, almond milk is not your best choice either, since it takes 1.1 gallons of water to grow a single almond.
In addition, cows require vast amounts of feed, produce equal amounts of waste, and create methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. The production of just one gallon of dairy milk results in 17.6 pounds of CO2e.
5 Things to Avoid in Plant-Based Milk
1. Thickening Agents
Thickening agents, such as gums and carrageenan, can often upset digestive systems. If you have a gastrointestinal illness, you should watch out for some of these.
- Carrageenan has been linked to cancer, diabetes, and inflammation, according to a report by the Cornucopia Institute. Derived from red seaweed, carrageenan is added to many processed foods and beverages to thicken the products. However, gastrointestinal symptoms have been widely reported with its use. Dozens of peer-reviewed studies cited the dangers of not just degraded, but food-grade (undegraded) carrageenan.
- Guar gum is a soluble fiber. Soluble fibers are prebiotics that promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut, but they are carbohydrates that the body can’t break down. According to Integrative and Functional Medicine Dietitian Karen Graham, people who have SIBO or IBS can be sensitive to guar gum. Extracted from the cluster bean, guar gum can cause health effects including gas, bloating, and loose stools.
- Xantham gum is probably an ingredient you recognize. It’s in many products, including wallpaper glue, herbicides, insecticides, and even personal care products. It’s also commonly used as a thickening agent in foods — especially in gluten-free foods. Xanthum gum is a soluble fiber that is deemed safe for consumption but has also been linked with laxative effects when consumed in quantities of 15 grams a day or more. Since it’s created from a sugar derived from corn, soy, wheat, or dairy, it’s best avoided if you have allergies to any of these.
- Locust bean (carob) gum is a poorly soluble dietary fiber. Locust bean gum can produce similar digestive issues, according to Graham. It is derived from the carob tree. Those allergic to legumes may wish to avoid this gum.
- Gellan gum, like xantham gum, is produced by bacterial fermentation. There aren’t enough studies available yet to determine its effect on digestive health. However, one human study found it to be a bulking agent with no adverse health effects.
Gums can have health benefits and are not harmful, says Graham; however, they can make people with gastrointestinal issues very uncomfortable. She recommends gum arabic for anyone concerned about digestive issues, as people usually do not have problems digesting it.
2. Sweetened Versions
With so many unsweetened versions of plant-based milk available today, it’s best to avoid the unnecessary sugar load in the many sweetened plant-based milk alternatives. Of course, you can splurge, but with increasing rates of obesity and diabetes in the U.S., it’s advisable to restrict your sugar intake.
3. Non-Organic Versions
Glyphosate. If you aren’t already familiar with it by name, it’s a probable cancer-causing herbicide that’s widely used by non-organic farmers. Look for USDA Organic certified plant-based milk options, which are produced without antibiotics, added growth hormones, or pesticides.
4. Genetically Modified Versions
Genetically modified crops, particularly corn and soybeans, are popular with U.S. farmers. St. Louis-based Monsanto is the leading developer of such crops. If you are concerned about genetically modified ingredients, look for the Non-GMO Project Verified certification on the label. A GMO, or genetically modified organism, is a living organism that has had its genetic makeup altered by the insertion of unrelated species’ DNA.
5. Soy
Soy has been touted as a “health food” and perhaps unrightfully so. A highly processed food, the Harvard School of Public Health writes about soy: “[T]here are many factors that make it difficult to construct blanket statements about the health effects of soy.” Soy contains anti-nutrients that can block digestive enzymes, which continues to be studied, and is high in plant estrogens.
Tofu and soy milk are unfermented soy products that you may want to avoid. Soy is a phytoestrogen that contains isoflavones, a compound similar in structure to estrogen. Recent studies have debunked concerns that excessive soy consumption will cause breast cancer in women and “man boobs” among males. The benefits of soy milk for post-menopausal women include a 56% lower likelihood of developing osteoporosis than women who do not consumer soy.
Today, over 80% of U.S. corn, soybean, and cotton crops are genetically modified. Two dozen countries, including the U.S., allow the cultivation of biotech crops, while much of Europe, Japan, and most of Africa remain opposed to genetically altered crops.
Suggested Plant-Based Milk Brands
Elmhurst
One brand Karen Graham, RDN, recommends is Elmhurst. Founded in 1925, Elmhurst operated as a traditional dairy brand for 90 years. Today, however, Elmhurst offers only 100% plant-based beverages containing no more than six and as few as two ingredients per product. Elmhurst doesn’t use any gums or emulsifiers in their nut milk.
Graham recommends their unsweetened walnut milk, which contains just filtered water and walnuts. It’s chock-full of heart-healthy omega fatty acids: 1,400 mg ALA omega-3s per serving. In addition, research from Marshall University found that consuming walnuts changes our genes to help suppress the growth and survival of breast cancer.
Elmhurst is sustainable, too. In fact, via their HydroRelease zero-waste process, all parts of the nut or grain are used, which maintains a smooth and creamy texture. Elmhurst’s cartons are 100% recyclable and are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Don’t like walnuts? No worries. Elmhurst also offers other plant-based milks including Hazelnut, Almond, Cashew, and Oat. They also offer a selection of plant-based creamers.
Ripple
Another clean brand Graham suggests is Ripple, maker of unsweetened pea milk that contains 0 grams of sugar, 0 carbohydrates, and 8 grams of protein per serving; that’s eight times the protein contained in almond milk. Lower in sugar and calories than dairy milk, Ripple milk has 50% more bioavailable calcium and potassium.
Ripple uses bottles made from PET plastic that is 100% recyclable, and the ingredients are certified Non-GMO Project verified.
11 Plant-Based Milk Alternatives
These plant-based beverages are available from a variety of brands, but some are easier to find than others. That’s because many are new to market and not yet on store shelves — especially traditional grocery stores. However, you’ll likely find most at Whole Foods or your local health food store. If you can’t find a specific plant-based milk type locally, you may find it on Amazon. Better yet, make your own — they’re really not that complicated if you have the time.
Each of these plant-based drinks offers different nutritional benefits, but most include calcium and protein. For the healthiest milk alternatives, we recommend you choose organic, non-GMO, and unsweetened plant-based milk whenever possible.
- Oat milk
- Hazelnut milk
- Cashew milk
- Macadamia milk
- Almond milk
- Coconut milk
- Rice milk
- Hemp milk
- Pea milk
- Flax milk
- Walnut milk
Comparison Chart
To view our printable comparison chart of plant-based milk alternatives, click the image below. Each nut milk brand varies slightly, so we’ve provided general information on an original or unsweetened version of each plant-based milk alternative. Details will vary by brand.
The assortment of brands today offers a variety of plant-based milk alternatives coupled with numerous nutritional benefits, a variety of flavors, and a low carbon footprint. I hope you’ll consider switching from dairy milk to nut- or other plant-based milk.
Editor’s Note: Originally published on April 3, 2019, this article was updated in November 2023.