Review Article
Year: 2022 | Month: November | Volume: 12 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 273-281
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20221135
Role of Plant Based Milk Alternatives as a Functional Beverage: A Review
Dr. Monal Velangi1, Mitali Savla2
1Senior Dietitian, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, K.J. Somaiya Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
2Intern, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, K.J. Somaiya Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
Corresponding Author: Dr. Monal Velangi
ABSTRACT
Plant based milk alternatives are emerging functional beverages. Dietary transition to veganism, rising prevalence of endocrinal disorders, lactose intolerance, cow milk allergies and intolerances, acne is an avenue for increasing need for milk alternatives. This review considered research papers from the past 11 years (2011 - 2022) from PubMed database, using keywords - plant based milk alternatives, plant based milk substitutes, plant based milk analogues, nutritional composition of plant based milk versus cow milk. Five commonly consumed plant milks were selected and discussed further. Coconut milk had highest and almond milk had lowest total energy. Total carbohydrate was highest in rice milk and lowest in almond milk, but oat milk had the highest sugar and coconut milk had no sugar. Soy milk and coconut milk had better protein content. Coconut milk had higher fat - lauric acid and MCTs. Vitamins A, D and E were found to be a good source in oat, soy and almond milk. All 5 plant milks were a good source of calcium. Plant milks were beneficial for lactose intolerance, reducing cholesterol, diabetes, CVD, cancer, and had immune boosting properties. Hence, it’s a healthier functional beverage when cow milk needs to be replaced in the diet.
Key words: plant based milk alternative, nutrition, health benefits