Someone tell me what the problem with milk is? Anyone??
Humans have been consuming dairy for hundreds of years and in western cultures, many people have no issue consuming dairy as their digestive system produces lactase to digest lactose, the key protein in dairy products that causes issues. Whereas people of Asian descent, have not been consuming dairy products for hundreds of years and so eating dairy and drinking milk would be far more troublesome for their digestive system.
So why, in Australia, do we see more and more people consuming plant based 'milks', are they all shitting themselves at the mere sight of dairy? I think not. It's yet another common misconception that people have that drinking nut milks is the healthiest option or the most sustainable.
Many alternative milks are fortified to provide the minerals and nutrients that is naturally occurring in dairy milk. I never recommend fortified foods (I'll follow up on this later). They have additives to create the perfect consistency to blend in your coffee, which are not beneficial for your health and they are in questionable packaging. Let alone the processing required to get milk from nuts!!
So a few things to consider when choosing your milk:
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How many additives are there to give it the consistency you desire - are there gums, seed oils, sweeteners etc;
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What percentage is actually nuts/oats (normally the main ingredient is water... very expensive water);
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Packaging? Many alternative milks are in tetra packs which are labeled recyclable however, these are mixed materials with a plastic lining, cardboard outer and plastic lids! This is very difficult to recycle and probably isn't going to be.
Then ask yourself, why you don't have dairy milk anymore, is it because you aren't sure of the safety and efficacy of dairy? But do you still eat cheese, yoghurt, cream etc?
It's true, diary production does have its problems, so vote with your $$. In Australia we have generally good farming practices and many of the horror stories we hear about are from the US and perpetuated by the documentaries and media.
Do your research and then make choices around what you are comfortable with and what benefits your health. This is how I make most of my decisions in sustainability. I want to sustain my health, whilst making the best choice possible (that is within reach) with the products I purchase. So when I buy dairy, its Barambah Organics, Maleny Dairies or raw milk like Cleopatras. And I am comfortable in the knowledge that I am having good fats, an array of minerals and protein.
I do also use nut milks on occasion as I prefer in my chai or on my granola in the morning. This is just a preference and I only buy Nutty Bruce, no additives and in a cardboard carton. But the nutritional value of this milk does not compare to dairy. This brand does not mix well with coffee, which is why you will find the Barista Blends and Milk Lab nut milks at most cafes. These have gums and seed oils - not a healthier choice.
So, I ask you to ask yourself, whats the goal when choosing a nut milk? Is it health... because it isn't healthier.
Is it ethics? Because it doesn't tick that box either.
Or are you vegan or lactose intolerant... well then go for it! Just check the ingredients and avoid gums and oils and ensure you are getting key nutrients elsewhere.