We're spoilt for choice with all the cow's milk alternatives in the chillers these days. But which is best in terms of nutrition?
It's well known that cow's milk is naturally rich in important nutrients such as protein, calcium and vitamin B12, so it's a good choice from a nutrition perspective – providing you're not lactose intolerant or have an allergy to cow's milk.
However, if you would prefer to opt for a dairy free alternative for health or environmental reasons or simply personal preference, which is the best from a nutritional point of view? Many of the plant based milks aren't naturally rich in the same nutrients as cow's milk, but more often than not they have been fortified with these nutrients instead – so are still a good source.
Below is a comparison table showing the nutrient profile of various milks – per 100ml
Green = best choice for this nutrient. |
Milk | Kcals | Protein | Sat fat | Calcium | Vit B12 | Iodine | Vit D |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cows (semi) | 46 | 3.5g | 1.1g | 124mg | 0.9µg | 30µg | - |
Goats (semi) | 44 | 2.9g | 1.0g | 120mg | 0.1µg | 0µg | - |
Lacto free (semi) | 39 | 3.5g | 1.0g | 114mg | 0.9µg | 30µg | - |
A2 cows (semi) | 48 | 3.5g | 1.0g | 120mg | 0.9µg | 30µg | - |
Soya (unsweetened) | 33 | 3.3g | 0.3g | 120mg* | 0.38µg* | 22.5µg* | 0.75µg* |
Soya (sweetened) | 39 | 3.0g | 0.3g | 120 mg* | 0.38µg* | 22.5µg* | 0.75µg* |
Almond (unsweetened) | 13 | 0.4g | 0.1g | 120mg* | 0.38µg* | 0.2µg* | 0.75µg* |
Almond (sweetened) | 22 | 0.4g | 0.1g | 120mg* | 0.38µg* | 0.2µg* | 0.75µg* |
Hemp | 45 | 0.5g | 0.3g | 120mg* | 0.38µg* | 0.2µg* | 0.75µg* |
Rice | 47 | 0.1g | 0.1g | 120mg* | 0.38µg* | 0.2µg* | 0.75µg* |
Oat | 44 | 0.3g | 0.1g | 120mg* | 0.38µg* | 0.2µg* | 1.5µg* |
*Based on average fortification amounts – always check the label, as some may not be fortified.
Nutritionist Emma White (ANutr), MSc Human Nutrition is passionate about how food science applies to the human body, and how the nutrients in what we eat affect us and ultimately have an impact on our health.
This site uses cookies to personalise content and ads, provide social media features and analyse our traffic. Find out more about how we use cookies.
Choose which cookies you allow us to use. You can read more about our Cookie Policy in our Privacy Policy.