Everything about plant-based milk alternatives: Oat, soy, almond

This year, as part of Veganuary, we are taking the time to look at veganism from different angles. This article focuses on plant-based milk alternatives – from oat to soy to almond. We get to the bottom of the questions of how environmentally friendly these alternatives really are, what they mean for the ethics of nutrition and what advantages they bring in terms of production.

Why plant-based alternatives should not be referred to as “milk”

Plant-based milk alternatives such as soy, oat or almond drinks may not legally be referred to as “milk”. The reason for this is an EU regulation that clearly states that “milk” refers exclusively to the product from milking animals. The protection of the term is intended to protect consumers from being misled and to ensure a clear distinction between animal and plant products. There are only exceptions for traditional terms such as “coconut milk” or “almond milk” in certain countries. In the EU, plant-based alternatives are therefore referred to as “drink” or “beverage”.

Production of plant-based milk alternatives

The production of plant-based milk alternatives follows a similar process, regardless of the plant used, but with some specific differences depending on the ingredient. First, the plant-based raw materials – such as soybeans, oats or almonds – are soaked to change their consistency and facilitate the extraction of nutrients. The soaked material is then ground to produce a “milk” that is diluted with water. This mixture is then pressed through a sieve or filter to remove solids. Often the plant-based milk is then fortified, for example with vitamins (such as B12 and D), calcium or other nutrients to make it nutritionally similar to cow’s milk. Some manufacturers also add sugar or flavorings to improve the taste.

A glass of oat milk with a bowl of oatmeal next to it

Life cycle assessment of plant-based drinks

The eco-balance of plant-based milk alternatives varies depending on the type and production process, but the math says: although the entire process of producing plant-based milk is generally more energy and water intensive than that of cow’s milk, a plant-based drink is significantly less harmful to the environment overall, as it does not require animal husbandry and does not produce greenhouse gases from livestock farming.

Oat milk is particularly good when it comes to environmental friendliness. It is characterized by relatively low water consumption and causes significantly lower CO₂ emissions compared to other plant-based alternatives and especially cow’s milk. Oats require less land and grow in temperate climates, which further reduces the environmental impact. Oat milk is therefore an excellent choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

Soy milk also has a good environmental footprint, especially if it comes from European cultivation. CO₂ emissions are lower than in the production of cow’s milk, and water consumption is also moderate. The problem with soy, however, arises when the beans come from distant countries such as Brazil, where deforestation and high CO₂ emissions can have a negative impact on the environment. Here it is important to look for sustainably grown soy products to minimize the environmental impact.

A glass of soy milk with loose soybeans scattered next to it

Almond milk, on the other hand, performs somewhat worse in the ecological balance sheet. The water consumption for growing almonds is very high, especially in regions such as California where water resources are limited. Although almond milk has lower CO₂ emissions than cow’s milk, its enormous water consumption contributes to its overall poorer ecological balance. Anyone opting for almond milk should therefore look for products from sustainable and preferably regional cultivation.

Overall, it can be said that oat “milk” is the best choice in terms of sustainability and environmental efficiency, followed by soy from sustainable cultivation. Although almond drink is a very popular alternative, it has a greater environmental impact due to its production methods. Choosing the right plant-based milk therefore depends not only on taste, but also on the environmental impact of each variety.

Ethical reasons

In addition to ecological aspects, ethics also play a decisive role in the choice of plant-based milk alternatives. Industrial milk production in particular poses considerable animal welfare problems, such as keeping animals in cramped conditions or the systematic separation of mothers and their calves. In contrast, small-scale suckler cow husbandry and alpine dairy farming can represent an animal-friendly and ethically justifiable alternative, as they often rely on natural forms of husbandry and respectful treatment of animals. However, plant-based alternatives offer the advantage that they do not use animals at all and therefore avoid any animal suffering. By avoiding industrial dairy products, you are sending a clear signal for animal welfare and contributing to a more ethical diet – whether by consuming plant-based alternatives or by consciously supporting animal-friendly, sustainable farming.

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