Innovation in Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives

A full-page public interest advertisement in the leading national dailies of India on 22nd June 2021 presented the facts on Milk against the myths around Plant-based Dairy Alternatives.

- Rethesh Kumar and Krishnadas G

Issued by national dairy giant, Amul, the advertisement led to various discussions and debates on mass and social media. Irrespective of whether the views were pro- or anti- plant-based, the advertisement surely helped heighten the public awareness around this category of products in India.

For the uninitiated, milk substitutes from plant-based sources like soy, nuts and grains are favoured by consumers who are generally avoiding animal products, are fitness enthusiasts, seek novel products or are abstaining from dairy due to various health condition, like allergies or lactose intolerance.

It is widely reported from various studies that about 60-65% of Indians are lactose intolerant without realizing it; and plant-based milks are free from lactose. This was one of the main premises that helped companies promote the merits of plant-based milk all around the world. Although some dairy milk manufacturers have introduced lactose-free variants of dairy milk, plant-based options are deemed more popular in this regard. Also, the calorie value of a typical unsweetened plant-based milk is about 30-50% lower than that of a standard toned milk. In addition, the former has a lower fat content, and is free from cholesterol. However, plant-based milks are no match to cow's milk when it comes to protein, calcium, potassium and other minerals. To address this gap, plant-based milk products are fortified with essential and desirable nutrients. As for sustainability, all plant-based milk alternatives are estimated to be nearly 70% efficient as dairy milk on emissions, land use, and water usage aspects.