Milk is not limited to dairy milk. Plant-based milk, such as oats, almond, and soy milk, are also great alternatives. The question is, which milk is the best one for consumption? Which is the best for our planet? Let us find out.
Based on Nutrient Value
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Dairy milk
Cow’s milk is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. It also contains other essential nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.
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Soy milk
Soy milk is a great source of protein, calcium, and iron. It is also low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
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Oat milk
Oat milk is a good source of fiber, vitamins B12 and D2, and iron. It is also low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
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Almond milk
Almond milk is a good source of vitamin E and calcium. It is also low in calories and saturated fat. Overall, dairy milk is the most nutritious of the four types of milk, with the highest protein and calcium content, followed by Soy Milk.
Based on Affordability
The price of milk varies depending on the type, brand, and retailer where it is purchased. However, dairy milk is the most affordable type of milk, followed by soy milk, oat milk, and almond milk. As a result, dairy milk is the most affordable of the four and the most widely drank.
Based on Sustainability
All the milk listed above has a lower environmental impact than dairy milk. You will be surprised that it takes almost 4 square kilometers of land to produce one glass of cow’s milk. This includes the land cows live on and the land used to grow their food. It takes much less land to grow oats, soy, and almonds for milk than that. However, soybean farms are a major drive for deforestation, while oats and almonds aren’t.
Coming to water use, dairy milk uses the most water, too. Almost 120 liters per glass of milk is used for the consumption of cows and growing their crops. Second is almond milk, which requires 70 liters per glass of milk. Almond trees must be watered constantly for years before they start growing almonds. Soy and Oats require much less water compared to that, at about 5-10 liters per glass of water.
In conclusion, oat milk is the most environmentally friendly, requiring less land and water to produce than the other milk.
Who is the winner?
In the end, there’s no winner. The best type of milk for you depends on your needs and preferences. If you are looking for nutrient-rich and affordable milk, dairy and soy milk are good options. If you are looking for milk that is low in calories and saturated fat, almond milk is the one you must go with. And if you are looking for the most sustainable type of milk, oat milk is the clear winner. If lactose intolerant, dairy is definitely out of the competition.
