The fact is that nothing beats cow’s milk (or breastmilk!) when it comes to natural nutrients in one drink. But if you really want to explore plant-based alternatives, you can begin by analyzing your own nutritional requirements and nutritional benefits of these alternatives.
So when you are about to make a purchase of one of these plant-based milk alternatives, here's what you need to bear in mind.
Look out for added sugars. Oats, peanuts, peas, and soy as a milk alternative all have a peculiar taste. So many of these types of plant-based kinds of milk have additional sweeteners to hide their original taste. Make sure you read the labels and discuss the same with your doctor before you begin your gastronomical experiment.
Shake it before each use. Yes, you read that right. Most of these milk cartons come with the warning that you should shake it before each use. That's because the calcium added to these plant-based milk alternatives settles down at the bottom of the can. These are not naturally occurring and are additives. So be sure to shake the can to mix the calcium. Also remember to supplement your meals with naturally occurring calcium such as cheese (if you can), broccoli, and even nuts and almonds.
Be aware of additives. A mentioned before, oats, almonds, and even soy as a milk alternative sound fashionable. But as with anything that is processed in a factory, they also come with their fair share of food additives. Some additives give a milk-like creaminess to plant-based alternatives. So if you read words like 'thickeners' or 'carrageenan' speak to your doctor. Because many of them, including carrageenan, are linked to cancer.
Cooking may vary. Whether you choose soy as a milk alternative or any other plant-based product, you will notice a difference in cooking with it. The results of each dish will vary because of the original plant used in manufacturing the milk. So don't expect a fluffy, light cake if you use peanut milk!
The bottom line is that whether you use almond, coconut, or soy as a milk alternative, you must also maintain a healthy diet along with it.
That's because these alternatives do not have all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs. This is especially true for a growing child.