There are so many plant milks to choose from! For people who are lactose-intolerant, or vegan the last few years have opened up so many options. Also they add a different flavour to what you’re eating/drinking, so for someone like me who does have dairy I still mix up the types of milk I use for variety.
Plant milk is great for those who can’t have dairy. Lactase is an enzyme produced in the small intestine. It digests lactose (milk sugar) and turns it into glucose & galactose to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Without enough lactase to digest the lactose, it moves further through your digestive system where it triggers the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
If you’re lactose intolerant it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have any. A splash of milk in your tea/coffee for example is probably a small enough amount to not trigger a reaction. For intolerances, some people find slowly increasing the level they have can help build the tolerance back up. That’s something to try with caution!
If you have a milk allergy, that differs to an intolerance as it causes an abnormal response by your immune system shortly after consumption. This reaction can be mild or severe, with the latter potentially life threatening.
The other group plant milks are great for is vegans. I’m not going to talk about the ethics of that diet, as that’s a personal choice. From a nutritional standpoint there are some differences to consider. Traditional dairy is a good source of protein as well as providing calcium, iodine (important for thyroid function), potassium, phosphorus & vitamins B2 & B12. Dairy is the largest source of calcium in the UK diet. For children especially this is a key nutrient for growth & development.
So when changing to a vegan diet (or reducing your consumption of animal products), you need to be aware of certain nutrients you got before, but now may be lacking so need to get elsewhere. Fortunately more plant milks are starting to be fortified, & you can get most of the nutrients you miss from regular dairy elsewhere within your diet, or use supplements.
Lastly from the practical side price is a consideration. Then you have taste of each type. Which do you prefer?
References: Mac Nutrition Uni, Dairy Council (UK), pictures from Waitrose and Sainsbury’s showing how many to choose from!
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