World Plant Milk Day: Enjoy a Non-Dairy Lifestyle
World Plant Milk Day is on August 22nd. It was created to promote plant-based nutrition and raise awareness about the benefits of plant milk not only for the environment but also for overall health. Promoting plant-based nutrition, this day aligns with the sustainability movement. Read on to learn more.
Featured in: August - Awareness Months, Days & Observances.
Why World Plant Milk Day Matters
Plant milk came from humble beginnings, starting as a solution for lactose intolerance. Its significance has now grown beyond this origin due to its environmental and health implications.
High greenhouse gas emissions linked with dairy production can be mitigated with plant alternatives, which often require fewer resources. Moreover, plant milks offer a host of nutrients and cater to a range of dietary needs, promoting inclusivity. This change also supports humane farming practices, making World Plant Milk Day count.
Data and Statistics
Although the dairy industry dominates non-dairy alternatives, recent marketing research reports that plant-based milk has grown substantially.
From a valuation of $15.51 billion in 2023, it is anticipated to be $27.69 billion by 2031. Evolving consumer appetites, health consciousness, and environmental awareness have contributed to this shift.
On average, 68% of the global population is lactose intolerant1, pushing many to explore plant-based milk options.
For instance, almond milk has become popular in the United States, with sales crossing the billion-dollar threshold, leaving behind the second most famous, oat milk, at less than half.
Related Read: Environmental Impact of Oatmilk & Other Plant-Based Milks.
How to Add Plant Milk to Your Routine
- Replace your dairy milk with almond, soy, or oat milk for various flavors and health benefits.
- Support local businesses manufacturing plant milk to strengthen the local economy and reduce carbon emissions.
- Make your plant milk using a blender and simple ingredients like oats, almonds, or soy.
- Host a plant milk-tasting event to introduce others to various available non-dairy milk options.
- Share your plant milk journey on social media and raise awareness about plant-based milk's health and sustainability benefits.
Examples of Plant-Based Alternatives
Almond milk has a creamy and subtly nutty taste, low in calories, rich in vitamins and minerals, but low in protein compared to dairy milk.
Soy milk, or soya milk, comes from soybeans, fortified with additional nutrients, comparable protein content to cow's milk, and a more unassuming flavor.
Oat milk contains a blend of oats and water. It has a uniquely creamy texture and a slightly sweet undertone; it also froths similarly to cow's milk. While it is not as protein-rich as others, it is usually fortified with many essential nutrients.
Coconut milk is made from the white flesh of mature coconuts. It is higher in calories and saturated fats but rich in essential nutrients. It has a distinct tropical taste that's suitable for smoothies and desserts.
Rice milk is a blend of milled rice and water. It is naturally sweeter than most plant-based milk alternatives. While lower in protein, it is fortified with vitamins and minerals.
More Plant Milks
- Protein-packed pea milk
- Creamy cashew milk
- Gluten-free quinoa milk
- Omega-3-rich flax milk
- Nutty macadamia milk
- Sweet hazelnut milk
- Vitamin E-rich sunflower seed milk
Brief Timeline of World Plant Milk Day
A joint effort by ProVeg International and Plant Based News results in the establishment of World Plant Milk Day on August 22.
Celebrations spread across the globe to coax more people into embracing plant-based milk.
Brands and companies producing plant milk join the festivities. Special offers and promotions draw consumers into the plant-based milk landscape.
World Plant Milk Day goes digital with online campaigns, webinars, and virtual tastings due to the pandemic.
World Plant Milk Day stresses the potential benefits of switching to plant-based milk, particularly in reducing carbon emissions and water usage.
More brands and consumers joining the movement indicate a global dietary shift towards dairy milk alternatives.
Conclusion
World Plant Milk Day promotes better health, lesser environmental harm, and respect for animal life. By choosing plant-based milk, we can live more sustainably. Each consumption and shared experience can compel others to join this vital cause, making a real impact on our planet.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
It invites people to consider using non-dairy alternatives to dairy milk.
It is a healthy alternative to dairy milk. Almond milk, for instance, is similarly creamy to dairy milk and contains vitamin E and calcium.
According to records, people have drunk plant-based milk since 14th-century China.
It is a beverage made from a water-based plant extract for flavoring and aroma, whose color resembles dairy milk.
| 1 | Storhaug, C. L., Fosse, S. K., & Fadnes, L. T. (2017b). Country, regional, and global estimates for lactose malabsorption in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet. Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 2(10), 738–746. |
Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.
Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.
