Study reveals only one-third of plant-based milks meet health standards

A recent study in Austria has examined the nutritional quality of plant-based milk alternatives. Researchers analysed 444 products and found that one in three failed to meet health standards set by SIPCAN. The results highlight significant differences between drinkable and spoonable options, as well as variations among ingredients like coconut, oat, and almond.

The study revealed that drinkable milk alternatives performed far better than thicker, spoonable versions. Nine out of ten beverages met SIPCAN's nutritional criteria, while only a quarter of spoonable products passed. This gap suggests that texture and processing may affect sugar and fat levels.

Among ingredient types, coconut-based products fared the worst. Only 12% met the health standards, with an average of 7.1 grams of sugar and 6.5 grams of fat per 100 grams or millilitres. In contrast, oat and almond alternatives showed stronger results. Oat milks averaged 4.3 grams of sugar and 1.9 grams of fat, while almond milks contained just 2.1 grams of each. These figures helped 85% of products in both categories meet the nutritional criteria.

The findings suggest that not all plant-based milk alternatives offer the same nutritional benefits. Coconut-based options, in particular, tend to contain higher sugar and fat levels. Consumers looking for healthier choices may find oat or almond alternatives more suitable, especially in drinkable forms.