Cow's Milk vs Plant-Based dairy alternatives

Plant-based milk alternatives vs cow's milk: Which is right for you?

Plant-based alternatives to dairy are becoming increasingly popular. More of us are opting for oat, soya, coconut, almond and hazelnut drinks over cow’s milk in everything from our coffee and cakes to our smoothies and soups.

If you haven’t already made the switch from dairy to plant-based alternatives, you might be wondering what the difference is and whether it’s the right choice for you.

That’s why we’re providing you with all the facts you need to compare cow’s milk and plant-based alternatives to help you choose the best drink for your needs.

Whether you want to know more about the calories in oat drink vs whole milk or how soya drink vs regular milk compares for protein, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

Cow’s milk vs plant-based alternatives: A nutrition comparison

In the table below, you’ll find a breakdown of the nutritional value of cow’s milk compared to some of our most popular plant-based alternatives to dairy.

*Original long life (UHT); all dairy values from McCance & Widdowson’s Composition of Foods Integrated Dataset; NRV = nutrient reference value

Cow’s milk

Despite the rising popularity of plant-based alternatives to dairy, cow’s milk is still the most common choice to find in fridges in the UK³.

Cow's milk is a great source of protein which has a whole range of crucial roles in your body from supporting functions such as the growth and maintenance of muscle mass to supporting the maintenance of normal bones⁴. It’s also a source of calcium, which helps to keep your bones and teeth nice and strong⁵, and vitamin B12, which supports your red blood cells and nervous system⁶.

Alpro Oat Drink

Alpro Oat drink is a smooth, tasty plant-based drink made from 100% British-grown (and 100% tasty) oats.

Alpro oat drink contains 1.4g of fibre (compared to 0g in semi-skimmed cow’s milk¹, which is one of the major benefits of oat drink vs cow’s milk. 96% of Brits don't consume enough fibre⁷.

Alpro Soya Drink

Alpro Soya drink’s subtly sweet, delicate taste comes from blending soya beans with water to make a delicious plant-based alternative to dairy.

When comparing the protein contents of soya drink vs regular milk, you’ll see there’s not much difference. Soya drink is a fantastic source of plant-based protein, which is especially important if you’re following a vegan diet. It’s also naturally low in saturated fat, so a great choice if you’re looking for ways to manage your cholesterol levels⁸.

Alpro Coconut Drink

Alpro Coconut is a temptingly tropical and indulgently creamy drink that adds fresh flavour to cooking, baking, hot drinks and smoothies.

Alpro Almond Drink

Alpro Almond drink is made from lightly toasted Mediterranean almonds, bringing out their delicately nutty flavour.

The amount of calcium in Alpro almond drink vs cow’s milk is very similar. That’s because we fortify our plant-based drinks with essential nutrients like calcium and vitamins for added health benefits^*. Alpro Almond drink is also naturally low in calories and contains no saturated fat.

Alpro Hazelnut Drink

Alpro Hazelnut is a creamy-tasting, deliciously indulgent drink made from roasted and blended hazelnuts. Despite tasting rich and creamy, Alpro Hazelnut is naturally low in saturated fat⁹.

Dietary needs and other factors

If you’re deciding between plant-based options like oat drink vs cow’s milk, there’s more to think about than just nutrient content.

Your decision could be impacted by whether you:

• Follow a vegan diet (meaning animal products like cow’s milk are off the menu).
• Are lactose intolerant or allergic to cow’s milk protein, which means drinking cow’s milk could make you feel unwell.
• Have another allergy, such as to gluten, soya, or nuts, which could affect which plant-based alternatives you can drink (always check the label for allergens in bold).
• Have a condition such as diabetes, which is best managed with semi-skimmed or skimmed cow’s milk, or low-sugar alternatives to dairy (such as Alpro’s No Sugars range)¹⁰.

If you’re pregnant, it’s important to get an adequate supply of calcium, iodine, protein, and vitamins (such as D and B12) in your diet, which might also impact the milk or plant-based alternative you choose¹¹. Always speak to your midwife or healthcare provider before changing your diet.

Beyond nutrition: Environmental impact

Besides nutrition and dietary needs, environmental considerations are a major factor in many people’s decision to choose plant-based alternatives like almond drink vs cow’s milk¹².

The food system is responsible for up to a third¹³ of all CO2 emissions and takes place on half of the habitable land on earth¹⁴. It also accounts for 70% of freshwater use¹⁵ and 78% of global ocean and freshwater pollution¹². Moreover, agriculture is the main driver behind the habitat loss of 80% of threatened bird and mammal species¹⁶, and 80% of global deforestation¹⁷.

There’s a growing awareness amongst global organisations¹⁸, policy makers¹⁹ and scientists²⁰ that including more plant-based products in your diet is part of the solution to help mitigate environmental challenges.

The verdict: Which drink is right for you?

Ultimately, the choice between plant-based options like soya drink vs regular milk is up to you. Your decision might be impacted by factors like the taste of coconut drink vs whole milk, environmental impact, dietary requirements, or considerations like the health benefits of oat drink vs cow’s milk.

If you’re looking for…

• A high-protein drink: then Alpro Soya drink or cow’s milk may well be the right choice.
• A low-calorie option: Alpro Almond fits the bill.
• Creamy coffees: whole milk, Alpro Oat, or Alpro Coconut are sure to deliver. Check out our Alpro Barista collection, designed for coffee.
• A rich, dessert-like flavour: then Alpro Hazelnut is a winner.