Can Milk Be Sustainable too? Here Are a Few Environmental-Friendly Options to Try!
Life can become a lot easier if you want to eat healthily and yet stay environmental-friendly. The food and the beverage industry have come up with a great many alternatives over the years, each different and more nutritious than the other. Some of the best examples include oat, macadamia, almond, hazelnut, hemp, and the list goes on and on. There is no doubt that alternative milk is more sustainable than dairy milk, and uses less land and water, and generates a lot less amount of greenhouse gases. Whether you are new to traversing the alternative-milk path, you got to know, which are the best options in terms of taste, texture, and sustainability.
Soy Milk
Soy milk is regarded as the original plant-based milk. In earlier days, it was the only go-to alternative and popular for its varied nutritional benefits and closest to the milk-like taste and texture. It is regarded as high in nutrition as it is packed with protein and potassium, in fact as much as cow’s milk. Soy milk is also fortified with important vitamins like vitamins A, B-12, and D, as well as calcium. However, soy milk may not be suitable for everyone, since soy is a common allergen and also contains estrogen-like compounds such as isoflavones. These may have certain hormone-related health concerns which can even cause a disruption in thyroid function and even cause fertility issues. As far as sustainability is concerned, soy milk production usually leaves a small carbon footprint and requires very little water and land to grow.
Almond milk
Almond milk is a clear favorite now, as it promises great taste and texture, however, it may not be as sustainable as soy milk. It has the lowest greenhouse emissions and uses very little land to grow, yet the milk production can use 10 times more water than soy milk production. Apart from this, most of the almond trees are located in California, a state that is prone to droughts and has to depend a lot on freshwater irrigation. Almond milk is high on nutrition as it is high in vitamin E, and is often fortified with calcium and vitamin D, however, since a lot of water is used for its production, it may not be an environmental-friendly option.
Oat milk
It is the current barista-favorite and everyone is using it in their smoothies and coffees, and it is available in most of the major U.S. cities. As per research, oat milk has a lower adverse environmental impact overall. It uses a lesser amount of water and land and emits a far lesser fraction of greenhouse gas. Apart from that, oat milk has a very smooth creaminess that many consumers look for in their dairy milk, making it an ideal beverage for fancy cafés and home baristas.
Hemp milk
Hemp has many versatile capabilities and it is a great material for clothing and food, and they’re many barista versions of hemp milk! Hemp milk is derived from the seeds of a hemp plant. This is a superfood that is loaded with as much protein as soybeans and it is also a rich source of vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, and more. It doesn’t have any common allergens, and it is a plant that breathes in four times more than CO2 as trees. It also uses a very less quantity of water to produce and also grows without pesticides.
Pea Milk
Pea milk is comparable to soy as it is high in protein, and sustainable too, and it involves far less pesticide as far as the brand and variety are concerned. The only grievance is it is a little grassier than other plant-based milk, so those who are trying to use it as a dairy alternative may find it a little hard to adjust to the taste.
Everyone has their favorite go-to type of milk for their unique reasons; for a few, it is because they want to choose a more environmental-free, and cruelty-free version. However, another aspect to consider is whether they are willing to pay extra for the plant-based milk. If you make it at home, it will not only be sustainable, it will be easy on the pocket.
More in Business & Investments
-
`
The Sky’s the Limit: Qantas Aims for Ultra-Long-Haul Records
Long-haul flights are making a grand return, signaling the optimism among airlines that international travel is on the rebound post the...
December 2, 2023 -
`
WWE SmackDown to Make a Comeback on USA Network in 2024
In a surprising twist, WWE’s Friday night staple, “SmackDown,” is bidding farewell to Fox and heading back to its old stomping...
November 24, 2023 -
`
Why Women Face Higher Out-of-Pocket Health Expenses
In healthcare, disparities persist, and a recent report from Deloitte underscores a significant financial gap between working women and men in...
November 18, 2023 -
`
Elon Musk vs Bill Gates: The Clash of Titans
In the realm of the world’s wealthiest individuals, a simmering rivalry has been captivating public attention. It’s not a clash of...
November 7, 2023 -
`
The Power Of Disconnecting
In our digitally driven age, where smartphones, tablets, and laptops have become extensions of ourselves, disconnecting might seem daunting. However, the...
October 31, 2023 -
`
JCPenney’s Bankruptcy: The End of an Era
JCPenney filed for bankruptcy in a move echoing the struggles of many retailers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This...
October 26, 2023 -
`
Reasons Why You Need a Financial Plan
Financial planning is not just for the wealthy or those nearing retirement. It’s a crucial tool for anyone seeking financial security...
October 19, 2023 -
`
How Brad Pitt Spends His Millions All Over the World
Brad Pitt, the charismatic Hollywood superstar, has left an indelible mark on the silver screen and made an impact in the...
October 10, 2023 -
`
Gen Z’s Posh Palate: The Unexpected Rise of Caviar Culture
Amid the backdrop of a digital era buzzing with viral dances, e-sports, and niche memes, there emerges a peculiar plot twist:...
October 7, 2023
You must be logged in to post a comment Login