In recent years, the sales of plant based milk have sky-rocketed in the United Kingdom, with January often seeing the biggest spike in searches for milk alternatives due to the “Veganuary” movement.
A number of scientific studies, including one from the University of Oxford, have repeatedly proven that dairy products produce an average of three times more greenhouse gas emissions than plant-based alternatives.
With more plant based milk options than ever before, there has never been a better time to make the move away from animal products.
However, knowing exactly which alternative-milk to turn to has proven to be difficult for many, as a result of misconceptions being spoken about across the media.
Some of the most popular non-dairy options include the likes of Almond Milk, Oat Milk, Soy Milk and Coconut Milk, to name a few.
But questions are raised regularly about how sustainable these drinks are for our ever warming planet.
In some cases, this has resulted in people opting not to make the switch, as they have been led to believe plant based milks are just as bad for the environment as cow’s milk.
With all too many people claiming “almond milk uses too much water”, or “soy milk destroys the rainforest” it is unsurprising that many do not know where they stand with all the options available.
Fortunately, a recent investigation from Our World In Data has attempted to put the barrage of rumours to rest by comparing the environmental footprints of both dairy and plant-based milks.
OWiD’s report proves that despite the number of rumours flying around, there is no mistaking that dairy milk has the highest environmental impact when compared to plant-based milk.
Producing one glass of cow’s milk per day for a year requires a whopping 7000 sq ft of land (or two tennis courts), while oat milk requires 10 times less.
The production of cow’s milk also uses an incredibly high volume of water.
Though consumers may be shocked to discover how much water alternatives such as Almond milk also require. With an average of approximately 65 litres of freshwater needed to produce just one glass of milk.
While each and every plant-based milk option does have its drawbacks as well as its benefits, many of which are explained in OWiD’s investigation, it remains clear that many consumers severely underestimate the carbon emissions that can be saved by removing dairy from their diets.
Of course, it is also important to remember that the products we include in our diets do not depend solely on their environmental impact, but also their flavour, texture, cost, and aid with which we can get our hands on them.
Not everyone likes the same things, nor can everyone afford the same things. Making the wide range of products on the market perfect for anyone starting out with plant-based milks.
Whether you stick to one milk for all occasions, or switch it up depending on its use, you can rest assured that no matter which milk you choose, it is 100% guaranteed to be better than cow’s milk.
Chloe Rose
New Food News
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