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The world is significantly moving towards plant-based diets, and veganism is becoming popular at a very high rate. This change is because of health consciousness, environment, and ethics. Nowadays, some people are facing health-related issues like cow milk allergy, lactose intolerance, and the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia.
This reason also leads to an increasing number of vegans and more preference for vegan diets. In this article, we’ll explore various plant-based milk alternatives and we will also cover various vegan meal alternatives.
Globally, plant-based milk alternatives are the fastest-growing functional and specialty beverage category. There’s more preference for vegan diets because of health-related concerns, which has influenced consumers towards choosing cow milk alternatives.
Plant-based milk alternative is on a rising trend as it is an affordable option for those in developing countries and those who are in a shortage of cow milk.
Plant-based vegan dairy substitutes are liquids made from plant material (cereals, pseudo-cereals, legumes, oilseeds, and nuts) that are extracted in water, and further homogenization of such fluids.
This results in a particle size distribution in the range of 5-20 µm that closely matches the consistency and appearance of cow’s milk. Although there is no clear statement or classification of plant-based/ vegetable milk alternatives, we have five general categories of plant-based/ vegetable milk alternatives:
Let us discuss some of the major types of plant-based/ non-dairy milk alternatives:
Oat milk is a plant-based milk alternative made from whole oat grains. It is popular among people who are lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies. Oat milk has a sweet flavor and a creamy texture. It contains β-Glucan as a functional or bioactive component.
It helps in increasing solution viscosity and can delay gastric emptying time. It can be easily made at home with 4 ingredients [ oats, water, maple syrup, and vanilla extract] in under 5 minutes.
Soy milk is a plant-based milk alternative made from whole soybeans. It is also popular among people who are lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies. Soy milk also has a high protein content comparable to cow’s milk.
It contains Isoflavones as a functional or bioactive component. It has a protective effect against cancer, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. Soy milk can be easily found at grocery stores, coffee shops, and even restaurants around the country.
Peanut milk is a high-potential plant-based milk alternative made from roasted peanuts. Peanut milk contains Phytosterols and Phenolic compounds as functional or bioactive components.
This milk has cholesterol-lowering properties, protective against oxidative damage and diseases like coronary heart disease, stroke, and various cancers. It can be prepared at home easily by blending peanuts, dates, and vanilla for a minute.
Almond milk is a healthy non-dairy milk alternative made from almonds. It tastes slightly sweet and it is slightly nutty. Almond milk is rich in Alpha-tocopherol.
It is a powerful antioxidant that plays a critical role in protecting against free-radical reactions. Almond milk also contains Arabinose which helps in prebiotic properties. Almond milk can be found everywhere including in groceries, and coffee shops, and can also be easily prepared at home.
Coconut milk is a creamy non-dairy milk alternative made from coconut. It comes in two forms, i.e. canned and boxed. Canned coconut milk is one of the richest milk alternatives on the market while boxed coconut milk is a substitute for cow’s milk.
Coconut milk is rich in Lauric acid that promotes brain development, boosts the immune system, and maintains the elasticity of the blood vessels. We can find coconut milk in the groceries, and supermarkets, or can be made at home.
Sesame milk is a high-quality protein-containing creamy non-dairy milk alternative. Sesame milk is rich in lignans such as sesamin, sesamolin, sesaminol.
These lignans help in nutraceutical properties such as Namiki antioxidative, hypocholesterolemic, anticarcinogenic, antitumor, and antiviral activities. Sesame milk can be found in dedicated groceries or online stores.
Cashew milk is thick, creamy in texture, and a flavorless non-dairy milk alternative. Cashew milk is lactose-free and rich in magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, zinc, unsaturated fats, protein, and several vitamins and minerals.
This helps boost heart health, improve blood sugar control, and promote eye health. It can be prepared easily at home by blending cashew and water in a 1:4 ratio, in addition to maple syrup, honey, vanilla extract, or a dash of sea salt for your taste.
Let us discuss the top 5 alternatives for vegan meals:
Homemade vegan butter is a plant-based alternative to dairy butter. It is made from natural ingredients like nuts, seeds, and even algae. Those ingredients are blended with vegetable oils such as coconut, palm, or soybean. There are also many health benefits in comparison to traditional butter. Since it is plant-based butter, there is no cholesterol and no or very low levels of trans fat.
Vegan Parmesan Cheese is a plant-based alternative vegan meal. It is prepared with plant-based ingredients including Raw cashews, lemon juice, distilled white vinegar, sea salt, and ground mustard. Firstly, we need to crush dry cashews in a food processor or blender until they are a fine crumble. Then, the rest of the ingredients and pulse are added. It can be kept in the shape you want and refrigerated the whole night.
Nutritional yeast is an idle version of yeast that is prepared from a type of yeast known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is specially used by vegans in cooking as a seasoning or flavor enhancer. Nutritional yeast contains vitamins and minerals and is also a good source of vitamin B. We can easily purchase it in groceries or supermarkets.
Vegan Mozzarella Cheese is also an alternative to vegan meals. We can prepare it by blending it with ingredients including raw cashews, water, Tapioca starch, and Nutritional yeast. Then, it is mixed with coconut oil and apple cider vinegar. Additionally, salt and garlic powder can be added for taste.
Tofu is a popular substitute for vegan meals. It seems similar to paneer, but tofu is made up of Soy. We can find three different types of Tofu i.e. Silken Tofu, Soft or Medium Tofu, and Firm or Extra-Firm Tofu. Tofu is highly rich in protein, amino acids, iron, calcium, and other major constituents.
Nowadays, people are choosing plant-based milk and alternatives. This is because some people are dealing with health-related issues while others are due to cultural restrictions. Vegan milk can also be easily found in stores or cafes.
It makes people easier to opt for plant-based alternatives. Some of the major reasons for choosing vegan milks and alternatives are as follows:
Let us discuss the innovations in improving the quality and acceptability of Vegan alternatives:
Improving product stability enhances the quality of vegan alternatives. You can follow the below-mentioned strategies:
Removal or reduction of off-flavor is vital for improving the quality of vegan alternatives. You can follow the below-mentioned strategies to remove or reduce off-flavors:
The inactivation/ removal of inhibitors is vital for enhancing the quality and acceptability of vegan alternatives. We’ve mentioned the following strategies for the inactivation or removal of inhibitors:
To improve the quality of Vegan alternatives, it is crucial to improve the shelf life. The strategies to enhance shelf life are mentioned below:
According to the experts from CDR Writers Australia, there is an increasing number of people moving towards vegan alternatives or plant-based diets. Investigation is required for the development of modern processes, technological interventions, and nutritionally complete food products with overall high acceptability.
The development of vegan and milk alternatives should include, rich in nutritional value, taste, and fortification techniques. There are several reasons people are opting for vegan milk and alternatives including health considerations, ethical concerns, lower saturated fats and cholesterol, religious beliefs, and taste preferences.
The major vegan dairy replacements include Oat milk, Soy milk, Peanut milk, Almond milk, Coconut milk, Sesame milk, Cashew milk, and many more. There are also vegan meal alternatives that include homemade vegan butter, vegan parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast, vegan mozzarella cheese, tofu, and many more. To improve the quality and acceptability of vegan alternatives, you must improve product stability, fresh and high-quality ingredients should be selected, balancing flavors and reducing off flavors.
Be Veganism, inspires people to go vegan for the sake of animals, the environment, and their health - we are fighting to make the world a better place for everyone. In addition, we fund sanctuaries and charities that support animals in need now and in the future.
