You want to ensure you are making the healthiest choice out of all plant-based milk available, and that they are fortified with additional nutrients such as calcium, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D. The daily recommended amount of calcium for most adults is about 1,000 milligrams, so a glass of dairy milk gives you about 30%.

Studies generally conclude that soya milk is the most adequate substitute for cow’s milk in terms of protein content. According to manufacturers, pea milk, which has a protein content of 3.33 grams per 100 millilitres, can also serve as a good source of protein. In contrast, beverages made from hemp are low in protein. Gluten free or soy-free versions are recommended for consumers with an allergy or intolerance.

All plant-based milk is more animal and climate-friendly than animal milk, with oat milk being considered the most environmentally friendly. In terms of water, a litre of oat milk requires 48 litres of water to produce. This is significantly lower compared to the water used to produce dairy, soy, and almond milk.

With more people becoming aware of the cruelty behind dairy factory farming as well as the environmental implications it entails, it’s not a surprise that more consumers are choosing plant-based foods also for health reasons. This in turn triggered a surge of brands entering the market. The fact that different brands cater to different tastes and needs means there are many plant-based kinds of milk available that provide a variety of flavours, textures, and nutritional value.

Sonja believes some of these kinds of plant-based milk are better with cereal, some for baking and others as drinks but this is dependent on personal choice. “Organic soy milk and oat milk for example tend to be the creamiest and can make a delicious latte. Coconut milk, which is less creamy, can be great in cold cereal or used as a milk substitute in baking.”