New scientific review calls for plant-based milk fortification

Despite growing consumer interest in plant-based alternatives, the UK’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) and the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) concluded that, as of early 2022, no almond, oat, or soy drink available in the UK was nutritionally equivalent to cow milk.

As plant-based drinks continue their upward trajectory in the UK’s food and beverage market, a new benefit-risk assessment by both committees sheds critical light on the nutritional and toxicological implications of replacing cow milk.

Among the positive findings, “typical” almond, oat, and soy-based drinks, such as those fortified with calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, offered lower saturated fat and energy content compared to whole or semi-skimmed cow milk. The plant-based alternatives also contributed more dietary fiber and, often, more vitamin D — an area where cow milk is naturally lacking.

“The Vegan Society is pleased to see its recommendations on plant-based alternatives to dairy milk upheld by SACN in their latest nutrition report, which was published today,” says Emily Angus, senior dietitian at the Vegan Society.

“Fortified, unsweetened, plant-based alternative drinks can be an important source of calcium, protein, and other micronutrients for people who do not consume dairy for medical or ethical reasons.”

Nutritional gains and gaps

The report could be important for public health and have implications for product development for B2B stakeholders across the nutrition and functional beverage sectors who target families, vegan consumers, and health-conscious adults.

The committees evaluated the nutritional impact of replacing cow milk with plant-based drinks in children aged one to five — the group most nutritionally dependent on milk — and the wider population.

The report states fortification is needed to ensure plant-based milks are suitable for vulnerable populations, such as young children.A key finding the assessment highlighted is shortfalls in key nutrients, including vitamin A, iodine, and, in some cases, protein. Almond and oat drinks, in particular, had lower protein content and quality, which may be problematic for young children or individuals on vegan diets.

Soy drinks, on the other hand, were found to have a protein profile more closely aligned with that of cow milk, making them a preferred option in such cases.

The analysis found that risks were heightened when unfortified or sweetened plant-based drinks were consumed. These versions contribute to higher free sugar intakes and offer insufficient micronutrients — raising particular concern for young children and other nutritionally vulnerable groups.

“It’s great to see the report recognizes fortified, unsweetened, soy, almond, and oat drinks as an acceptable and safe alternative to cow milk from one year of age,” Angus underscores.

“This is already reflected in the current UK EatWell guide and in recommendations from the British Dietetic Association on plant-based diets, which support the consumption of plant-based dairy alternatives as a key source of calcium.”

A call for comprehensive fortification

A key recommendation from the report is fortifying all plant-based drinks with vitamin A, riboflavin, vitamin B12, calcium, iodine, and vitamin D at levels comparable to semi-skimmed cow milk. 

Currently, UK regulations do not mandate such fortification, and organic-labeled products are not permitted to be fortified at all, contributing to considerable variability across products.

The report encourages manufacturers to reformulate products to meet these enhanced profiles, ensuring they are unsweetened and nutritionally robust. This is especially relevant for brands seeking inclusion in government programs such as the Nursery Milk and Healthy Start schemes.

“The report recommends that plant-based alternative drinks should be provided in settings where cow milk is usually offered, which is a key ask of the Vegan Society’s ‘Play Fair with Plant Milk’ campaign,” Angus spotlights. “Alternatives to animal milk must be made available as part of School Milk and Healthy Start schemes in England and Wales.”

“Vegan children are frequently excluded from such schemes by the lack of provision of alternatives to animal milk. As vegans are protected under human rights and equality law, these schemes should be updated to reflect this new guidance to promote equality for vegans and allow them to have access to the nutrition they need to thrive.”

Toxicological findings and isoflavone watchouts

From a toxicological standpoint, the assessment states that most chemical contaminants and naturally occurring compounds were present at low or negligible levels across cow milk and plant-based drinks.The report and ProVeg call for fortified and unsweetened plant milk options in schools and as part of the UK’s “Healthy Start” scheme.

The exception was isoflavones in soy drinks, which may pose a concern for children aged one to five on vegan diets due to higher relative exposures by body weight. SACN and COT recommend that these children diversify their protein sources to reduce reliance on soy.

Although some ingredients used in plant-based drinks could be susceptible to mycotoxin contamination, the report says the limited data available suggests minimal risk in the UK. 

Industry implications

For nutrition industry players, the assessment underscores responsibility and opportunity. On one hand, clearer communication around product suitability and nutritional content is needed. On the other, there is significant headroom for innovation in developing fortified, unsweetened plant-based drinks that meet the needs of children, vegans, and health-focused consumers.

The report may also provide a foundation for lobbying efforts to standardize fortification regulations and nutrient labeling requirements, which could be important as plant-based consumption continues to rise, as could technologies and advancements that make the offerings more attractive, tasty, and palatable.

As the plant-based drink market evolves, evidence-based formulation and transparency will be key to meeting consumer demand while safeguarding nutritional adequacy.

Recent plant-based innovations include Ozzi’s plant-based beverage for nighttime hunger and technologies that help overcome the organoleptic challenges of algae-based protein powders.