For many of us, cow’s milk is a staple. Whether added to tea or coffee or poured over cereal, its enjoyed by many of us. This is unsurprising when you think that UK dairy farmers produce over 14 billion litres of milk per year and the UK is the third largest producer of milk in Europe other than France and Germany, and the tenth largest producer in the world. Cows milk continues to be a classic go-to for so many of us, however, in recent years there’s been a rise of up to 30% in plant-based milk products since 2015 reaching a total of £367 million. You may have heard the terms veganism, flexitarianism and reductionism being thrown around in recent years, and this is largely due to many Brits having a preference for more plant-based sources.
This shift in the market has been led by younger consumers, with many younger people taking an active interest and concern in sustainability but also perhaps wanting to have more choice. When you used to go into a cafe, you had the option for with milk or without. Now, most establishments offer a variety of different non-dairy kinds of milk alongside milk which has proved to be extremely popular. Surprisingly, a survey done by Wired found that those buying non-dairy aren’t just exclusively buying non-dairy milk – two thirds of the people buying non-dairy milk are also buying regular dairy milk. This is perhaps to cater for friends or family with a preference or dietary requirement but also seemingly perhaps for variety. If you are interested in finding out about some of the most popular non-dairy milk alternatives currently on the market, read on.
Soy milk
Soy milk has been on the market for years and continues to be a popular go-to for many people. It’s made from soya beans and often contains thickening products to improve its taste and consistency. It has a mild, creamy, taste and is considered one of the most similar alternatives to regular cows milk for many.
Almond Milk
This is either made with whole almonds or almond butter and water. It’s got a light nutty flavour and is frequently used in smoothies and sweet dishes. It contains a quarter of the calories of cows milk so is ideal for those who may be watching their weight. This is due to the fact is mostly contains water and 2% almonds. Almonds are known for being loaded with nutrients and antioxidants which can assist with blood sugar control and lower cholesterol.
Coconut milk
This is made from the water and the flesh of a coconut. It’s more of a diluted version of the type you can buy in cans that is frequently added to savoury dishes, and especially Asian or Indian cuisine. Coconut contains a lot less calories than cow’s milk as its the lowest protein and carbohydrate dairy alternative. Coconut milk has a creamy and subtly sweet flavour.
Here at Freshway, we offer a selection of non-dairy milk products as well as a selection of Dairy products for independent retailers across the UK. Our family run business began in 1990 and has continued to grow. Freshway is the largest independent family run dairy supplier in the UK and we pride ourselves on high quality and reliable service at competitive rates. Please get in touch today to find out more about what we can offer you.