Today, August 22nd is World Plant Milk Day today and to celebrate we have compiled a list of the top 5 reasons why millions of people across the world are switching from dairy to plant-based alternatives.
1. For your Health
Switching from dairy to plant-based milk and alternatives is a great way to boost your health. Plant milk contains almost no fat, zero cholesterol, and a lot less sugar than cows’ milk. Whereas milk contains a lot of fat and cholesterol, which are contributors to some serious health conditions like heart disease. Not only that, but plant milk contains fibre, protein and is often fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, meaning you’re not missing out on what your body needs. The only thing you need to supplement is iodine, which is easy to do!
2. For the Planet
We are beginning to see the effects of global warming and one of the most powerful and effective things you can do is make relatively small changes to your diet. Dairy production is the second biggest emitter of all greenhouse gas emissions from animal agriculture, accounting for four per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, it is a drain on resources, including freshwater and is also one of our biggest polluters. It takes 1,020 litres of water to produce one litre of cow’s milk. To produce the same amount of soya milk, you only need 297 litres of water, and even less for other crops such as oats.
3. For the Animals
Dairy production is a large industrialised industry, which leads to a range of animal welfare issues. From being forcibly impregnated in order to produce milk to having their calves removed their within days of birth, life for a dairy cow involves a great deal of suffering. It’s far removed from the idyllic farmyard scene we might have been led to believe.
4. So much great taste and variety
Gone are the days when you had to rummage around in a health food shop in a far-flung corner of town to get a single carton of soya milk. There are now so many varieties available that suit all diets, tastes and budgets, and they are available everywhere! You can get everything from rice milk and delicious creamy almond to crazy-sounding tiger nut or pea milk! Fussy about your coffee? Try Oatly’s Barista. Like a chocolatey treat? Why not give Alpro’s chocolate and coconut drink a whirl? And it’s not just milk either. You can get everything dairy-free these days from ice cream and pizza to squirty cream and meringues.
5. Everybody’s doing it
Millions of people across the world are turning away from dairy and towards plant-based alternatives, representing one of the biggest global dietary shifts ever! It is thought that the dairy alternatives industry is set to top $35 billion by 2024, up from $8.2 billion in 2014. Food companies, supermarkets, restaurants and cafes are also jumping on the dairy-free bandwagon and are offering dairy-free alternatives, making it easier than ever to make the switch.
One of the best reasons for going dairy-free for World Plant Milk Day is all the goodies! Everyone who signs up to the 7-Day Dairy-Free Challenge gets £7 off a box from The Vegan Kind! And if you sign up with a friend, you can win a 6 month Vegan Kind subscription, plus a selection of One Planet Pizza products!
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