Plant milk

Plant milk

Coconut milk
Type	Non-dairy beverage and ingredient
Color	White
Flavor	Various; creamy texture
Ingredients	Water and a grain, pseudocereal, legume, nut, seed, or coconut

Plant milk is a category of non-dairy beverages made from a water-based plant extract for flavoring and aroma.^[1][2] Nut milk is a subcategory made from nuts, while other plant milks may be created from grains, pseudocereals, legumes, seeds or coconut. Plant-based milks are consumed as alternatives to dairy milk and provide similar qualities, such as a creamy mouthfeel,^[3] as well as a bland or palatable taste. Many are sweetened or flavored (e.g., vanilla).

As of 2021, there were about 17 different types of plant milks, of which almond, oat, soy, coconut and pea are the highest-selling worldwide.^[4][5] Production of plant milks—particularly soy, oat, and pea milks—can offer environmental advantages over animal milks in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and land and water use.^[6]

Plant-based beverages have been consumed for centuries, with the term "milk-like plant juices" used since the 13th century. In the 21st century, one of these drinks is commonly referred to as a plant-based milk, alternative milk, non-dairy milk or vegan milk. For commerce, plant-based beverages are typically packaged in containers similar and competitive to those used for dairy milk, but cannot be labeled as "milk" within the European Union.^[7]

Across various cultures, plant milk has been both a beverage and a flavor ingredient in sweet and savory dishes (such as the use of coconut milk in curries). These drinks are compatible with vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. Plant milks are also used to make ice cream alternatives, plant cream, vegan cheese, and yogurt-analogues (such as soy yogurt).^[8] The global plant milk market was estimated to reach US$62 billion by 2030.^[5]