The "best" plant-based milk depends on your needs: Soy milk and Pea milk are top for protein, similar to dairy, while Oat milk excels in creaminess for coffee, and Almond milk is lowest in calories. For allergies, rice or hemp milk may be better, but always check labels for added sugars and fortification with calcium/B12, opting for unsweetened versions for health.
Soy milk is probably the best overall. Highest in protein, more nutrients than others, and there's current studies happening on it with possibilities of cancer fighting properties.
Soy milk is the plant-based milk that comes closest to the nutritional profile of cow's milk. When choosing a plant-based milk, opt for one that is fortified with calcium.
The 8 Unhealthiest Non-Dairy Milks You Should Avoid at All Costs
Nutritional Benefits of Oat Milk During Pregnancy
While Oat Milk is low in saturated fat, it's rich in fiber and provides essential vitamins like B12 and minerals such as calcium.
Possible gluten cross-contamination: Unless made with certified gluten-free oats, oat milk may not be safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Higher in carbohydrates: Oat milk contains more carbs than most plant milks, which may not be suitable for people who follow low-carb diets.
Certain nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, and E, folic acid tablets, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, are particularly beneficial for promoting healthy skin development and fair complexion for the baby during pregnancy.
People are quitting oat milk due to concerns about highly processed ingredients like seed oils and emulsifiers, its impact on blood sugar (due to broken-down starches and added sugars), low protein content, potential inflammation, and gut health issues, with some wellness influencers shifting to cow's milk or other alternatives like almond or soy. The trend reflects a growing awareness that while convenient, many commercial oat milks aren't as "natural" or nutritionally complete as initially perceived, leading consumers to seek whole foods or dairy for better protein and fat balance.
Neither oat milk nor almond milk is universally "better"; the best choice depends on your health goals, as almond milk is lower in calories and carbs, while oat milk offers more fiber and heart-healthy beta-glucans, though both are often fortified with calcium and Vitamin D and vary by brand. Choose almond milk for weight management or low-calorie needs, and oat milk for digestive health, creamier texture in coffee, or if you have nut allergies.
Coconut milk and hemp milk stand out for supporting a healthy inflammatory response and being nutrient-rich, while almond and hazelnut milk provide delicious, low-carb options. However, some options like cashew and pistachio milk may require caution due to sensitivities.
Almond milk's main cons include being very low in protein compared to dairy milk, containing added sugars and additives like carrageenan in processed versions (potentially causing gut issues), posing risks for those with nut allergies, and having significant environmental concerns due to water usage. It's also not suitable for infants under one year old due to nutritional gaps.
Several milk brands are 100% Australian owned, including Norco, an Australian farmer-owned co-operative; Riverina Fresh, a long-standing Australian dairy company; and Procal, a family-owned dairy in Victoria, plus brands like aPLUS milk, Little Big Dairy Co, and Great Ocean Road Dairy, all emphasizing local ownership and production to support Australian farmers and communities.
Dr. Gundry recommends non-dairy alternatives like unsweetened coconut milk or hemp milk, and for dairy, A2 milk from goats, sheep, or specific cows (like Guernsey) that lack the A1 casein protein, all to avoid lectins and support gut health, viewing almond milk as a less ideal C-tier option and strongly cautioning against oat milk, per his {platform and {video content https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QAVMEzqc3yI}}.
Dairy-free milk is ideal for gut health for individuals sensitive to or allergic to cow's milk. These include unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, and hemp milk.
While it's not as protein packed as soy milk, it still offers a decent amount. Oat milk often comes enriched with vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin D, making it a more rounded choice for those seeking nutritional benefits. Environmentally, oat milk scores some serious points.
5 Healthiest Oat Milk Brands
Oat milk cons include high carbs and potential sugar spikes (especially in flavored versions), low protein compared to dairy/soy, risk of gluten cross-contamination (unless certified GF), potential for digestive issues like bloating (due to fiber/additives), presence of added oils/emulsifiers, and nutritional inadequacy as a primary milk for young children. Some brands may also contain heavy metals or glyphosate from non-organic oats.
Unsweetened soy milk is the closest match nutritionally, plus you get a few grams of healthy fats that you won't get from skim milk. Almond milk — while not unhealthy — is less nutrient dense, especially in terms of its limited protein content.
Some research suggests that oat milk may be an appropriate dairy substitute for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Oat milk also has more fiber than many alternative milks, except for rice milk.
Oat milk has a high glycemic index (GI), meaning it will spike your glucose more than dairy milk or other plant-based milk alternatives with a lower GI. Even sugar-free oat milk is high in carbs.
However, a lot of people are moving away from consuming oat milk after claiming they were almost tricked into believing it was a wellness product. That's because researchers have found that the nutritional content of most milk alternatives, including our beloved oat milk, doesn't measure up to cow's milk.
A naturally occurring ingredient in the whole grain oats used to make oat milk, is fiber. Prebiotic fiber, specifically, can help nurture and balance out your gut microbiome, which scientists say can directly benefit mental health.
Yes, they can! 💡 Skin color is determined by multiple genes, and traits can skip generations. Genetic variation, ancestral DNA, and the complex mix of genes from both parents can result in a baby with lighter (or darker) skin tone.
There's no single "hardest" month, as challenges vary, but many find the first trimester tough due to nausea, fatigue, and hormonal shifts, while the third trimester (especially the final month) is physically demanding with discomfort, frequent urination, sleep issues, and anxiety about labor, making the last few months incredibly challenging for most. The second trimester often offers relief, but back pain and heartburn can begin, Cleveland Clinic notes.
The term Rainbow Baby is often used to describe a pregnancy that has happened after the loss of a baby. A rainbow is used to signify the joy and happiness a new baby can bring after a very difficult time, and some bereaved parents find this a very helpful image 🌈