The healthiest plant-based milk is generally soy milk, as it most closely matches dairy milk's protein content and offers a balanced nutrient profile, especially when fortified with calcium and B12, though unsweetened versions are best to avoid added sugars. Other good options include hemp milk (rich in omega fats) and oat milk (creamy, fiber-rich), but always check labels for fortification and sugar content, as almond milk and coconut milk are often lower in protein and nutrients.
Soya. “Soya milk is quite neutral-tasting, although some people can detect a bean flavour,” Ridley says. Nutritionally, it's the best swap for cow's milk because it contains a similar amount of protein, according to Radcliffe. “It's also low in saturated fats and a source of healthy unsaturated fats.”
Soy milk is high in protein, low in fat, and lower in carbs than dairy, making it a great dairy alternative for vegans and vegetarians who need a high-protein diet.
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.
Soy milk is healthier- oat and almond milk hardly have any protein. To make it a good nutritional substitute for cow milk make sure it's fortified with calcium and vitamin d too.
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.
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.
What is the best alternative to milk?
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.
Some foods are more likely to spread harmful germs, including undercooked meat and eggs, unpasteurized milk and cheese, and unwashed produce. If you are pregnant, choose safer food options to protect yourself and your baby.
The 8 Unhealthiest Non-Dairy Milks You Should Avoid at All Costs
Comparatively, oat milk contains starch with relatively little fiber, protein, or fat to offset the blood sugar spike. “Similarly, milk made from nuts is very low in starch, which makes both cow's milk and nut milks better options for a balanced glucose content than oat milk.”
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}}.
5 Healthiest Oat Milk Brands
A source of vitamin B12 which can help to reduce tiredness and fatigue, it also contains calcium, to support the maintenance of bones. In addition, Alpro Soya drinks contain vitamins B2 and D. Naturally dairy and lactose free, Alpro Soya drinks are suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
While dairy milk can contribute to gut issues, inflammation, and other health concerns, there are plenty of. 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.
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.
Your baby's skin colour is a polygenic trait
The more melanin, the darker the complexion. Your baby's skin color is not determined solely by the genes of either parent, but instead by a mix of both.
Here are some key indicators of a healthy 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.
The healthiest alternative milk in Australia is generally soy milk, as it's closest to dairy nutritionally (high protein, fortified calcium/B12), but unsweetened oat milk is great for fibre (beta-glucans) and heart health, while unsweetened almond milk is low-calorie. Always check labels for added sugars, oils, or salts, choosing fortified, unsweetened options for the best nutritional profile, with soy often being the top pick for protein.
Almond milk's main cons are its low protein content, potential for added sugars and additives like carrageenan in processed versions (causing digestive upset), and environmental concerns regarding water usage, making it unsuitable for infants due to lacking key nutrients for growth, requiring careful label reading for unsweetened versions. It's also a poor substitute for cow's milk for babies and people with tree nut allergies.
Drinking oat milk is probably fine for your body unless you're drinking large quantities of it, already loading your diet with carbs, and/or diabetic. If most of your day's liquid is coming from any milk, plant-based or not, that's probably not great. Moderation is key.
Oat milk can also contain additives like thickeners. Studies in rodents show that these additives may be a problem for people with Crohn's, colitis, or other gut inflammation. If you have bowel disease, it's best to choose oat milk without thickeners like carrageenan or gums.
5 Common Plant Milk Additives And Why You Should Avoid Them