5 most popular plant-based milk alternatives in the Indian market | Types | Benefits

 

Many people around the world opt for non-dairy milk alternatives due to various reasons such as Lactose intolerance, vegan lifestyle, ethical grounds, or may be their preferences of taste and texture. No matter what the reasons are, the demand for plant based milk has increased significantly in the past few years.

Plant milks are vegan beverages consumed as plant-based alternatives to dairy milk.

Have you ever tried any plant-based milk? If not, then you're surely missing out on something extremely nutritious😟. Do read further about the amazing benefits of the 5 most popular plant milk in India.

A LOOK AT SOME OF THE POPULAR PLANT BASED MILK ALTERNATIVES AVAILABLE IN THE INDIAN MARKET:

1. Soy Milk: 

It is the most popular and easily accessible plant-based milk alternative in the market. 

Soy improves your good cholesterol levels and prevents heart diseases.It helps in weight loss and high blood pressure.It reduces hyper-pigmentation and has anti-aging properties. 

There are hundreds of brands in the market offering soy milk or soy milk powder. Sofit, urban platter and soy milky are few of such brands.

2. Oat Milk: 

Oat milk is very light and tasty. Oat milk is  safe, generally, for people who have a gluten intolerance.

It contains beta-glucans — a soluble fiber that may offer heart health benefits. oat milk is rich in fiber.

Oats also contain the B vitamins thiamine and folate, the minerals magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, and copper, as well as a variety of other vitamins and minerals in trace amounts.

Oat milk is available in organic food stores in India. 

Urban platter and Goodmylk and some of the brands that sell oat milk and oat milk powder.

3. Almond Milk: 

Almond milk is made by blending almonds with water and then straining the mixture to remove the solids.

You can find almond milk in most supermarkets, usually in the health food section. However it is quite easy to make at home.

For health reasons, it is best to choose almond milk that does not contain added sugar. 

According to various studies whole almonds are abundant in health benefits but many of them may not apply to almond milk. This is because almond milk is strained and usually made from blanched (skinless) almonds. Most of the fiber and a large portion of its anti-oxidants have been removed. Hence it is recommended that you buy whole almond milk.

Almond milk is very low in calories and very nutritious. It may help strengthening bones and may reduce the risk of heart diseases.

RAW, drupe, Jus'Amazin, So good, Urban platter are some of the popular brands selling almond milk and almond milk powder.

4. Coconut Milk: 

Coconut milk is an opaque, milky-white liquid extracted from the grated pulp of mature coconuts. 

It has high oil content, most of which is saturated fat. coconut milk may benefit weight loss.

Coconuts contain a lipid called lauric acid, which is believed to support immune system.

Nature's spice, Nature's gift and Dabur are some of the popular brands selling coconut milk and coconut milk powder.

5. Cashew Milk:

Cashew milk has a thick and creamy texture. It is a popular nondairy beverage made from whole cashews and water. As whole cashews are used so the milk retains all the nutrients and the fiber content present in the cashews.

Cashew milk is loaded with heart-healthy unsaturated fats, protein, and several vitamins and minerals.

Cashews naturally have a low glycemic index, which means they have only a small effect on blood sugar.

You can get cashew milk or cashew milk powder in supermarkets or organic stores but there are not much brands selling cashew milk in India.

I hope you found this article useful.

Thanks for reading😊

So, what's your favorite plant-based milk alternative and how do you like to enjoy it? Do tell me in the comment box below.

- ROZEE BEHERA