Over the past few years, the isles of supermarkets have broadened, and they are now stocking up more types of milk products. From these, one can include soy milk and almond milk as those that have become popular with people refusing to take dairy products. But are these beverages really “milk”? This has created quite a controversy. However, the The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the air on what can be categorised as milk and what cannot.
The Definition of Milk
In the past, milk was described as the lacteal secretion of mammals with the emphasis on cows. This definition has been anchored in animal milk production through dairy farming and these are protein, fat, vitamins and nutritionally important minerals. Though there has been a shift towards veganism while lactose intolerance is growing, “milk” substitutes have gained popularity.
The FDA’s Stance
The FDA has always been involved in the regulation of labels on foods to make certain that consumers are not duped into purchasing items in a certain belief. Emotional arguments revolve around the FDA’s regulatory standard of identification of pasteurised milk, and this states: milk means the lacteal secretion, practically colostrum-free, obtained by the complete milking of one or more healthy cows.
In the recent past, the FDA has reconsidered its stand concerning labelling of plant-based drinks. The agency accepts the fact that in the market place the term ‘’milk’’ has metamorphosed to cover other products such as soya milk and almond milk. In 2018, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb MD mentioned that the agency will be establishing whether the dairy terms can be appropriately used on plant-based products. The objective was to maintain a balance between the communication of the intended meanings and conveying the changes taking place in the food market.
Nutritional Differences
A major issue with the use of labelling plant-based beverages as milk is the nutritional changes between those and normal cow’s milk. While soy milk and almond milk offer some nutritional benefits, they differ significantly in composition:While soy milk and almond milk offer some nutritional benefits, they differ significantly in composition:
- Soy Milk: Soy milk is high in protein and is usually supplemented with vitamins and minerals to make it similar to cow milk. It is formed of significant amino acids, and, in the event that it is fortified it comprises calcium.
- Almond Milk: The nutritional details of almond milk includes lesser calories and protein than that of soy milk or even cow milk and is also enriched with added vitamins and minerals. That makes it a good choice for the people who are looking for something that won’t load them up on calories, though it won’t likely make you feel as full once you finish it as some of the higher-protein options.
The FDA feels that people are inclined to believe that these plant based drinks are equal nutritionally to cows’ milk which is incorrect.
From the factor of Consumer Perception and Market Trends.
Although, there is much to discuss concerning the controversy over the term ‘milk,’ this article shows that the consumers have accepted the terms as it is. Soy milk and almond milk are consumed by many people for varied different reasons such as; intolerance to lactose, dietary restrictions, and preference. The market for such products remains relevant as there is a tendency towards changes in the selection of food products, the influence of which is the search for plant-based products.
The Future of Labelling
It is still under the discretion of the FDA when it comes to the labelling of plant-based drinks. The agency’s goal is to strike a middle ground in which consumers are presented with enough information to make sound decisions but not overloaded with such information to make decisions in a complex process. This may entail a better label differentiation of plant-based beverages from dairy milk even though the latter remains relevant.
CONCLUSION
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