Milk is a naturally nutrient-dense food, providing high-quality protein, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins B and B12 in a single serving. These nutrients support muscle maintenance, bone health, and energy metabolism across all life stages. For FrieslandCampina, dairy offers a valuable opportunity to provide nutritious, accessible, and great-tasting products that help meet the nutritional needs of consumers around the world.
Plant-based alternatives for dairy products, such as oat, soy and almond drinks, can also make a valuable contribution to our diet. The differences between these products varies quite a lot, hence you need to keep an eye on the nutrition facts.
Milk or plant-based drinks?
The popularity of plant-based drinks is growing. Why are these products so popular? And are they as nutritious as milk?
Environmental impact
Consumers choose plant-based alternatives for different reasons, including sustainability, health, taste, variety and personal preference. From a sustainability perspective, for example, the carbon footprint of milk is significantly higher than that of soy or oat drinks. This is due to the relatively high greenhouse gas emissions during the production of milk by cows. We work hard to reduce our environmental impact but we cannot yet achieve the level of plant-based drinks.
A sustainable diet
Strictly speaking, however, a sustainable diet is about more than just the environmental impact of food products. Caring for the planet alone is not enough; a sustainable diet should also support human health. Ultimately, it is about balance.
Health
Milk is a natural source of nutrients such as protein, vitamins B2 and B12, and minerals that are essential for our bodies and important for our health. Oat, soy, and almond drinks are generally less rich in these nutrients. Vitamins and minerals are often added to compensate for that.
A place for both
Consumers today have more choice than ever. In a varied diet, both dairy and plant-based foods have a place. Dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yoghurt, are naturally nutrient-dense and provide essential nutrients, including protein, calcium, and vitamins B2 and B12. Plant-based foods can be a valuable complement, offering additional choices that suit different preferences and lifestyles. Whatever your preferences, the key is to enjoy a varied and balanced diet that provides the nutrients your body needs every day.
International scientific frameworks for healthy and sustainable diets, including the EAT-Lancet Commission, recognise a role for both plant-based foods and dairy products. FrieslandCampina supports this balanced approach. We continue to work on reducing the environmental impact of dairy and broadening access to nutritious dairy products for consumers around the world.
