Vegan milk is a plant-based alternative to animal-derived dairy milk. 

• It is made from sources like soy, almond, oat, coconut,hemp seed, rice, and cashew etc.
• While it resembles and sometimes tastes similar to cow or buffalo milk, its source is entirely plant-based.

Production Process of Vegan Milk

• The general process for making vegan milk involves soaking, blending, and then filtering the plant-based ingredient. 
• After this, substances like calcium, vitamins, or flavourings are added to enhance taste and nutrition. 
• For instance, almonds are soaked, blended, and then filtered to produce almond milk.

Reasons for Growing Popularity

• Lactose Intolerance: A substantial number of people, approximately 60% in India, cannot tolerate or digest lactose, a sugar found in animal milk.
  • Consuming lactose can lead to issues like gas, abdominal pain, or loose motions. 
  • Many individuals are unaware they are lactose intolerant.
• Dairy Product Allergies: Some individuals develop allergies to dairy proteins early in life, making vegan milk a preferred alternative.
• Health Concerns:
  • Cow’s milk contains saturated fat, which can elevate cholesterol levels. Plant-based milk, however, contains unsaturated fat, reducing cholesterol-related risks.
  • Many health-conscious individuals seek low-fat, low-calorie, and chemical-free options, for which vegan milk is an excellent choice.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the growth of the vegan milk industry, as people became more health-aware.
• Ethical Considerations: Some consumers prefer vegan milk out of love for animals, believing it is unethical to take milk from animals, as it might deprive their offspring. This perspective sees plant-based alternatives as a more ethical choice.
• Adulteration Concerns: Concerns about the adulteration of cow and buffalo milk also lead people to prefer plant-based alternatives, which are perceived as safer.
• Fortification: Vegan milk can be fortified with additional nutrients like calcium, vitamins, and protein, adding to its appeal.
• Environmental Impact: Animal husbandry, particularly in dairy farming, leads to significant greenhouse gas emissions. Plants, in contrast, absorb greenhouse gases, making vegan milk a more environmentally friendly option.

The Debate: “Milk” or “Drink”?

• A significant controversy surrounds the nomenclature of plant-based products. The dairy industry argues that products derived from plants should not be labelled as “milk”. 
• They contend that “milk” should exclusively refer to the liquid produced by the mammary glands of mammals. 
• They believe that using terms like “soy milk” or “almond milk” creates confusion among consumers, who might mistakenly perceive them as dairy milk.

Supporting Arguments for Dairy Industry

• The UN-backed Codex Alimentarius Commission defines milk as what comes from mammals’ breast glands.
• India’s National Agriculture Science Academy also advocates against calling vegan milk “milk,” considering it a “fancy alternative” rather than an emergency need.
• Dairy industry proponents highlight that animal milk is a “complete matrix” containing 500 types of micronutrients crucial for human growth and body system maintenance, which plant-based alternatives cannot match.
• They suggest using terms like “soy drink” or “almond drink” instead of “soy milk” or “almond milk”.

Market Growth and Outlook

• Despite the debate over its name, the vegan milk market is experiencing rapid growth globally. 
• Projections indicate a 6-8% growth rate between 2023 and 2027.
• By 2023, the global valuation of the vegan milk market was expected to reach $2.1 billion.
• This growth is largely attributable to increasing health awareness, the youth’s preference for vegan options, and rising awareness about lactose intolerance.
• This trend signifies a new kind of food revolution.

India’s Milk Scenario

• India boasts impressive per capita milk availability, standing at 471 grams per person per day, significantly higher than the global average of 322 grams. 
• The Medical Council of India recommends an average consumption of 280 grams of milk per person. 
• Even with high availability of traditional milk, there is a growing demand for vegan milk in India.

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