Coconut, almond, soy - vegetable drinks of different flavors have appeared on store shelves. They are an alternative to conventional cow's milk. What exactly are they, how are they made and what do they really have in common with milk?

Plant drink - what is that?

Plant-based beverages are often referred to as "milk" because of their use and appearance. However, you should know that it is a colloquial term that is actually only reserved for a product of animal origin. According to the regulations of the European Union, the designation "plant drink" has been in force since 2007.

A herbal drink is made by steeping, blending, and sifting nuts, grains, seeds, or seeds of various plant products. This can be, for example, almonds, coconut flakes, oats, spelled or rice. Although not actually milk, it can successfully replace cow's milk. which plant drinks are there, which ones are the healthiest, who can drink them and what are they made of?

The most popular herbal drinks

• Soy drink - contains the most protein and calcium of all plant drinks, which is why its composition is closest to that of cow's milk. It also contains less sugar than, for example, a coconut or almond drink. Of all plant-based drinks, soy drink contains the most B vitamins.
• Coconut drink is a perfect substitute for cow's milk in the kitchen. Its uses are versatile - it is suitable for coffee as well as breakfast cereals, cocktails, baked goods and many other dishes and even soups. It is thicker and creamier than soy drink and has a pleasant coconut aroma. It's also one of the highest-calorie plant-based drinks, high in fat and relatively low in protein.
• Rice drink - it is sweet, contains the most carbohydrates among popular plant drinks, since rice grains contain a lot of starch. Because of its sweet taste, it is excellent for desserts and baked goods. It is an alternative for people who cannot drink soy, nut or almond drinks due to allergies. However, it is not recommended for diabetics as its glycemic index is 90. Rice drink is rich in vitamins B1, B3 and B6.
• Almond drink – has relatively few calories compared to other plant-based drinks. It has a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids. It's a perfect drink for coffee if you like almond flavor and aroma. It foams up easily.
• Oat drink – Among the most popular plant-based drinks, oats contain the most fiber. The oat drink may contain beta-glucans derived from oats, which have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.

Every plant drink, be it coconut, almond or, for example, soy, differs in the content of micro and macro elements. Nut drinks contain more vitamin E than soy drinks. Oat drinks contain more beta-glucans, which have a positive effect on immunity. The vast majority of ready-to-eat plant-based drinks are enriched, i.e. enriched with calcium and B vitamins as well as vitamin D. Beverages are now readily available and can also be prepared at home. They are an excellent substitute for cow's milk for people who cannot consume conventional cow's milk due to food allergies, as well as for vegans and vegetarians.