World Plant Milk Day
Celebrating plant milks that are usually better for the body and the planet, World Plant Milk Day is a step on the way toward health and sustainability.
How to Celebrate World Plant Milk Day
Enjoy the celebration of World Plant Milk Day with some of these ideas:
Try Different Kinds of Plant Milks
Each plant milk has its own consistency and flavor that comes from the nut or plant it is made from. So many options exist for enjoying milk made from plants, but here are the most common:
- Almond Milk. This is one of the most regularly used dairy milk substitutes and works great for many people except, of course, those with tree nut allergies.
- Oat Milk. The fastest growing plant milk on the market in the US, oat milk tends to be close to the consistency of cow’s milk and may be more sustainable.
- Soy Milk. This was originally one of the most common plant milks. Some people don’t prefer the taste, while others don’t appreciate the high calories or the flavor.
Get Started with Plant Milk in Coffee
Even for those who haven’t yet tried plant based alternatives to dairy milk, it’s never too late to get started! Some people like to begin slowly, by using plant based substitutes in their morning coffee. It may take a bit of getting used to as the flavor is different, so putting it in coffee can mask the change a bit until the taste buds get used to it.
Learn About the Benefits of Plant Milk
World Plant Milk Day is the ideal time to get the facts regarding using dairy milk alternatives. In addition to having more calcium than dairy milk and being lower in sugar, here are some other benefits of plant milks:
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Easily Digestible
Dairy is hard on the majority of people’s digestive systems but plant milks are usually not. Give that digestive system a break with soy, oat or almond milk.
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Healthy Fats
Plant milks offer a healthy balance of mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fats.
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Cholesterol Free
While a cup of low-fat dairy milk has 12 mg of cholesterol, plant milks have none. It’s a great way to be healthier and keep that cardiac system happy.
Use Plant Milk for Cooking
Plenty of recipes work really well when using plant based milks as a substitute. This can include healthy recipes such as creamy soups, vegan mac and cheese, plant based “ice cream”, green smoothies, and so much more.
History of World Plant Milk Day
Founded in 2017 by Robbie Lockie, who is a co-creator of Plant Based News. The idea for the day is to encourage people to consider plant-based alternatives to dairy milk.
A year after its founding, World Plant Milk Day was connected to the ProVeg campaign which is a global food awareness organization.
The purpose is to replace animal based products with plant based products. The reduction of animal product consumption is not only helpful to the individual animals, but also acts as a way for humans to live more sustainably on the planet.
Whether jumping in with both feet or just dipping a toe into a plant based diet, World Plant Milk Day is a great motivator to get started.
World Plant Milk Day FAQs
How did plant-based milks become popular outside their regions of origin?
Trade and globalization played a big role.
Almond milk spread from the Middle East to Europe through trade routes, while soy milk gained prominence globally due to Asian culinary influence.
In modern times, health trends and veganism helped catapult plant milks to mainstream popularity in the West.
What is the strangest plant milk ever created?
Some experimental plant milks come from surprising sources. Avocado seed milk, for instance, has been tested for its antioxidant properties.
Another quirky example is banana milk, made by blending bananas and water, popular for its naturally sweet flavor.
Do plant milks appear in folklore or traditions?
Yes, coconut milk features in many cultural traditions. In Polynesian folklore, coconut trees are linked to gods and creation myths.
In Indian Ayurveda, almond milk is praised for promoting health and vitality, often blended with spices.
Can you make cheese or yogurt from plant milks?
Yes, you can! Coconut milk is used to make creamy yogurt in tropical regions. Cashew milk produces soft cheeses, and soy milk can be curdled to create tofu, which functions like cheese in many recipes.
Why do some plant milks froth better than others?
Baristas love oat milk because its starches create a creamy, frothy texture.
Almond milk is trickier to foam due to its lower fat content. Adding stabilizers like lecithin can improve frothing for plant-based milk enthusiasts.
What’s the environmental impact of unusual plant milks?
Plant milks like oat and hemp have a smaller carbon footprint. Oats use less water than almonds, and hemp thrives without pesticides.
These eco-friendly options are gaining popularity among sustainability-conscious consumers.
What are some regional celebrations tied to plant milks?
In Spain, horchata made from tiger nuts is celebrated during summer festivals. In Thailand, fresh coconut milk is an integral part of Songkran, the Thai New Year, where it’s used in cooking and cultural rituals.
Are there historical plant milk alternatives in Africa?
Yes, Africa has a long tradition of plant milks. In Ethiopia, people use teff milk, made from the teff grain. Coconut milk is also central to dishes in Swahili coastal cuisine.
Are there unexpected health uses for plant milks?
In traditional medicine, nut-based milks are considered remedies. Almond milk is believed to support digestion and skin health, while flax milk is sometimes used for hormonal balance due to its omega-3 content.
What’s the connection between plant milks and dessert?
Plant milks are key ingredients in global desserts. Thai mango sticky rice relies on sweetened coconut milk, and in Italy, almond milk is essential for granita, a frozen treat enjoyed during summer.
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