Recently, the FDA put out a guidance to ensure standard labelling for plant-based milks. Currently, there is no definition for what constitutes a plant-based beverage. The FDA’s guidance suggested that plant-based milks should be nutritionally comparable to dairy milk in order to be labeled as “milk”. Plant-based milks are nutritionally based on the nut or grain that it is derived from; it is rare to see plant-based milks have a nutritional profile that is even close to dairy milk. Since the guidance came out, the plant-based community (like the Plant Based Food Association) has been advocating against this potential regulation, since this would mean that the majority of the plant-based milk market would no longer be considered milk. However, today’s New Product Friday product looks at these potential regulations right in the eye. Available in both Chocolate and Vanilla, Kiddiwinks Plant Based Milk appeals to children and adults alike by fortifying it with nutrients that make it nutritionally similar to traditional dairy milk. For purposes of simplicity here, we will be examining the Vanilla Plant-Based Milk to see how it compares to dairy milk and more.
Oatmilk (water, organic oats)—Combining the organic oats with water to make “oatmilk” makes the oats appear higher on the ingredient list than they might actually be. Oats are high in beta glucans, a compound that aids in immune health, lowers cholesterol, decreases inflammation, and improves blood sugar levels.
Chickpea Protein— Relatively neutral in taste, chickpea protein is one of the highest quality sources of vegan protein. Chickpeas are very sustainable; they require very little water to grow and are often used as a “rotational crop” to increase soil nutrients.
Organic Cane Sugar—Organically grown sugarcane is gently processed to produce organic cane sugar. Organic cane sugar contains micronutrients that its more processed cousin, table sugar, does not have. This is a source of added sugar.
Pea Protein—Pea protein is one of the highest quality vegan protein sources. Like chickpeas, peas are very sustainable and considered a “rotational crop” that helps improve soil nutrients. Peas require less water to grow than soybeans.
Organic Chicory Root Fiber— Chicory root is high in a soluble fiber called inulin. Inulin is a prebiotic that helps feed the good bacteria in the digestive track, improving gut and immune health.
Sunflower Lecithin—Lecithin is naturally present in eggs, soybeans, and peanuts. This lecithin is derived from sunflower seeds and is processed by cold pressing, similar to how olive oil is made. It is added to ensure that the fat and water can stay together (i.e. functions as an emulsifier)
Sunflower Oil—High in polyunsaturated fats (good fats), sunflower oil is one of the healthier oils. Sunflower seeds are gently processed to extract sunflower oil. Here, it is added to make the beverage smooth and creamy and mask some of the grittiness of the oats.
Cellulose Gum and Gel—Also known as carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose gum and gel are highly processed ingredients created from the cell walls of plants. Commercially, it is derived from wood pulp and cotton. Both cellulose gum and gel help make the beverage creamier.
Natural Flavors—Flavor chemicals from vanilla extract and other natural sources (fruit, vegetable, plant, spice) are extracted out and combined together to create a natural vanilla flavor with other natural flavors.
Mineral Blend (dipotassium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, potassium citrate, sodium citrate)— Blends list ingredients not necessarily in the correct order. Dipotassium phosphate, potassium citrate, and sodium citrate are added to ensure that the beverage tastes the same throughout its shelf life. Tricalcium phosphate is added as a source of calcium.
Vitamin A Palmitate—A source of vitamin A that can be either vegan or animal-based, depending on the source of the palmitate (fat). Vitamin A palmitate is added to dairy milk.
Vitamin D— Vitamin D can be either vegan or animal-based, depending on where it was extracted from. Vegan Vitamin D (Usually Vitamin D2) is derived from mushrooms or lichen. Animal-based Vitamin D (Vitamin D3, the more bioavailable form) is derived from the coating of sheep’s wool. Vitamin D supports the immune system, helps absorb calcium and phosphorus, and regulates mood.
Vitamin B12—Vegans and vegetarians struggle to get enough of this vitamin since dietary sources are animal-based. Vitamin B12 increases energy; helps metabolism and red blood cell formation; and ensures nervous system health.
Final Evaluation
Ingredient Quality: B-. This beverage does not have any claims. So, even though it is a plant-based milk, there is no way of knowing if the ingredients are vegan and/or non-GMO.
Ingredient Clarity: B-. All ingredients make sense to the product except for cellulose gum and gel. Cellulose gum and gel are highly processed soluble fiber sources that add little nutritional value.
Functional Benefit: A. Unlike most plant-based milks, this one is nutritionally comparable to regular dairy milk.
As seen, this milk is comparable if not better than traditional dairy milk for many nutrients. In fact, it could be considered healthier than dairy milk due to the addition of fiber and lower amount of sugar.
Nutritional Value: A. This beverage is nutritionally comparable to dairy milk in the major macronutrients (calories, fat, protein, and carbohydrate). Compared to other plant-based milks, this beverage is superior since it is fortified with Vitamins A, D, B12, and protein.
Overall Score: A-. The addition of (vegan) protein and other vitamins and minerals makes this beverage nutritionally dense compared to other plant-based milks and could be considered a nutritionally healthier alternative to dairy milk. Additionally, this beverage is more sustainable and environmentally friendly compared to dairy milk since it uses oat milk and chickpea and pea proteins. Oat milk releases 80% less greenhouse gas emissions and uses 60% less energy compared to dairy milk. Chickpea and Pea proteins are sourced from crops that help improve soil nutrients and require little water to grow, especially compared to the water required to maintain cows (i.e. produce dairy milk). Including oats and chicory root fiber allow it to make a scientifically sound claim on improved gut and immune health, as well. However, this beverage does contain cellulose gum and gel, which are highly processed ingredients. Recent studies have shown that prolonged consumption of high amounts of cellulose gum and gel might alter the beneficial bacteria in the gut contributing to inflammation, colitis, and colon cancer, which goes against the positive claims this beverage has. This ingredient is included to help improve the texture of the beverage, but there are other ingredients that have less controversial studies around it that would perform this function. At $3.17/can (1 can= 7.5 ounces=slightly less than a cup), this is priced much higher than a single cup of dairy milk. However, compared to other plant-based milks, the price is comparable. For those that are looking for plant-based milks that are more nutritionally comparable to dairy milk, this product would be worth discovering.
Would you buy this product? Why or why not?