Among the unhealthiest: Banana milk. Super high in sugar, carbs and calories, without very much fiber and protein. Outstanding flavor: Oat milk. Creamy texture, combined with a sweet, rich but mild taste give it the perfect flavor profile.
Low- or non-fat dairy — Skim or 1% milk contains all the protein, vitamins and minerals that whole milk contains, but it has much less saturated fat. This type of milk is typically more heart-healthy than full-fat milk.
Between full-fat/whole, %2, skim/low-fat and fat-free milk, the American Heart Association recommends fat-free, 0.5% fat and 1% fat milk for consuming as they are lower in fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and calories and have slightly more nutrients.
Although almond milk is not nearly as nutritious as cow's milk, enriched products come close. They frequently contain added vitamin D, calcium, and protein, making them more similar to regular milk in nutritional content. However, almond milk is naturally rich in several vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin E.
According to the Oxford study, soy milk is the joint winner on the sustainability scale. Plus, soy is the only plant milk that comes close to offering a protein content comparable to dairy.
Overall, the main differences between almond and oat milk are energy (calories) and carbohydrates, with almond milk offering less of each. Oat milk also contains slightly higher amounts of fiber, protein, and fat than almond milk.
Reduced-fat milk, yoghurt and cheese are better options for people with heart disease or high cholesterol. Butter, cream and ice cream are not part of a heart-healthy diet. Unflavoured milk, yoghurt and cheese are 'neutral' for heart health.
One of the biggest and most important differences between oat milk's nutrition and dairy milk is the nutrient profile. Oat milk provides fewer nutrients than dairy milk, and most of the nutrients it provides are fortified. That means they're added during manufacturing, as opposed to occurring naturally.
Plain milk has no added sugar and are therefore lower in total sugar compared with flavoured milks.
Plant Milk Benefits
Plant milks are typically lower in saturated fat and calories than cow's milk and provide some of the nutritional benefits of the whole plants themselves. Plant milks are also a good option for those who have milk allergies or lactose intolerance.
Pros: “Cow's milk is the most 'complete' of all milks, providing a mix of macronutrients, including carbs, fat, and protein,” Christensen says. “This variety of nutrients allows for this milk to help sustain your body, usually for longer periods of time.”
Move over almond milk. Flax milk is a great nondairy option if you're looking for an anti-inflammatory boost, says Staci Small, a registered dietitian based in Indiana. The milk is made with flax oil, which is rich in an omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
According to nutritionist Jessica, oat milk is actually not healthier than cow's milk. "If we weigh up key vitamins and minerals, then cow's milk is the clear winner," she tells us. "It's a great source of protein, calcium, vitamin D and other important nutrients that have health benefits."
LACTAID® Milk
Having lactase added to the milk allows those who are lactose-intolerant to enjoy cow's milk without the digestive side effects of abdominal cramps, bloating, and flatulence. This milk is available in many formats, including flavoured varieties. Use as you would regular milk.
If you drink cow's milk, most doctors recommend low-fat or nonfat versions. A 1-cup serving of skim milk has around 83 calories, no saturated fat, and only 5 mg of cholesterol.
Oat (and rice) milk
Oat milk contains oat beta glucans, which can help maintain normal cholesterol levels when you consume 3g a day as part of a balanced diet.
Oat milk may cause side effects like gas and bloat. Additionally, it may also interact with medications used for diabetes and may cause the blood sugar levels to go too low.
According to the SFGate, the ranking for protein in milk goes as follows: Sheep milk — 5.98g per 100g serving, cow or goat milk — 3.56g per 100g serving, and then soy milk – 3.27g of per 100g serving. As you can see, sheep milk far outpaces the others when it comes to protein, but obtaining sheep's milk is difficult.
If you prefer a lower-carb milk alternative, almond milk may be a better choice.
Oat milk has a higher number of calories than coconut milk, with 120 calories per cup serving vs. 45 calories per cup serving in coconut milk. If you're watching your weight and looking to consume a smaller number of calories, coconut milk is likely the better choice as it contains fewer calories.
In terms of nutrition, oat milk has healthy fats, protein, fibre, is low-sugar and, especially the fortified varieties, high in vitamins. On the other hand, cow's milk has mostly unhealthy fats, no fibre, some protein, is higher in sugar (lactose) and much harder to digest because many people are lactose-intolerant.