So why is this an issue? For one thing, the dairy industry has been the primary producer of milk for centuries, and their products are heavily regulated by the government. If other beverages are allowed to use the term “milk,” it could potentially take away from the dairy industry’s market share and create confusion for consumers.
But there are other reasons why some people prefer to call it soy beverage instead of soy milk. For one thing, milk contains certain nutrients not found in plant-based beverages, such as calcium and vitamin D. While soy milk is often fortified with these nutrients, it is not a natural source. Additionally, some people believe that using the term “milk” to describe a non-dairy product is misleading and could cause people to assume that it has the same nutritional benefits as dairy milk.
Another issue is that not all plant-based beverages are created equal. For example, almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk are all marketed as milk alternatives, but they have different nutrition profiles and taste profiles. Calling them all milk could lead to confusion for consumers who are looking for a specific type of beverage.
So what should we call these non-dairy beverages? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been looking into this issue, and they have proposed a ban on the use of the term “milk” for any plant-based product. They believe that the term “milk” should be reserved for products that come from lactating animals, such as cows, goats, and sheep.
While this proposal has not yet been implemented, many plant-based beverage companies have already started using alternative terms to describe their products. For example, oat milk brand Oatly calls their product “oat drink,” while coconut milk brand So Delicious calls their product “coconut beverage.” These companies believe that using accurate and descriptive terms will help consumers make informed choices about what they are consuming.
Ultimately, whether or not we call soy milk “milk” is not just a matter of semantics. It is about accurately describing a product and providing consumers with the information they need to make informed choices about what they are consuming. While some people may be resistant to change, it is important to recognize that the is constantly evolving, and we must adapt to new realities. By using accurate and descriptive terms for plant-based beverages, we can create a more informed and educated society.