Ultra-processed foods: Are dairy-free milks like oat or soya good for us?

Ultra-processed food is food that you cannot make at home because it contains a lot of ingredients that you usually don’t have in your kitchen. These foods are often cheap, convenient, have a long shelf-life and contain additives like emulsifiers, sweeteners, preservatives and stabilisers.

Ultra-processed foods like ready meals, crisps and sweets are not good for us - so it’s generally accepted that they should be eaten in moderation.

However, although dairy-free milks are often seen as a healthier alternative to dairy, these are actually ultra-processed too. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re all bad for us.

"Plant-based milks are classed as an ultra-processed food," says Reema Patel, dietitian at Dietitian Fit. "This is because they can contain a number of added ingredients, such as preservatives, oils, fats, emulsifiers and artificial stabilisers. Sometimes, they contain sugars - but not always.

"The processing of the product itself - such as the soy, oats or almonds - changes the food from its natural state, in order to turn it into a milk," explains Patel. "The challenge to develop plant-based milks to have a similar nutrition content to cow’s milk means that some fortification and addition of ingredients is required, as well as helping to improve the shelf life of products."

Are dairy-free milks good for us?

Foods can be processed in many different ways, so some are worse for us than others - and not all dairy-free milks are the same. While some contain added sugar or oil, others do not.

"Some plant-based milks are less processed - such as organic options," says Patel. "These are usually a mix of the plant product and water, with nothing else added."

In some ways, Patel explains, dairy-free milks can be healthy as they’re often low in calories, fats and salts. "However, we want to find an option that provides us with the most nutrition with the least amount of additives and preservatives. Some non-dairy milks contain added sugars or thickeners, which make these products less than ideal," she says.

"Compared to cow’s milk, very few plant-based milks will match it for nutrition, but if you would like to switch to a non-dairy milk, choose something that contains no added sugars and minimal preservatives."

Of course, dairy-free milks offer a good alternative to cow’s milk for people who can’t consume dairy. For example, if you’ve got an allergy or if you’re vegan. Oat milk can be a gentle, safe alternative for children with a cow’s milk protein allergy. The best ones contain added vitamins and nutrients like calcium, which are essential for growth, development and general health.

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Make your own oat milk

If you’ve got time to spare, you could also try making your own plant-based milk at home. Although these might not stay fresh for as long as shop-bought versions, you’ll know they’re less processed.

How to choose a healthy dairy-free milk

Not everyone has the time - or wants to - to make their own dairy-free milk. But knowing what to look out for, or to avoid,when shopping for supermarket alternatives can be helpful.

Patel says: "Choose one that contains no added sugars or sweeteners. It would also be ideal to choose one without any preservatives, thickeners or added oils. Although these give the product a longer shelf-life, they contribute to the processing of the milk.

"If you go for an organic plant based milk, these will usually only contain a few ingredients, and have nothing added. Keep in mind that many plant based milks lack protein and some vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iodine and B12, so it is important to include other foods in your diet to provide these nutrients."