The Difference Between Animal Milk and Plant Milk – Which One Is Healthier?

Milk is a nutritious beverage commonly consumed by people. In the past, cow’s milk was the most prevalent type of milk available on the market. Now, there are more alternatives to choose from.

Not only is cow’s milk considered animal milk, but there are also various types of plant-based milk available. Do you know the difference between animal milk and plant milk?

This article will discuss the differences between animal milk and plant milk in terms of raw materials, nutritional content, and digestion process. Let’s understand them together!

Difference Between Plant Milk and Animal Milk

Even though both are types of milk, animal milk and plant milk have their differences.

Here are some differences between animal milk and plant milk:

1. Raw Materials

As the name suggests, animal milk comes from animals such as cows, goats, or sheep. Generally, these animals are raised on farms for milking purposes.

The most common and consumed animal milk is cow’s milk. It comes from lactating cows, typically after they have given birth and their milk production increases.

After milking, pure milk from the lactating animal goes through various processes such as quality checks, sterilization, and packaging.

In contrast to animal milk, the raw materials for plant milk come from plants. Some plant-based milk options found in supermarkets include soy milk, almond milk, date milk, oat milk, and cashew milk.

These plant-based ingredients are cleaned thoroughly, and their essence is extracted through several processes to produce safe-to-drink plant milk.

2. Nutritional Content

Animal milk generally contains higher levels of saturated fat compared to plant milk. Additionally, animal milk contains animal protein and essential amino acids that are not present in plant milk.

Animal milk also contains lactose, which is a natural sugar. Meanwhile, plant milk is usually lactose-free, making it easier to digest.

Unlike animal milk, plant milk is rich in unsaturated fats (healthy fats), fiber, and antioxidants. Usually, plant milk is also fortified with various nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and potassium, which are beneficial for health.

3. Digestion Process

Some individuals may have difficulty digesting animal milk due to its high lactose and animal protein content. People with lactose intolerance may experience several digestive issues if they consume animal milk.

Some symptoms of lactose intolerance include:

Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Bloating
Stomach pain

Plant milk tends to be easier for the body to digest because it doesn’t contain lactose. Therefore, plant milk is a good option for people with lactose intolerance or cow’s milk allergies.

Which One Is Healthier?

Animal milk and plant milk have their respective benefits and advantages. Therefore, the best choice depends on individual nutritional needs. You can consult with a nutritionist to ensure your nutritional needs are met.

However, if you suffer from lactose intolerance or cow’s milk allergy, it’s advisable to choose plant milk!