As plant-based diets surge in popularity across Hong Kong, many consumers are swapping traditional dairy for plant-based alternatives to combat lactose intolerance or reduce their environmental footprint. However, a recent investigation by the Consumer Council has raised significant concerns regarding the nutritional transparency and safety of these products. In its latest report (Issue 564 of CHOICE magazine), the watchdog tested 39 packaged plant milk samples—including soy, oat, almond, rice, and coconut varieties—finding that over 60% of products featured inaccurate nutritional labels, while some contained trace amounts of heavy metals or pesticides.
Inaccurate Labeling and Nutrient Shortfalls
The Council’s findings highlight a worrying gap between marketing claims and reality. Of the 39 samples tested, 26 failed to align with government technical guidelines regarding nutrient levels. Most notably, two samples that claimed to be fortified with Vitamin D were found to contain none at all. Experts suggest these discrepancies may stem from sedimentation, where nutrients cling to the packaging, or simple labeling errors. Regardless of the cause, the impact is clear: consumers may be receiving far less nutritional value than they are paying for.
Heavy Metals and Pesticide Detections
Safety tests revealed that 10 samples—primarily soy and oat milks—contained nickel, a metallic contaminant. While most levels remained within safety limits for moderate consumption, the Council warned that a 60kg adult drinking three cups a day of the highest-nickel sample (“Vitasoy”) would reach the maximum tolerable daily intake. Additionally, a single soy milk sample from “Kikkoman” tested positive for the pesticide glyphosate, though the concentration was well below international safety thresholds for dried soybeans.
Nutritional Comparison: Plant vs. Dairy
While plant milks are often marketed as direct substitutes for cow’s milk, the study found their nutritional profiles vary wildly:
- Protein: Soy milk remains the closest rival to dairy. Six samples, including brands like “Kikkoman” and “Maeil,” contained protein levels comparable to or higher than low-fat milk.
- Calcium: Although 16 samples were labeled “high calcium,” several required consumers to drink nearly four times the volume of a standard glass of milk to match the same calcium intake.
- Vitamins: Only a select few oat milks, such as “Havredals” and “Dirty Clean Food,” provided Vitamin B2 levels similar to traditional dairy.
Consumer Takeaways and Recommendations
Despite the inconsistencies, 19 products earned high satisfaction ratings of 4 stars or above, proving that quality is not always tethered to a high price point. Top-rated options included Woolworths Unsweetened Almond Milk, Havredals Oat Milk (Barista Edition), and Sunrise Soya Beverage.
To ensure the best nutritional intake, the Consumer Council advises shoppers to shake plant milk vigorously before consumption to redistribute settled nutrients. Furthermore, those relying on these beverages as their primary “milk” source should prioritize fortified versions and maintain a balanced diet to compensate for potential shortfalls in calcium and protein. As the market expands, this report serves as a timely reminder for Hong Kong consumers to look beyond the “health halo” of plant-based branding and scrutinize the fine print on the back of the carton.