The surging popularity of plant-based dairy alternatives, driven by lactose intolerance and environmental concerns, has been tempered by a recent investigation from the Hong Kong Consumer Council (CC). Analyzing 39 pre-packaged plant milk products, the CC found significant issues ranging from inaccurate nutritional labeling and the absence of declared vitamins to the presence of heavy metals and trace pesticides, urging consumers to be highly cautious about relying solely on these beverages for complete nutritional equivalence to traditional dairy.
The findings, published in the CC’s monthly magazine Choice (Issue 564), revealed a complex landscape where product pricing did not correlate with quality, and adherence to nutritional guidelines was frequently lacking across five categories: almond, coconut, rice, oat, and soy milks.
Integrity Concerns Over Nutritional Content
A key concern raised was the substantial discrepancy between labeled nutritional values and laboratory analysis. Over 60% of the samples tested—26 out of 39—showed variances in nutrient content that failed to meet the requirements set by the relevant technical guidelines.
Specifically, the quality of fortification proved inconsistent. Two coconut milk samples, branded as “UFC” and “Dream,” declared the addition of Vitamin D on their ingredient lists, yet subsequent testing detected no measurable traces of the vitamin. Vitamin D is a crucial micronutrient often added to plant milks to mimic dairy’s nutritional profile. While five other samples did meet the “high Vitamin D” definition, this gap between packaging claims and actual content poses a clarity issue for consumers seeking specific health benefits.
Consumers relying on plant milks for calcium supplementation also face challenges. While 16 samples were classified as “high calcium” per 100 kcal, four of these products contained less than half the calcium content of low-fat cow’s milk per 100ml. To ingest the 300mg of calcium found in one glass (240ml) of low-fat milk, consumers would need to consume approximately 3.6 glasses of the lower-performing high-calcium plant milks.
Contaminants Detected in Soy Products
Beyond nutritional integrity, the CC’s screening for contaminants revealed the presence of undesirable elements in several samples:
- Nickel: Over 60% of the soy milk samples tested contained nickel, a metallic contaminant. In total, 10 products (eight soy milks and two oat milks) detected nickel amounts ranging from 0.23 to 1.08 mg/kg. For a 60kg adult, consuming three cups (720g) of the highest-nickel-content soy milk brand (“Vitasoy”) would approach the established permissible daily intake limit for nickel (0.78 mg).
- Glyphosate: One soy milk sample, “Kikkoman,” was found to contain glyphosate, a common pesticide, at a concentration of 0.025 mg/kg. The CC noted that this level was significantly below the safe limit for dried soybeans and unlikely to pose a health risk under normal consumption patterns.
Protein and Vitamin B2 Highlights
Despite the widespread issues, the testing affirmed the nutritional value of certain types of plant milk, particularly soy milk. Six soy milk products demonstrated protein content similar to low-fat milk, meeting the definition of a high-protein food when calculated per 100 kcal.
Furthermore, two fortified oat milk samples, “Havredals” and “Dirty Clean Food,” contained Vitamin B2 levels (0.178 mg and 0.2 mg per 100ml, respectively) comparable to low-fat cow’s milk, reaching the “high Vitamin B2” threshold.
The CC emphasized that price is not an indicator of quality, noting that 19 samples, including both premium and budget options, achieved overall scores of 4 points or higher. The top-rated products include Woolworths Unsweetened Almond Milk, Califia Farms Almond Milk – Barista Blend, Topvalu Almond Milk Sugar-Free, Havredals Oat Milk – Barista Edition, Kikkoman Soymilk Unsweetened, and Sunrise Original Soya Beverage.
This investigation serves as a critical advisory for consumers transitioning to plant-based diets, highlighting the necessity of reading product labels carefully and understanding that many plant milks require fortification to approach the comprehensive nutrient profile of traditional dairy. Manufacturers are advised to improve quality control to ensure label accuracy and minimize contamination risks. The CC has called for greater adherence to nutritional labeling guidelines to better inform the growing segment of plant milk users.