Hong Kong’s Consumer Council (CC) has released a critical report detailing significant discrepancies in the nutritional content and adherence to labeling guidelines among 39 pre-packaged plant-based milk alternatives, raising questions about whether these popular beverages truly serve as reliable substitutes for traditional dairy milk, particularly for consumers with lactose intolerance or those choosing vegan options for environmental reasons. The findings, published in the latest issue of Choice Magazine, highlighted instances of misleading Vitamin D labeling, widespread inaccuracies in nutritional information, and the presence of heavy metals and pesticides in several samples, urging consumers to scrutinize labels carefully when seeking specific dietary benefits.
The investigation encompassed five types of plant-based drinks—seven almond, five coconut, five rice, ten oat, and twelve soy milk samples—collected from various local retailers, with prices ranging from HK$6 to HK$62.9 per pack. Key testing areas included nutrient analysis (protein, calcium, vitamins), mycotoxins, metal contaminants (nickel), and pesticide residue (glyphosate).
Labeling Lapses and Missing Micronutrients
A major focal point of the report was the pervasive issue of inaccurate nutritional labels. Over 60% of the samples (26 products) showed inconsistencies between stated nutrient values and laboratory test results, failing to meet the requirements of the established Technical Guidance. While the CC noted that factors like nutrient settling or separation within plant milk packaging could contribute to these variations, the findings suggest that consumers may be routinely ingesting lower amounts of advertised nutrients than expected.
Furthermore, two coconut milk samples, “UFC” and “Dream,” were labeled as being fortified with Vitamin D, a crucial nutrient often sought by those replacing dairy, yet laboratory tests failed to detect any measurable amount of the vitamin. Conversely, five other products did meet the CC’s ‘high Vitamin D’ definition, including options from Woolworths, Topvalu, Alpro, Havredals, and Mighty, demonstrating a clear variability in fortification practices.
Protein and Calcium Fail to Match Dairy Standards
For consumers relying on plant milks for essential macronutrients, the study provided mixed results. While six soy milk varieties—including Kikkoman, Maeil, Vitasoy, Tung Yang, Tofu Man, and One Cup—were categorized as high-protein foods (containing 6.28g to 9.01g per 100 kilocalories), other categories often fell short. Six soy drinks did successfully exceed the protein content of typical low-fat milk (approximately 3.37g per 100ml).
However, calcium content proved challenging. Although 16 samples met the ‘high calcium’ standard (based on calories), four of these fortified products—Glico, Blue Diamond, UFC, and Mighty—contained less than half the calcium (23.92mg to 51.17mg per 100ml) found in low-fat dairy milk (approx. 62.5mg per 100ml). To achieve the approximate 300mg of calcium found in one standard cup (240ml) of low-fat milk, consumers would need to consume roughly 3.6 cups of the lowest-calcium plant-based options.
Contaminants Found in Soy and Oat Varieties
The CC’s testing also revealed the presence of contaminants, particularly in soy-based products. Over 60% of the soy milk samples were found to contain nickel, a heavy metal. Ten samples in total, including two oat milks (Oatside, Amandin) and eight soy milks, contained nickel levels ranging from 0.23mg to 1.08mg per kilogram. The report cautioned that a 60kg adult drinking three cups daily of the sample with the highest nickel content (“Vitasoy”) would reach the established average daily tolerable intake (0.78mg).
Additionally, one soy milk sample (“Kikkoman”) tested positive for trace amounts of the pesticide glyphosate (0.025mg per kilogram). The CC noted that this level was substantially below the limits set for dried soybeans and posed no immediate health risk under typical consumption patterns.
Consumer Takeaways
The Consumer Council emphasized that the high quality of plant-based milks does not correlate directly with a higher price point, noting that 19 samples, including some lower-priced items, achieved a total rating of four points or more out of five.
To ensure proper nutrition when choosing plant milk, consumers are advised to focus on products with strong overall ratings and specifically look for explicit labels indicating fortification with essential vitamins (like D and B2) and minerals (calcium) and confirm high protein content. Top-rated products (4.5 stars) included six items across different categories:
- Woolworths Unsweetened Almond Milk
- Califia Farms Almond Milk – Barista Blend
- Topvalu Almond Milk Sugar-Free
- Havredals Oat Milk – Barista Edition
- Kikkoman Soymilk Unsweetened
- Sunrise Soya Beverage Original
The CC encourages manufacturers to improve quality control and enhance the accuracy of their nutritional labeling to meet regulatory standards and consumer expectations.