It's often one of the first decisions people make when they start trying to eat healthily: 'I'm not buying cow's milk anymore; I've replaced it with soy/almond/oat milk.' These pasteurized, carton-style plant-based milks are very convenient; they can be stored for months and used 'like milk'—in cooking, in lattes , or even in babies' bottles. They seem to have it all?
No, they're completely wrong! Although they're 'vegan' (and often 'organic'), they're ultra-processed products. Contrary to popular belief, these 'milks' found in specialty stores or supermarkets are easier to digest than cow's milk for those with intolerances, but they're very poor in nutrients and very high in sugar (even if they're labeled 'no added sugar').
The reasons? The ingredients used in these milks are plant by-products (they aren't made from raw almonds, but from recycled pulp from other industrial products, for example). These milks are pasteurized at very high temperatures, which destroys any vitamins that might have been present in the drink. Furthermore, preservatives, texturizers, flavorings, and flavor enhancers are often included in the ingredient list.
To be clear : commercially available plant-based milks are by no means a 'healthy alternative' to cow's milk. They are an acceptable option for those intolerant to cow's milk and should be used sparingly. Under no circumstances should you replace cow's milk in babies' bottles with pasteurized plant-based milks (unless there is an intolerance) – they do not have the same nutritional profile as animal milk.
To pique your curiosity, Claire, co-founder of Atelier Nubio, shares her recipe for 'Morning Mylk' with Lebanese flavors. This protein-rich, hormone-boosting drink is both energizing and easy to digest. Ideal for the morning.
Fresh Brazilian nut milk
For one liter
- Soak 120g of organic Brazil nuts overnight in the refrigerator
- Rinse the walnuts and place them in a powerful blender: walnuts + 1 liter of charcoal-purified water + 1/4 teaspoon of fleur de sel
- Blend for 45 seconds and press through a cheesecloth.
Morning Mylk
For 250 ml
250 ml of fresh Brazilian nut milk
1 or 2 Medjool dates (fresh)
4 whole coffee beans
1 pinch of cardamom
1 pinch of vanilla
1 tablespoon of maca (optional)
Put all the ingredients in the blender.
