Nutritional Profile of Selected Plant-based Milk Alternatives sold in Metro Manila, the Philippines
Gerieka R. Anapi, Airisse Rae P. Basinang, Jin Mark DG. Pagulayan,
and Casiana Blanca J. Villarino*
Food Application and Sensory Laboratory, Department of Food Science and Nutrition,
College of Home Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman,
Diliman 1101 Manila, the Philippines
ABSTRACT
The study evaluated the nutrients and ingredients of plant-based milk alternatives (PBMiA) sold in Metro Manila, the Philippines, and compared them with dairy milk (DM) samples to assist consumers in making informed choices in purchase and consumption. Label information on PBMiA and DM was collected in major physical stores and online platforms. A total of 61 PBMiA products were categorized into four plant sources for milk alternatives: cereal (n = 8), coconut (n = 4), legume (n = 23), nut (n = 15), and DM (n = 11). PBMiA had significantly lower (p < 0.05) caloric content per 100 mL (p < 0.05) than DM (63.50 kcal) – with coconut-based (40.00 kcal), legume-based (47.00 kcal), and nut-based (26.00 kcal) options. Protein (cereal-based: 0.90 g, coconut-based: 0.40 g, nut-based: 0.50 g) and fat (cereal-based: 1.80 g, legume-based: 1.70 g, nut-based: 1.40 g) contents per 100 mL were also significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to DM (3.35 g protein, 3.50 g fat). Likewise, PBMiA had significantly higher (p < 0.05) protein costs (i.e. 4.35–58.63 PHP/mL) compared to those of DM (i.e. 3.08 PHP/mL). Conversely, PBMiA, particularly cereal-based (0.80 g), contained significantly higher (p < 0.05) dietary fiber per 100 mL than DM (0.00 g). Sodium content was higher in PBMiA, though the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). Additionally, PBMiA often contains added sugars, salt, stabilizers, emulsifiers, oils, and acidity regulators for texture and flavor enhancement. These findings emphasize the importance of improving PBMiA to meet nutritional quality and economic standards.
INTRODUCTION
The global plant-based milk alternatives (PBMiA) market is anticipated to grow steadily, reaching approximately USD 30 billion by 2030 (Custom Market Insights 2023). In the Philippines, the annual per capita milk consumption is estimated at 27 kg, whereas those of its neighboring ASEAN countries Thailand and Malaysia are at 29 and 25 kg annual per capita consumption, respectively. On the contrary, the United States’ annual per capita consumption of milk is at 287 kg (Mojica-Sevilla 2023). According to a recent online survey with Filipino respondents (Statista 2022), 78% of female respondents (n = 6,487) and 75% of male respondents (n = 2,794) reported consuming PBMiA like soy, rice, oat, and almond. . . . . read more
