Ⅰ. Source of raw materials
(1) Animal milk
Animal milk mainly comes from mammals. For example, milk comes from cows, and goat milk comes from goats or sheep. These milks are secreted by the mammary glands of animals.
(2) Plant milk
Plant milk is made from various plants through processing. Commonly seen are soy milk made from soybeans, almond milk made from almonds, and oat milk made from oats. Different plant milks have a wide range of raw material sources and usually do not involve animal farming.
Ⅱ. Nutritional components
(1) Animal milk
Protein: Animal milk contains high-quality complete proteins, including various essential amino acids required by the human body. Especially whey protein and casein are crucial for human growth and development and maintaining body functions.
Calcium: Rich in calcium, it is a necessary nutrient for human bone and tooth health. For example, usually there are about 100-120 milligrams of calcium in every 100 milliliters of milk.
Fat: It contains different types of fats. For example, the fat in milk includes saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and a small amount of polyunsaturated fat. Whole milk has a relatively high fat content, while low-fat and skim milk reduce the fat content.
Vitamins: It contains vitamins such as B2, B12, and D. Vitamin D helps the absorption and utilization of calcium and plays an important role in bone health.
(2) Plant milk
Protein: The protein content and quality in plant milk vary depending on the plant species. For example, soy milk contains rich plant protein, but compared to animal milk, its amino acid composition may not be comprehensive enough. The protein content of almond milk is relatively low.
Calcium: Some plant milks are fortified with calcium to increase the calcium content, but in general, the calcium in plant milk may not be as easily absorbed by the human body as that in animal milk.
Fat: The fat types in plant milk are usually mainly unsaturated fats, which are relatively healthy. For example, almond milk has a relatively high content of monounsaturated fat. Oat milk has a relatively low fat content and is rich in beta-glucan, which helps reduce cholesterol.
Vitamins and minerals: Different plant milks may contain specific vitamins and minerals. For example, soy milk contains phytochemicals such as isoflavones and has a certain antioxidant effect; oat milk is rich in dietary fiber and vitamin B1.
Ⅲ. Digestion and absorption
(1) Animal milk
For most people, animal milk is relatively easy to digest and absorb, but some people may have lactose intolerance problems. After lactose intolerant people consume animal milk, due to the lack of lactase in the body, they cannot completely digest lactose and will experience discomfort symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
(2) Plant milk
Plant milk generally does not contain lactose and is suitable for people with lactose intolerance. However, different plant milks also have differences in digestion and absorption. For example, the protein in soy milk may require specific digestive enzymes to break down, and some people's digestive systems may not digest it completely. The relatively high fat content of almond milk may cause a certain burden on some people's digestive systems.
Ⅳ. Taste and flavor
(1) Animal milk
The taste is usually relatively rich and mellow, with a unique milky flavor. Different kinds of animal milk also have different tastes. For example, milk has a relatively smooth taste, and goat milk may have a relatively stronger flavor.
(2) Plant milk
The taste varies depending on the plant species. Soy milk has a light bean fragrance; almond milk has a delicate taste and a unique almond flavor; oat milk is relatively thick and has the natural aroma of oats. The taste of plant milk is relatively light and suitable for people who do not like strong milky flavors.
Ⅴ. Environmental impact
(1) Animal milk
The production of animal milk usually requires large-scale animal husbandry, which will occupy a large amount of land resources for animal breeding, consume a large amount of water resources, and produce a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions such as methane. In addition, animal breeding may also face problems such as animal diseases and the use of antibiotics.
(2) Plant milk
The production of plant milk has a relatively small impact on the environment. The planting of plants usually requires less land and water resources, and the greenhouse gas emissions are relatively low. At the same time, the production process of plant milk does not involve animal breeding, reducing disputes regarding animal welfare.
