Milk Alternatives / Plant-Based Milk

  • Published on Mar 10, 2025
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Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product, service, or external web site does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product, service, or external web site content by CPCMG. We attempt to keep lists of resources and referrals as up to date as possible; however, this information is constantly changing. Please check with the service provider and your insurance company to verify coverage.

What are milk alternatives?

Non-dairy, alternative milk beverages are made from plant-based ingredients such as:

  • Rice

  • Nuts/seeds [e.g., almond milk]

  • Coconut

  • Oats

  • Peas

  • or blends of these ingredients.  

Many plant-based milks come in both sweetened and unsweetened varieties; sweetened varieties usually have added sugars. 

Are these drinks recommended?

  • The nutrients in these drinks can vary widely, so plant-based, non-dairy milks are usually not recommended as a complete dairy milk replacement for young children.  

  • With the exception of fortified soy milk and pea protein milk, these milks are not adequate nutritional substitutes for dairy milk, which has many nutrients essential for healthy growth and development including protein, fat, vitamin A, calcium, and vitamin D.  

  • Children younger than one year should not consume these beverages.  

When can I offer plant-based milk?

  • For children 1-5 years old, plant-based milk may be useful for those with allergies or intolerances to cow’s milk, or for families who choose not to consume animal products.  

  • Be sure to consult with your pediatrician to choose a milk substitute for your child and discuss how to make sure his or her overall diet has enough of the key nutrients found in milk. 

This publication was adapted from information within “Healthy drinks. Healthy kids.”

Reviewed by: NM M.D., AR D.O. | 12/2023