Nutritional profile of selected plant-based milk alternatives sold in Metro Manila, the Philippines

Issue Date

4-2025

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.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Science

ISSN

0031 - 7683

Volume

154

Issue

2

Page

235-245

Document Type

Article

Frequency

quarterly

Physical Description

graphs, tables, references

Language

English

Subject

milk analogs, milk substitute, PBMiA, plant-based beverage, plant-based milk alternative

En – AGROVOC descriptors

MILK; MILK PRODUCTS; MILK SUBSTITUTES; PLANT SOURCE FOODS; NUTRITIVE VALUE

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