Overview

• The SACN and Cot report finds no almond, oat or soya drink in the UK matches cow’s milk across key nutrients.
• Children aged one to five who rely solely on plant-based milks risk inadequate intakes of calcium, iodine and B vitamins.
• Vegan toddlers consuming high amounts of soya face potential toxicological risks from isoflavones without varied protein sources.
• Experts recommend whole or semi-skimmed cow’s milk for under-fives and permit only unsweetened fortified plant milks as substitutes.
• For those over five and adults, fortified unsweetened almond, oat and soya milks are acceptable but may increase added sugar intake.