Review: “Not Milk” another plant based milk hits the shelves!

Here we go! Another plant based (no dairy, soy or nut) plant "milk" has arrived. 

Unfortunately, these types of milks don't seem to last long on the shelves! There was another pea protein milk with added calcium that was recently discontinued meaning that this is currently the only pea protein based milk alternative on our supermarket shelves. 

Firstly, a reminder that under the age of 1, breastmilk or formula is the primary source of nutrition and fluid to be offered. Milk and milk alternatives may be used in small amounts I.e on cereal or in cooking. 

We have lots of allergy and food intolerance families in this community, so we are mindful to keep an eye out for new products. This product might offer families with multiple food allergies or intolerances another option.

What is in it?

Water, coconut oil, pea protein (2%), chicory fibre, sugar, pineapple juice concentrate, sunflower oil, acidity regulator (dipotassium phosphate), colour (calcium carbonate), natural flavours, thickeners (acacia gum, gellan gum), salt, cabbage juice concentrate.

Allergen: none, gluten free

Nutrition

Energy: 298kJ per 100ml Protein: 1.6g per 100ml Fat: 3.3g per 100ml Sodium: 62mg per 100ml Calcium: Unknown

Notes:

• More protein than oat and many almond milks (they roughly have 0.5-1g/100ml) but most kids meet their protein needs over the day with ease, so the protein content isn't a huge deal
• Less protein than cow's milk and soy milk (they roughly have 3.2-3.5g/100ml)
• Higher in fat than many other plants milks (although Barista blends are similar in fat content I.e Oatly Barista Blend for comparison)
• It says it has added calcium but doesn't state how much on the nutrition information panel 
• There is added sugar and added pineapple juice

Taste

Apparently this milk has been developed using AI tech that has been designed to mimic flavour and textures (which is why some of the....different ingredients makes an appearance). The ingredient list did provide a preconceived idea that this would be interesting (cabbage and pineapple juice). Once again, tasting it proved you can't always judge a book by its cover. 

On first sips, it does probably taste the most like milk out of all the plants milks we have tried (I think we have tried them all). There is a slightly acidic/tangy aftertaste that wasn't great, but the mouthfeel and flavour was pretty close. 

Cost:

$4.80 per 1L 

Would we recommend it?

It wouldn't be the first option I would recommend for dairy free families. 

Generally for dairy free families we would suggest:

• A milk alternative without added sugar (this has added sugar).
• With at least 120mg/100ml added calcium (we have no idea how much this has in it).
• Soy is usually the best option for dairy free kids, although we know that many are also soy free.
• For dairy and soy free families, an oat or nut milk without added sugar and with added calcium is going to be cheaper and likely a better option. 

For families with multiple exclusion who can't have dairy, soy, wheat or nuts that are looking for something that tastes close to milk, then yes, maybe give this a go. However, it isn't something I would be offering by the glass daily, but to add into cereal or use for cooking- sure. 

We do advise all families that have children with food allergy or intolerance to book in for a 1:1 consult to ensure you know what milk options or alternatives will best meet their dietary needs.