Plant milk (plant-based liquids, alternative milk, nut milk, mock milk or vegan milk) is a plant juice that resembles the color of milk and refers to manufactured, nondairy beverages made from a water-based plant extract for flavoring and aroma. Plant milks are vegan beverages consumed as plant-based alternatives to dairy milk, and often provide a creamy mouthfeel. For commerce, plant-based liquids are typically packaged in containers similar and competitive to those used for dairy milk, but cannot be labeled as “milk” within the European Union. In 2018, among the roughly 20 plants used to manufacture plant milk, almond, soy, and coconut were the highest-selling plant milks worldwide, and the global plant milk market was estimated at US$16 billion.
Plant-based beverages have been consumed for centuries, with the term “milk-like plant juices” used since the 13th century. Across various cultures, plant milk has been both a traditional beverage and a flavourful ingredient in sweet and savory dishes, such as the use of coconut milk in curries. Plant milks are also used to make “ice cream”, plant cream, vegan cheese, and “yogurt”, such as soy yogurt or vegurt. A 2018 study found that 54% of U.S. consumers “would like to eat more plant-based foods and beverages”