Nutritional Profile of Selected Plant-based Milk Alternatives Sold in Metro Manila, the Philippines

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.