Comparative proximate analysis and nutrient labelling compliance of cow milk and plant-based milk alternatives : implications for consumer choice and food policy

Abstract

This study compared the nutritional composition of cow milk and plant-based milk alternatives (PBMAs) available in South African retail markets and assessed nutrient labelling compliance. Proximate and mineral analysis was conducted on 60 PBMA samples (soy, almond, oat, rice, coconut) and 39 cow milk samples using standardised analytical methods. Results demonstrated significant nutritional differences between product categories (p < 0.05). Cow milk demonstrated significantly higher nutrient density, particularly for protein and key bone-building minerals including calcium, phosphorous, and zinc. Conversely, PBMAs showed higher iron, copper, and manganese levels, though bioavailability may be compromised by antinutrients. Labelling non-compliance was identified for calcium and dietary fibre overreporting for PBMAs, and sodium underreporting across both categories. These findings indicate that PBMAs are not nutritionally equivalent to cow milk and highlight the need for improved regulatory oversight of nutritional labelling to prevent consumer misinformation.

HIGHLIGHTS • First comprehensive proximate analysis of South African retail PBMAs. • PBMA labels overreported calcium and dietary fibre, and underreported sodium. • A typical 200 ml serving of PBMAs provides less than 0.2 g fibre. • Cow milk maintains optimal Ca:P ratios (1.09–1.44) versus imbalanced ratios in PBMAs.