Doctors Offer 5 Nutritious Alternatives to Cow’s Milk for Consumers Avoiding Dairy Over Concern About Bird Flu

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On April 23, the FDA found remnants of bird flu virus in pasteurized milk. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a public health nonprofit of more than 17,000 doctors, is offering 5 Nutritious Alternatives to Cow’s Milk for consumers concerned about bird flu in cow’s milk. A virulent strain of bird flu was identified for the first time in U.S. cow’s milk and among dairy cattle in Texas on March 25, and a dairy worker in Texas has contracted the virus.

People are concerned about drinking cow’s milk and are seeking alternatives. “To avoid health concerns associated with drinking cow’s milk, there are many great dairy alternatives to try,” says Nutrition Education Specialist Dr. Anna Herby of Physicians Committee. “Soy milk is the highest in protein and has the added benefits of isoflavones, which can reduce breast cancer risk. Almond milk goes great on cereal, and oat milk is tasty in a latte.”

Nutritious plant-based milks exist for those who can’t safely consume or don’t want to consume cow’s milk. Dr. Herby offers these:

5 Nutritious Alternatives to Cow’s Milk, in no particular order.

1. Almond Milk:

• Low in calories.
• High in vitamin E, which is an antioxidant.
• Typically fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
• Suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

2. Soy Milk:

• Isoflavones have been shown to be beneficial for breast cancer risk reduction.
• Comparable protein content to cow's milk.
• Fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
• May help lower cholesterol levels.
• Suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

3. Oat Milk:

• Creamy texture and mild flavor.
• Contains beta-glucans, which may help lower cholesterol levels.
• Environmentally friendly production compared to cow’s and almond milk.
• Often fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
• Suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

4. Coconut Milk:

• Creamy texture and tropical flavor.
• High in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which may have various health benefits.
• Typically free from allergens like dairy and nuts.
• Suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

5. Rice Milk:

• Naturally sweet flavor.
• Hypoallergenic and suitable for those with multiple food allergies.
• Low in fat and cholesterol-free.
• Suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

Researchers believe that the bird flu could be the root cause of our next pandemic. According to the United Nations, intensive animal agriculture, such as factory farming, is responsible for more than 50% of zoonotic diseases. Crowded conditions, widespread antibiotic use, genetic modification of animals, and unhygienic conditions increase the risk of viruses that infect animals, mutate, and gain the ability to infect humans. Many consumers will choose to avoid animal products for this reason.

Conversely, a plant-based diet was found to be associated with a 73% lower odds of moderate-to-severe COVID during the pandemic. The British Medical Journal recently published research showing that a plant-based diet reduced hospitalizations and symptoms of COVID among patients on a plant-based diet. Interest in adopting alternatives to dairy and moving toward a plant-based lifestyle are already strong, and the threat of bird flu surrounding the dairy industry is likely to increase that interest.

About Dr. Anna Herby

Anna Herby, DHSc, RD, CDCES, is the nutrition education specialist for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting preventive medicine, especially better nutrition, and higher standards in research. She is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator with a doctorate in health sciences.