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Plant milk

What are the different types of plant milk?

Quick answer

The NHS lists soya, rice, oat, almond, hazelnut, coconut, quinoa and potato drinks as plant-based alternatives to milk. It says unsweetened, calcium-fortified versions made from plants like soya, coconuts or oats count toward the dairy group. It gives no nutrition comparison between types.

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In this article
  1. What is plant milk?
  2. What are the different types of plant milk?
  3. Which plant milk counts as dairy?
  4. Which type is healthiest?
  5. Are plant milks suitable for babies?
  6. Is coconut milk a tree nut?

What is plant milk?

Plant milk, or a plant-based drink, is a non-dairy alternative to cow’s milk. The NHS notes these products are sometimes called milks, even though they are made from plants.

What are the different types of plant milk?

  • Soya
  • Rice
  • Oat
  • Almond
  • Hazelnut
  • Coconut
  • Quinoa
  • Potato

This is the list given on the NHS milk and dairy page. It describes the drinks as made from plants like soya, coconuts or oats.

Which plant milk counts as dairy?

The NHS says unsweetened, calcium-fortified drinks made from plants count toward the dairy group. It says people who avoid dairy may not get enough calcium, and that non-dairy products with added calcium can help. It also recommends the unsweetened versions.

Which type is healthiest?

The NHS page does not compare soya, oat, almond, rice or coconut drinks, and it gives no calcium or sugar figures for them. We therefore do not rank them. Compare the nutrition label: look for unsweetened and added calcium.

Are plant milks suitable for babies?

The NHS says babies under 1 should not be given drinks labeled as milk, including rice, oat or almond drinks. Ask a health visitor, doctor or pharmacist about feeding your child.

Is coconut milk a tree nut?

For US labeling, the FDA no longer considers coconut a major food allergen. Coconut must still be listed in the ingredients. Anyone with an allergy should ask an allergist.

People also ask

What are the different types of plant milk?

The NHS lists soya, rice, oat, almond, hazelnut, coconut, quinoa and potato drinks.

Does plant milk count as dairy?

The NHS says unsweetened, calcium-fortified drinks made from plants like soya, coconuts or oats count toward the dairy group.

Can babies drink plant milk?

The NHS says babies under 1 should not be given drinks labeled as milk, such as rice, oat or almond drinks. Ask a health professional.

General information only, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, ask your doctor before changing what you drink.

Sources

  1. NHS: Milk and dairy nutrition, read 5 Nov 2026
  2. FDA: Frequently Asked Questions: Food Allergen Labeling Guidance for Industry, read 5 Nov 2026
Written by Drinks Type Editorial Team · Published Aug 15, 2025 · Updated Nov 5, 2026
About · How we verify this · Editorial policy · Corrections

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