Almond yogurt is healthier and more sustainable than dairy, studies show

According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Massachusetts and published in the journal Scientific Reports, nut-based vegan yogurt outperformed dairy in several metrics. Frontiers in nutrition. Studies have also highlighted the environmental benefits of vegan yogurts compared to their dairy-based counterparts.

The dairy industry has long been known for its significant environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions, water resource use, and land requirements. Global livestock production is estimated to contribute 14.5 percent of total anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, with dairy production accounting for about one-third.

Although yogurt forms only a fraction of the environmental impact of the dairy industry, it still contributes significantly. In the United States, yogurt accounts for about 6.3 percent of all dairy products. In 2021 alone, consumers spent $9.2 million on yogurt, while the plant-based yogurt market is worth $1.6 million.

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However, in recent years, plant-based yogurts have gained recognition as a more sustainable alternative to dairy yogurt. Driven by concerns about environmental sustainability and consumption of fewer animal-based food products, the plant-based yogurt market is expected to reach $6.5 billion by 2030.

“Plant-based diets are gaining popularity, especially in American culture, but just because it’s plant-based doesn’t mean it’s more nutritious,” lead author Astrid D’Andrea said in a statement. “There has to be specific research that answers that question.”

Is plant-based yogurt nutritious?

Beyond environmental considerations, recent research suggests that plant-based yogurt may also offer health benefits. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts aimed to evaluate the nutritional value of plant-based and dairy yogurts, an area that has not been extensively studied before.

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For the study, researchers analyzed the nutritional information of more than 600 yogurts that hit the market between 2016 and 2021. Using the Nutrient Rich Food Index, which assigns a score based on nutrient density, they compared the nutritional profile of yogurt in terms of protein. , fiber, iron, total sugar and sodium.

Of the yogurts analyzed, 159 were full-fat dairy products; 303 low- and nonfat dairy products; There were 61 coconuts; 44 were nuts; There were 30 cashews; and 15 were oat.

Studies have shown that almond yogurt exhibits the highest nutrient density, outperforming other alternatives. The second most nutritious option was oat yogurt.

D’Andrea attributes almond and oat yogurt’s high scores to their low levels of total sugar, sodium and saturated fat.

“When looking at overall nutrient density, when comparing dairy yogurt to plant-based yogurt, the nutrient density that we look at, almond yogurt is significantly higher,” D’Andrea said.

It should be noted that studies have not extensively analyzed soy curds due to their limited availability in the market. However, soy is considered one of the healthiest plant-based milk alternatives.

Why is almond yogurt good?

Research highlights the potential health and environmental benefits of plant-based yogurt. Considering these findings, the food industry can work towards creating more nutritious and sustainable yogurt alternatives for consumers.

However, the researchers acknowledged that switching from dairy yogurt to plant-based yogurt may be challenging for some consumers—and they suggested creating a hybrid yogurt that is both plant- and dairy-based to help consumers make the switch. .

But according to research results, eating almond yogurt without dairy ingredients is more beneficial. Ayo is a yogurt brand focused on providing consumers with nutritious almond yogurt.

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Ayo founder Matt Billings is a California nut farmer whose family has been farming for 100 years – 50 of those in the nut business. When creating Ayo, Billings’ goal was to connect his almond farm to consumers through the production of almond yogurt, which is made by adding water and yogurt culture to almond butter.

“We’re not trying to make an imitation dairy yogurt. Taking the nuts we grow and love, we lightly roast them and turn them into a simple, delicious, creamy almond milk yogurt,” Billings tells VegNews.

“Ours are high in fiber, low in sugar and delicious. If you like yogurt and you like nuts I promise you will love our yogurt,” added Billings.

Billings’ farm is also committed to forward-thinking practices of sustainability, traceability and vertical integration, which nourish the land they are proud to call home.

Recently, Ayo rolled out plain yogurt in a 16-ounce reusable tub and will soon expand its products with a more affordable line.

“The Natural line doesn’t use organic nuts or fruit, and that allows us to provide better value to the customer,” Billings said. “We are also experiencing tough economic times and we wanted to provide customers with an option that would help them stretch their grocery dollar.”