Although cow's milk is an essential element in the diet of many people, it is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, phosphorous and vitamin "B";

One cup provides 146 calories, 8 grams of fat, the same amount of protein, and 13 grams of carbohydrates;

It is not a suitable option for those looking for vegetarian alternatives.

Other groups - such as vegetarians - are looking for alternatives to milk, such as those who suffer from lactose intolerance, or milk allergies, and those who fear health risks related to pollutants, antibiotics, pesticides and hormones, as well as those who prefer alternatives that are less harmful to the environment.

An Oxford University study concluded that greenhouse gas emissions from plant milk are equivalent to a third of that of cow's milk, in addition to the significant savings that the plant milk industry brings to land and water.

Greenhouse gas emissions from plant milk are equivalent to a third of cow's milk emissions (communication sites)

Alternatives to cow's milk are liquids that are similar in shape and taste, and are available in most stores and cafes, and are promoted as being better than animal milk, because they are lower in saturated fat, do not contain cholesterol, and are extracted from almonds, soy, oats, or coconuts. , or rice, and various grains and plants, the last of which is potatoes.

Not just foam

In May, Sweden-based vegan dairy brand Dug introduced the world's first potato-based vegan milk, after ditching all of the traditional plant-based milk ingredients - soy, oats and almonds - to get On the new product she described as "not just as frothy as real dairy, but much more sustainable, even compared to competing vegan dairy."

It is a summary of research led by Eva Thorenberg, Professor in the Department of Food Technology, Engineering and Nutrition at Sweden's Lund University, to extract the world's first potato milk, using a potato base that contains pea protein, maltodextrin, dandelion fiber, rapeseed oil, natural flavors, and has a low percentage of Sugar and saturated fat, and fortified with calcium, vitamins "D" (D), "B12" (B12), and folic acid.

It is sold in 3 flavors: "original", "barista", and unsweetened.

All are completely free of allergens, such as lactose, soy, gluten, and tree nuts, which makes them stand out from the other plant-based milks that fill store shelves;

It can be drunk and used for cooking and baking, just like cow's milk, and a liter sells for between $4 and $6.

This Swedish Startup Just Made The World's First Potato-Based Plant Milk https://t.co/p88dP8HLkn pic.twitter.com/u1U6AiaUM6

— Earth Accounting (@EarthAccounting) July 23, 2021

Lots of Omega 3

Turnberg says that "potatoes saved people from starvation during the 19th century." of starch, and vitamin C.

Therefore, it expresses its concern about the dominance of animal products on the market, at a time when researchers estimate that between 1 and 3% of the population of Norway - for example - suffer from allergies to milk and its derivatives, and they need alternatives, after it became difficult for them to obtain They contain enough vital omega-3 fatty acids, as they're mainly found in the fatty fish they boycott, although omega-3s are important in eliminating harmful proteins and toxins and reducing disease, according to a 2015 study at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

She said that was one of the reasons she considered potato milk, although turning plant-based products into creamy products like milk is technically difficult.

Until Turnberg discovered that this could be achieved if the protein and starch in potatoes were heated in a certain way and mixed with rapeseed oil rich in omega-3 acids;

The drink contains 6% rapeseed oil, and 250 milliliters of it is enough to cover half of a person's daily needs of omega-3.

Thus, we have plant milk with a natural taste, with a lot of omega-3, and it can be sold as a substitute for milk, yogurt, cream and "ice cream", mixed with apple juice and fruit, and used in breakfast, or as an energy drink, or even to make cappuccino.

Potatoes consume 56 times less water than almond cultivation (German)

The best for the planet

"We have a good product to be proud of," says Doug CEO Thomas Olander;

Potatoes emit significantly less carbon dioxide, while "the 13 largest dairy companies in the world emit as much as the whole of the United Kingdom," according to the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) report.

Studies have found that "soy milk is the worst plant-based milk, in terms of greenhouse gas emissions".

Potatoes also need half the land area needed to grow the same amount of oats, and less than soy, which is illegally cleared of forests in some areas.

Potatoes also consume 56 times less water than almond farming (a kilogram of almonds requires 16,000 liters of water, compared to only 270 liters for a kilogram of potatoes);

This makes potato milk production and consumption much better for the planet, and motivates more companies to explore what the potato crop can do;

For example, a factory will be set up in Britain to convert potatoes into plant protein, to make new plant-based dairy and meat products, and a Dutch company will manufacture potato protein for investment in the plant-based market.

Potato milk is currently only available in Sweden, the United Kingdom and China, but Turnberg says it has been a "huge success among consumers, and is almost out of stock", attributing this success to its "creamy texture and natural flavour".