For some time in the European Union it has not been possible to use the word "milk" to define some vegetable drinks, such as, for example, one above all, soy drinks. The vote of the European Parliament, however, goes further, as it does not merely confirm rules in force since 2017, which prohibit the improper use of the typical names of dairy products such as: butter, cheese, yogurt or the very word "milk". With this vote, Parliament has also decided to prohibit evocations and imitations: for example, the "use of expressions such as" milk-like drink "or" milk substitute ". Just as tofu can no longer be defined as a "vegetable cheese", or a rice or soy drink will not be able to bear words such as "milk substitute" on the label. This is a protection of milk denominations similar to that provided for PDOs and PGIs.
For further information: Comparing Milk and Vegetable Drinks For further information: Gluten-free cheeses , oats and other derivatives of non-animal origin. The protection of dairy names in Europe was born as early as 1987 and was confirmed with subsequent regulations. In addition, with various sentences, the Court of Justice of the European Union has duly confirmed the protection of dairy names. The last, in order of time, was the well-known TofuTown Sentence, which established that the European prohibition of use of the dairy designations is valid even if the plant-based products are accompanied by indications that specify their origin and that is the plant nature of the product.
The exceptions in Italy
There are some exceptions for plant products. However, the prohibition does not apply to "the description of products whose exact nature is clear by traditional use and / or where the names are clearly used to describe a characteristic quality of the product".
In particular in Italy, the exception concerns the following products:
- almond milk
- cocoa butter
- coconut milk.
Choosing the vegetable drink requires attention: the origin must always be checked (especially if we are talking about soy). Prefer organic and traceable crops. Products with added sugars or sodium should also be avoided, but also those with unspecified vegetable oil.
Almond milk (unsweetened) is now America's favorite milk substitute, with sales growth of 250% over the past five years, which represents 5% of the total milk market. Many attribute this increasing consumption to in spite of rice, soy or oat drinks, to its beneficial properties and in particular to its high protein content, precious for those who follow a vegan diet or in the case of a diet.
Milk and cheese can be defined as such only if of animal origin, regardless of the properties and benefits, for example, of vegetable drinks, which are valid alternatives to cow's milk, for intolerant or vegans.
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