Some press responses to the Scientific Advisory Committee (SACN) on Nutrition and Committee on Toxicity (COT) guidance on plant-based alternatives to dairy milk (published 16 July 2025) fail to highlight the many nuances explored within the full report
Senior Dietitian at The Vegan Society, Emily Angus:
“The actual conclusion reached by the joint report was that, while there may be nutritional concerns if dairy milk is replaced with sweetened and unfortified plant-based alternatives, unsweetened and fortified plant-based dairy alternatives are an acceptable and safe alternative to cow’s milk from the age of one. It also concluded that soya milk was the best option for children in terms of providing additional protein.
“While no plant-based dairy alternative studied in the report was directly comparable to dairy, this should not be considered in isolation but rather as part of a healthy, balanced, diet in which many foods contribute towards overall nutrient intake. It remains true to say that dairy is not an essential part of our diets and it is arguable whether dairy should be held as the 'nutritional standard'.
“The only potential toxicological concern highlighted by the report was that of high isoflavone exposure from soya products for children under the age of 5. This risk is a theoretical one in humans and the report therefore errs heavily on the side of caution. The conclusion of the report clarifies that this potential risk can be mitigated through consumption of a variety of protein sources to meet protein requirements. In adults, isoflavones have been shown to have a positive effect on cardiovascular health, symptoms of the menopause and cancer risk.
“The report's conclusions are in line with the advice that we already give as dietitians. Unsweetened and fortified plant-based dairy alternatives provide people with a valuable source of calcium, Vitamin D, iodine, Vitamin B12 and other micronutrients, as well as a source of protein in the case of soya milk. They also provide a source of fibre, are low in saturated fat and have a lower total sugar content than dairy.
“Current guidance from both the British Dietetic Association and the EatWell guide already recognises the role of plant-based dairy alternatives for those who do not consume dairy products.”
