Modern technologies for the production of alternative milk from plant products

Abstract

In the modern world, the benefits of animal milk are questioned due to the spread of lactose intolerance and food allergy to milk proteins among the population, as well as due to the popularization of such nutrition systems as vegetarianism and veganism. In this regard, the market is growing demand for vegetable analogues of cow's milk, which are made from cereals and legumes, nuts and seeds. This article provides an overview of the currently existing traditional technologies for creating plant-based milk substitutes that are used in mass commercial production. The main stages of technological raw materials are described. Some parameters of processing of products of plant origin are given when using their production process of plant analogues of milk, taking into account the differences when using certain types to obtain alternative milk drinks. The advantages and the degree of efficiency of various variants of thermal and non-thermal treatment are noted. Innovative ways of improving the quality of vegetable milk analogues, which have shown the effectiveness of their use in laboratory conditions, are also considered. The improvement and modernization of technologies for the production of vegetable milk substitutes make it possible to preserve more nutrients in drinks, improve their balance and, as a result, increase the benefits for the human body. The degree to which an analogue can replace traditional cow's milk depends on the level of technology progressiveness, which is very important for consumers who include such analogues in their diet. Further research in this direction will not only expand the range of healthy food products on the market, but will also contribute to improving the food security of cities and countries due to greater accessibility to the population of high-quality sources of nutrients.