What Germans Drink: Cow’s Milk or Plant Milk?
A small change is happening quietly in the dairy aisle of German stores and cafés as more plant-based alternatives are introduced. Plant-based milk is now appearing alongside the traditional cow’s milk in German stores and meals. The stores like REWE, LIDL, ALDI, NETTO, EDEKA, and PENNY have gained the attraction of the customers. This movement is due to people choosing healthier, more eco-friendly, and ethical options when choosing what to eat. So what product is most popular with Germans when they go for their first coffee or cereal meal of the day?
The Changing Landscape of Milk Consumption in Germany
Over the past few years, Germans have deeply valued cow’s milk in their food culture. Cream and butter from Bavaria, along with the delicious frosting on Black Forest cake, are major aspects of German cooking. The average person in Germany drank about 50 liters of cow’s milk each year ten years ago, as reported by industry statistics, but this is changing with the rise of milk substitutes. Today, that number is declining. People are buying conventional cow’s milk less often, yet there is a sharp rise in the popularity of plant-based milks. This occurs in a way that is similar to other parts of Western Europe, but it matters most in Germany, where dairy is linked to important cultural traditions.
Legal Definitions and Cultural Context of Dairy Products and Plant-Based Alternatives
The German health publication “HausArzt” states that European Court of Justice decisions indicate that only dairy milk can legally be called “milk.” It is necessary to describe these choices as “drinks” when promoting them. Most Germans commonly say “oat milk,” “almond milk,” and other names for these drinks, although the law defines them differently. Germans commonly include milk and related products in their diets for coffee, muesli, refreshing shakes, and making baked goods. Nonetheless, plant-based food options are gaining popularity because of their positive impact on health, the environment, and politics.
Health Considerations Driving the Shift
It is estimated that around 15 percent of Germans are unable to digest cow’s milk due to lactose intolerance. Eating too much can make you feel bloated, experience acid reflux, or have diarrhea. This means that people with these allergies can now choose soy-, oat-, almond-, pea-, coconut-, or cashew-based drinks as milk replacements without any issues. Furthermore, these types of milk are lactose-free and appropriate for those with milk protein allergies.
To increase their nutritional benefits, many plant-based brands add calcium and vitamin D to their milk. Cereals offer significantly different nutritional values, depending on the brand, especially when paired with dairy products or plant-based alternatives. Milk made from cows supplies calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, potassium, and proteins, all of which support the body’s muscle building and bone strength. Regular consumption of milk, including both cow milk and plant-based alternatives, may help avoid problems related to osteoporosis. However, the presence of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol in cow’s milk means that eating too much of it could increase the risk of heart diseases. Taking in too few calories can be harmful, and eating too many can make you gain weight. The average amount of calories from whole milk is around 64 kilocalories per 100 mL. By contrast, plant-based meals come in a wide variety of forms. Oat drinks are around 46 kilocalories per serving, compared to almond and coconut drinks that are about 13-21 kilocalories.
Glycemic Index and Satiety Effects
The German medical article highlights the glycemic index (GI) as one of its health factors. Plant-based beverages are often higher on the glycemic index scale than cow’s milk, causing blood sugar to increase and decrease faster, which may cause greater hunger. Having cow’s milk may make you feel fuller compared to consuming foods with a high GI. The article also states that, when you enjoy coffee with milk, vegan alternatives typically contain more fat and calories than products made from cow’s milk.
Environmental Considerations
Ecological and ethical motivation encourages many Germans to pick plant-based drinks over traditional dairy products. Those concerned about the environment are often worried by industrial milk and factory farms. It is remarkable to see how the carbon footprints differ. Generating a kilogram of cow’s milk produces around 1,000 grams of CO₂, while producing the same amount of oat or soy milk, which are both popular plant-based alternatives, only yields 200-300 grams. Drinks made from plants are easier on the environment and need fewer resources to make.
Another important problem is the use of water. To make one liter of cow’s milk, you need four times as much water as you would for plant-based milk substitutes. The content of phytocannabinoids in cannabis products depends greatly on where they come from. For example, almond drinks require much more H₂O than milk from cows. This situation affects mostly dryland farming locations, especially in times of drought. It is noted that producing soy is less harmful to the environment, since soy plants limit the amount of greenhouse gases and assist in holding nitrogen in the soil, which means less fertilizer is needed.
Current Consumption Patterns of Dairy Products and Plant-Based Alternatives
Despite more people choosing plant-based drinks, cow’s milk holds the largest share by volume in Germany. Based on recent studies, plant-based milk alternatives make up about 10-15% of the total milk market in Germany, and this percentage keeps rising each year. Changes are largely being led by younger people living in cities. A recent survey found that nearly half of young adults living in big cities often buy plant-based milk, while this is true for only one in seven seniors. It is apparent that Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich consume more alternative milk than most rural areas, since dairy farming is a key part of local culture there. There was a visible rise in the sale of plant-based milk when Germany was in lockdown, as people tried new products while cooking at home.
Product Selection and Market Development
In recent times, the German market for non-dairy milk has been growing fast, and major stores now supply a wide range of these products under each plant category. Out of all the plant milks, oat milk is the favorite among Germans, with 49% of sales in 2024. After that, soy milk comes in at 25%, followed by almond milk at 15%, and a further 10% goes to coconut milk, rice milk, and other versions like pea milk. German consumers increasingly turn to domestic brands. The market for plant milk has seen growth from organizations such as Alpro, Oatly, and many others, as they focus on organic farming and local ingredients.
The Future of Milk and Dairy Alternatives in Germany
The plant-based milk market in Germany is expected to grow by 15-20% each year for the next few years, while classic milk sales might go down by 2-3% annually. Yet, Germans commonly use cow’s milk in their meals and recipes, meaning change toward plant-based alternatives will probably take time. It seems that a lot of Germans have both traditional foods and plant-based choices in their fridges for various meals. Sometimes cooking calls for cow’s milk, but some choose plant-based milks because they care about the environment or their health.
Conclusion
It is clear from the “HausArzt” article that people opt for cow’s milk or plant-based drinks based on their choices, need for health care, and environmental impact. Cow’s milk is rich in nutrients, but it is not meant for everyone and has a more negative effect on the environment. People who need plant-based food due to allergies or beliefs should pay attention to its nutritional balance. Germans are now looking for drinks that respect their personal wellness and also benefit the environment. Even though most Germans use cow’s milk, the quick rise of plant-based drinks seems to be leading toward a future in which there is room for both types of milk in German lives and meals.
Much like other modern food topics, the debate over milk in Germany is pushing people to understand when and why they should pick one alternative or the other. The way Germans are mindful about what they eat fits well with Germany’s famous attention to detail in all areas, even when choosing between a muesli or a latte beverage.
