Plant/ Vegan Milk: From a Business Point of View - Research Paper Example

Plant/Vegan Milk Table of Contents Introduction 3 Background of the Research Study 3 Research Question 6 Research Aim and Objectives 6 Justification of the Methodology Used 7 Hypothesis Design 8 Significance of the Research 9 Structure of the Research 10 Literatures Review 12 General Perceptions Regarding the Topic 12 Alternative to Animal Milk: Vegan/ Plant Milk 14 Plant/ Vegan Milk: From a Business Point of View 18 References 21 Introduction Background of the Research Study Human health and well-being has been a subject of extensive debate over the years amid the experts worldwide. People seek to maintain a healthy lifestyle for themselves within their busy day-to-day life schedule. In this context, the eating habits and diet followed by individuals is deemed a crucial point to talk. Notably, people involve in food intake to fulfil the requirement of nutrition of the body that is further required to maintain a healthy and sustainable body at large1. The health of any individual is directly or indirectly inclined with the food habits of any individuals. In general, the diet of any individual involves two forms, which include vegan food and animals based food products. Vegan foods involve the food items that are directly sourced from plants while the animal-based products are obtained from animals such as meat, fish, and dairy products in a certain scenario. The issue with regard to the difference amid animal-based products and plant-based products has been a topic of wide debate. Correspondingly, the aim of this particular study is to gain a better comprehension with regard to the concept of plant milk or vegan milk2. Milk is a particular product that is widely used by people across various nations of the world. It is generally in a liquid or fluidic form, which is mainly used for consumption purposes in various nations of the world. It is one of the important constituents of the diet. It is usually produced or derived from the glands of mammals, such as cows. Milk is often regarded as a source of extensive nutrition that can be acquired from consumption of the same by the humans. It has been learnt from the analysis that Milk contains various key nutrients, including proteins and minerals that are considered beneficial for the growth and sustainability of the human body. Some of the core components of the human body include colostrums, lactose, and antibodies in considerable percentages, which further make it an important part of a regular human diet. Milk is also regarded as a prime source of energy. In general, for various medical or health issues, doctors often recommend patients to intake diets that include dairy products such as milk in an extensive manner3. However, there are certain aspects that need to be discussed, which primarily depicts about some of the factors that can cause problems with regard to the intake of milk as a regular diet. It is known that there are large numbers of people who are allergic to milk owing to the presence of lactose, which is intolerable to people to an extent. Lactose intolerance is a particular concept that depicts about the intolerance of the human body towards the particle of lactose, as they could not easily digest the same, which further leads to allergic reactions. Lactose is usually regarded as a natural sugar that is most prevalent in milk or any other dairy products. It is known that when this particular substance moves into the human body, especially in the large intestine, which causes certain specific discomfort. Such discomforts can be in the form of stomach pain, bloating pain and gas in certain scenario, which primarily results from the lack of digestion of the same. People, who are allergic or deals with lack of indigestion for lactose, could not be able to digest any of the dairy products including milk, cheese, and butter to an extent. These aspects of health complications certainly result in igniting a sense of reluctance amid people with regard to the intake of milk, which is deemed as one of the most common form of dairy products that prevails presently. Consequently, the need for a having a substitute for milk has been one of the major concerns of the people in various domains. Plant or vegan milk is often regarded as an appropriate substitute for animal milk. Plant or vegan milk is acquired from plant as a source. The concept is deemed widely prevalent in the present day scenario where people prefer to choose plant based products or diet over that of any other forms of animal based products, which includes milk as well. It is evident that there is no specific or distinct description of plant based or vegan milk owing to which the topic or concept has become a widely debated one. However, it must be depicted that the aspect of plant milk has been in extensive used over the years as its consumption is prevalent in different cultural and ethnics in the past. It has been consumed as a substitute for animal-based milk. Some of the most popular forms of plant based milk that exist in the present day environment include coconut milk, almond milk as well as rice milk among others. Since these products have low-level lactose, consumption of the same has been less allergic to humans and hence are considered fit for human consumption to a considerable extent altogether. The use of plant based or vegan milk is widely prevalent in countries, such as the US and Spain along with other countries within the European continent. Soymilk and coconut milk are among the most widely availed and used plant based milk in the current situation. There are various advantages of using plant base or vegan milk, discussion of which would be one of the prime activities of this particular research study4. It is believed that plant-based diet has less negative impact upon the health of an individual when compared to the intake of animal-based diet on a regular basis. It is often argued that animal-based diet contains rich fats and other supplements that are indeed harmful for the human since they are capable of causing health issues and the problems of obesity in most of the scenarios. Overall, it can be depicted that plant based food products including milk can be beneficial for humans in a collective manner altogether. It has been comprehended that marginal research has been conducted on this particular subject over the years. Correspondingly, an approach has been adopted in this particular research study to depict better explorations of the concept of vegan milk and the benefits associated with the same over that of animal or cow’s milk5. The study will also heed towards identifying the business benefits associated with the increasing popularity of vegan milk in various nations of the world with the especial inclusion of the market structure of the UAE. Research Question In order to conduct and complete any particular research, the focus is levied on comprehending the core objectivity of the study and the subject matter in an apparent manner. The selected topic for this particular research is the evolvement of the aspect of Vegan milk in the present day environment. Likewise, the research question for this particular study can be in the following form. What is the importance of plant based or vegan milk and how can it be seen as an alternative for animal based or cow’s milk? An appropriate and accurate answer for this particular research can be gained with the help of the accomplishment of the predetermined objectives of the research, which has been apparently in the subsequent section of the study. Research Aim and Objectives The aim of this particular study is to focus towards understanding the importance of vegan milk or plant based dairy products to be replaced in the diets of individuals who are allergic to animal milk. Likewise, the objectives of the research study would take the following form. Gaining comprehension regarding the importance of milk in human dietary supplements Understanding regarding the available alternatives for animal milk Advantages of using plant milk over animal-based dietary products Loopholes or disadvantage of the intake of plant-based products especially including vegan milk Notably, it must be mentioned that the accomplishment of the aforementioned objectives will certainly result in accomplishment of the research aim to a considerable manner altogether. Justification of the Methodology Used Identification of the research methodology to be used within the research is often regarded as one of the most vital parts of any particular research study. The research methodology is a particular section of particular research that aims at comprehending the methods chosen towards the completion of the research based on the research questions and predetermined objectives of the research at large. It is evident that there are various methods that prevails, which can be used by researchers towards the completion of any particular research in a considerable manner altogether. Some of the most common forms of approaches of any particular research study include qualitative method, quantitative methods, and mixed methodology, which includes the blend of both qualitative and quantitative methods of research. Likewise, for this particular research, a qualitative approach will be taken into consideration towards the completion of the work. With the help of a qualitative research method, the research would be able to explore the theoretical perspective of the subject matter to a considerable extent, which again can be regarded as one of the core objectives of the study collectively. Hence, the selection of qualitative research approach can be justifiable in this context. Furthermore, the collection of data is also one of the most vital parts involves in the process of completion of any particular study. Data collection mainly involves the collection of relevant information and data for the completion of a research in a desired manner. For this particular research, the data have been collected from secondary source, which includes journals, literatures, and reputed articles among others. This particular approach of research is deemed to align with qualitative method and hence can be regarded as justifiable to a considerable extent. Furthermore, the data collected from various secondary sources would be analysed with the help of a narrative analysis approach, further accomplishing the objectives of the research considerably. Hypothesis Design Research hypothesis is a particular approach of testing different frameworks and models towards ensuring the completion of a particular through accomplishing the objectives of the same in an efficient manner. It is also regarded as a particular approach used to ensure validity, accuracy and generalizability of the research outcome in a widespread manner altogether. Correspondingly, the hypothesis design for this particular research study was determined below. H0: Plant or vegan milk cannot replace cow’s milk within the day-today dietary supplements of the humans H1: Plant or vegan milk can replace cow’s milk within the day-today dietary supplements of the humans Significance of the Research Any particular research is conducted with the intention to explore certain facts and aspects that are yet to be known in a considerable manner altogether. It has been comprehended that this particular research will focus on depicting the importance of plant or vegan milk and its potential to act as a substitute product for animal milk. It has been noted that this is particular domain of study that deals with understanding the importance of plant based diet or vegan milk and its prevalence in the present day scenario in various nations of the world. The significance for this particular study can also be comprehended from the fact that little research has been conducted towards the particular subject matter owing to which this particular topic needs a proper and systematic exploration. The result of this particular study can be beneficial to get a proper insight with regard to the prevalence of plant or vegan milk in a considerable manner altogether. This particular research study has been conducted with the help of a qualitative study through acquiring data from secondary sources such as journals and literatures so that a wider understanding can be acquired regarding the subject matter in a convincing manner altogether. In this regard, with the help of the analysis of the secondary data from journals and literatures, a better insight can also be gained regarding the concept or the prevalence of vegan or plant milk. An understanding regarding the sources of plant-based milk will also be presented during the process of conducting this particular research study. Overall, it can be depicted that general insights will be gained regarding the importance of plant or vegan milk in the dietary supplements of any particular individual. More generalized results will also help in the process of conducting future researches in this particular context. Hence, from a collective point of view, the research can be regarded as a significant one to a considerable extent. Structure of the Research In any particular research study, the role and the importance of following a systematic structure could not be ignored. Following a systematic structure could not only enhance the overall reliability and accuracy of the results, but at the same time it might also lead to a better control over the aspect of timely completion of the work at large. Contextually, this particular research will also intend to follow a systematic approach where due care would be ensured with regard to the systematic completion of the work based on the predetermined research objectives in the efficient manner altogether. This particular research study will be segregated in five different chapters, with each one of them has their own prevalence or significance. The first chapter of the research includes the introduction, which provides a brief overview of the subject matter of the research i.e. plant or vegan milk. In this regard, it has been learnt that this particular chapter is vital since it provides the much needed overview or insight regarding the subject, which can further act as beneficial in the process of completing the subsequent chapters of the study. The next chapter of the research study is the literature review. In this particular chapter of the study, the focus would be levied on comprehending the importance and the prevalence of vegan milk as a substitute for animal milk with the help of the data gathered from secondary sources including journals and literatures along with reputed research articles. In the subsequent chapter, i.e. research methodology, focus has been put on depicting the methods that have been used while conducting this particular research. It will also include a brief overview of the concept of research methods and the purpose along with the benefits of using the same from the research. In the next chapter, the findings of this particular research will be compiled and analyse together to get an appropriate answer to the research question in concern. This chapter is important since it is the stage of the research where affirmation regarding the accomplishment of the research objectives is ascertained. In the last or final chapter of the research, focus is put on concluding the entire research to provide a summative analysis of the subject matter and the information compiled. Literatures Review General Perceptions Regarding the Topic This particular section of the research primarily focuses on comprehending the importance of plant or vegan milk as a substitute for animal milk or other dairy products. It has been comprehended that Milk is one of the basic supplements of the diet of any individual on a daily basis. It is one of the most commonly consumed food items all over the world. It has been learnt that milk is the source of various important nutrients for humans. However, there are certain specific health concerns associated with the consumption of animal-based milk, which further make people reluctant towards the intake of the same as a part of their day-to-day dietary supplements. Notably, the presence of lactose is deemed to one of the most vital reasons that further develop or create problems, especially related to health for the people. It must be mentioned that lactose present in milk cause digestion problems for people, which further influence them to seek for a better alternative. Contextually, prevalence of plant or animal milk came into prevalence. Plant or vegan milk typically includes milk or milk products that are acquired directly from plant. It is considered as less harmful for health when compared to animal milk6. To have a better comprehension with regard to the subject matter of the research, several secondary sources such as reputed journals can be taken into consideration. As per the study of Niggemann & et. al., (2012), there prevail several key approaches that can be used for the purpose of management as well as diagnostic of allergy cause by milk among infants and children, which is one of the major group people that are involved in the intake of food. Cow’s-milk protein is suspected to have allergic reactions upon the health of children and infants in an extensive manner. The study of Niggemann & et. al., (2012) clearly highlighted the aspect that cow’s-milk protein allergy (CMPA) is a particular medical concept that are extensively within most of the European nations. The concept has a long medical history associated with it and several key measures have been adopted to understand the same in an effective manner. Likewise, proposals have been formulated regarding the management as well as diagnostics of the problem amid infants and children at large. It has been evaluated within the study that certain life threatening reactions have been noticed regarding this particular issue7. The study of Granato & et. al., (2010) provided a better overview with regard to the shifting focus of researchers towards non-dairy products and its trends in the recent years. The study highlighted the fact that diet of any particular individual enables him/her to get a healthy lifestyle, where both personal satisfaction as well as wellbeing of the physical and mental health can be assured. The study also depicted that aspect that proper intake of diet might help individuals in dealing with various chronic and life threatening diseases. Therefore, the role of non-dairy supplements has been clearly presented within the study of Granato & et. al., (2010)8. In similar context, the study of Isolauri & et, al., (1986) provided a contradictory point of view regarding the argument whether people should include milk in their diet or not. The study revealed that more than 65 infants were under the influence of gastroenteritis owing to the consumption of animal-based milk products. This was due to rehydration and excessive feeding of cow’s milk. In order to justify the impact of cow’s milk on health, a study has been conducted by Isolauri & et, al., (1986) where one group of infants is indulged with the consumption of cow’s milk while the other group was availed with a mixed diet. Consequently, the group with mixed diet showed improvement in their health condition while the former depicted negative results in this context9. This aspect further depicted the need for alternative for animal or cow’s milk and consequently the concept of vegan milk came into existence. Alternative to Animal Milk: Vegan/ Plant Milk As discussed extensively throughout the study, plant milk is often regarded as a potential substitute for animal milk, which is less harmful for human health. Several studies have been conducted in this context to give a better comprehension with regard to the effectiveness or the prevalence of plant milk. To have a better comprehension in this context, several past researches in this particular subject matter can be taken into consideration. As per the study of Kadey (2012), people deemed to be quite allergic to some of the substance present in milk, which primarily includes lactose as one of the prime. In this context, the study provided some specific alternatives for cow or animal’s milk, which include coconut milk, soymilk, almonds, as well as rice milk to an extent. Statistically over the last five years, the sales of plant-based milk in the US has raised to around $1.3 billion, which is quite a staggering figure. It has also been comprehended that the figures might rise to around $1.7 billion in the coming years, which further depict the growth of the popularity of plant-based milk or any other dairy products. It is quite evident to note that milk is one of the most popular food items in the present day scenario that is being consumed by people in various nations of the world. However, owing to the health issues or allergic reactions associated with the digestion of animal or plant milk, there has been a sharp decline in its consumption in the US and other parts of the world. The figures suggest a decline of 20.6 gallons of cow milk consumption in the US for the year 2009. In order to get the required nutritional benefit provided by cow’s milk, people are consistently seeking for a better alternative for dairy products10. As per the study of Diegel (2011), soymilk can be seen as a potential alternative to cow’s milk in the present day society. It is believed that though animal milk has certain health concerns, its nutritional value could not be ignored at the same time. Soymilk is quite popular as plant milk in various part of the world since it is consumed as an alternative to cow’s milk in an extensive manner. As per the study of Diegel (2011), soya milk is produced through soaking as well as crushing soya beans. The liquid obtained from the same after the completion of the entire process act as the milk that can be consumed by people. There are certain positive aspects associated with soymilk, which can comparatively beneficial while aligning with cow’s milk. The amount of protein contain in soymilk is quite high and can make up the nutritional value offered by cow’s milk with fewer health issues associated with the consumption of the same. soymilk is often regarded as supplement that acts as a complete nutrition food, especially with regard to its protein content. However, the other side of coin depicts certain noteworthy health concerns relevant to the over consumption of soymilk as an alternative for cow’s milk. Notably, over consumption of soya milk can certainly lead to health problems in the form of improper digestion, allergies and stomach pain among others. This particular vegan milk is also deemed to have significant impact on fertility amid the humans. In terms of taste as well, soymilk tend to differ significantly when compared to cow’s milk11. The study of Usman & Davidson (2015) clearly depicted that soymilk is thicker and richer when compared to cow’s milk and hence the chances for developing an obese physique is quite high in this context12. Similar to the study of Usman & Davidson (2015), the research of Davis & Melina (2010) also provided a noteworthy insight with regard to the consumption of plant based milk or dairy products over that of animal or cow’s milk. Almond milk has been depicted within the study. The primary source of such milk is almonds, which are extracted to acquire liquid milk present in the almonds. Next to soymilk, almond milk has highest retail sales among the plant-based milk. For the year 2011, the sales of almond milk have depicted an increase of 79% when compared to the preceding year in the US. There are certain key benefits of almond milk, which needs to be comprehended in an efficient manner altogether. This particular alternative of cow’s milk is rich in terms of the prevalence of Vitamin E in the same, which is quite an important component with regard to the nutritional needs of individuals. Higher level of vitamin E present in this particular milk is important in enhancing the level of blood amid individuals in general. However, the lack of prevalence of minerals and proteins in almond further makes it inappropriate or incomplete food for human consumption, which can further leave noteworthy impacts upon the health and wellbeing of the individuals13. As per the study of Davis & Melina (2010), coconut milk can also act as an appropriate choice where there is a need for seeking an alternative product for cow’s milk. Coconut milk is often used in sauces. It is regarded as product that can be consumed by people all over the world as an alternative for animal milk. The appropriateness for this particular vegan milk can be justified by the fact that it is rich in lauric acid, which is quite healthy for human when compared to the consumption of saturated fats. Furthermore, the over consumption of such vegan milk also have less negative effect upon the health of an individual since the calorie content for such food item is deemed to be quite less. However, there are certain drawbacks depicted in the study of Davis & Melina (2010) regarding the consumption of coconut milk, which could not be ignored at the same time. The research identified the fact that though coconut milk has rich content in terms of its fiber the aspect of its protein content is quite a genuine concern. This aspect further impact it is positioning as an alternative cow’s milk owing to the lack of completeness of this particular food item. On the contrary, the taste of the coconut milk over that of cow’s milk has been appreciated considerably to a major extent altogether14. Allen (2014) articulated a brief overview of the difference amid cow’s milk and vegan milk. Milk is often regarded as a particular food substance that is relevant to cow’s product. However, owing to the health concerns associated with the consumption of cow’s milk, significant changes has been observed regarding the perception of the people about consuming plant-based milk or dairy products over that of animal based milk. Some of the benefits associated with vegan milk include low calorie, low sugar content along with the absence of lactose, which further promote plant or vegan milk to be better than that of animal milk. Figures in the present day market context in the US depicted that plant based milk has a sales of only 8% in the country while the rest of the market is acquired by the products determined from animal-based milk. However, there is a significant rise in the sales of animal milk alternative with a rise in the sales of around $2 billion for the 2013. This is expected to show an increase of more 30% per cent in the following years. This aspect further depicts the awareness of the people in different parts of the world regarding the consumption of plant based milk or dairy products over that of animal-based products15. Plant/ Vegan Milk: From a Business Point of View It has been learnt from the analysis that vegan or plant milk has become increasingly popular in recent time owing to the health benefits and advantages associated with the same. It has been learnt that in various parts of the US, the sales of plant-based milk has augmented significantly owing to which new business opportunities has emerged for the business units operating in this particular domain. In this context, Johnson (2013) revealed that there is a development of extensive market for plant-based products including that is vegan milk. Owing to this particular aspect, many multinational corporations are taking benefits of this rising sector and entering into unexplored marketplace. The preference of people with regard to vegan milk has enhanced significantly in the recent years. Products such as almond milk and soymilk are widely preferred by people all over the world owing to the health benefits associated with the same16. As per a particular article of Paulose (2014), vegan milk consumption or veganism has augmented significantly in the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries. Starting from the year 2005, the number of people preferring vegan diets has augmented significantly within the nation, which clearly depicts a market opportunities for the companies operating or intending to operate in this particular sector. With due consideration to this aspects, the UAE can be regarded as a potential market for initiating business operations with products that extensively include vegan diets and plant-based milk. Since, milk is one of the most widely used food supplements amid humans, it is quite apparent that plant based food along with milk might be a noteworthy business ideas. Contextually, in order to get a better understanding in this context, strengths, and weaknesses of plant-based milk as a business product would be vital to be taken into consideration17. Strengths of Plant Based Milk Plant-based food items have been experiencing considerable attention in the present day owing to the aspect it is considered good for health and at the same time, it provides ethical satisfaction to the people who are vegetarian. Similarly, plant-based milk is widely consumed by people for their health benefits in comparison to that of cow’s milk. The fact that they contain rich fiber, vitamins and minerals, make the milk fit for human consumption to a considerable extent altogether. Again, it has also been analysed that vegan milk is preferred by people for their health benefits, which cannot be acquired from the consumption of animal milk18. Weaknesses of Plant Based Milk The fact that source of plant-based milk is less when compared to cow’s milk can act as disadvantage for the business units. This aspect might also make people reluctant towards plant-based milk products and hence business units operating with these products might fail to flourish. Again, it has also been comprehended that the protein content in plant-based milk is quite low, which further raises questions over the completeness of the food for human consumption to a marginal extent altogether. There are also certain other nutritional deficiencies in plant-based milk that further creates reluctance among the people regarding its consumption. As contradictory to cow or animal’s milk, plant or vegan milk has less calcium content. This aspect further fails to meet the nutritional requirement of individuals who are involved in the intake of vegan milk. The bone health of people further gets affected significantly by the lack of calcium in vegan milk, which is a potential limitation of its widespread consumption. Lack of vitamin B12 is also regarded as a weakness of vegan milk. Vitamin B12 is abundantly present in animal diets such as milk, meat and others. With little prevalence of vitamin B12 in vegan milk, health issues amid the people can be quite evident. This is also a noteworthy limitation of vegan milk19. References Allen, J. V. ‘Got milk? From a cow or a plant?’ Home < http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2014/06/10/got-milk-from-a-cow-or-a-plant/>, (assessed 10 February 2015). Davis, B & Melina, V. Becoming Vegan (Google eBook). Book Publishing Company, US, 2010. Diegel, D. The Complete Idiots Guide to Vegan Baking (Google eBook). Penguin, US, 2011. Human Kinetics. Health and Wellness for Life. Human Kinetic, UK, 2009. Isolauri, E, Vesikari, T, Saha, P, & Viander, M. ‘Milk Versus No Milk in Refeeding After Acute Gastroenteritis’. Journal of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Vol. 5, 1986, pp. 254-261. Johnson, K. ‘Non-Dairy Milk Riding High On The WhiteWave’. Home. < http://elated.co.za/non-dairy-milk-riding-high-on-the-whitewave/>, (assessed 10 February 2015). Jolinda Hackett. ‘What are some good vegan substitutes for milk?’ Home < http://vegetarian.about.com/od/vegetarianvegan101/f/MilkSubstitutes.htm> 2015 (assessed 10 February 2015). Lin, D. ‘Milk and Human Health’. Home < http://animalrights.about.com/od/animalsusedforfood/a/MilkHealth.htm>, 2015 (assessed 10 February 2015). Kadey, M. ‘Made from Rice, Soy, Coconut, Almonds and More, Alternatives to Cow’s Milk Abound. Here is How to Make Sense of Your Options’, Home , and (assessed 10 February 2015). Park, Y. W and Heinlein, G. F. W. Milk and Dairy Products in Human Nutrition: Production, Composition, and Health. Wiley, 2013. Patton, S. Milk: Its Remarkable Contribution to Human Health and Well-Being (Google eBook). Transaction Publishers, US, 2005. Paulose, M. ‘Being Vegan: Veganism Takes Food World by Storm’. Home. < http://www.khaleejtimes.com/wknd/wknd_article.asp?xfile=/data/wkndtopstoriesnew/2014/January/wkndtopstoriesnew_January16.xml>, (assessed 10 February 2015). Usman, M & Davidson, J. Vegan Diet - Live Green! (Google eBook). Mendon Cottage Books, US, 2015. World Health Organization, 2005. Ecosystems and Human Well-being: Health Synthesis. World Health Organization, US, 2005. Read More