Are plant based products at odds with the dairy and meat industry?

I would be against such a law. I believe this issue is tackling a surface level problem in discussing the terminology of “milk” and “meat”. The real underlying issue is the growing consumer preference for plant based products.  

Generation Z are consuming less dairy and meat compared to previous generations. In a study conducted by Censuswide UK, 43% of Gen Z plan not to eat meat compared to 26% of Millennials and 12% of Gen X. From this it is clear to see that there is a steady rise in the consumer interest in plant based products all over the world. Some of the reasons stated for this trend are health issues and concerns about animal and environmental welfare. 

Plant based milk and meat are used as substitutes for the animal based item. Therefore, I believe it is right to label almond milk as a type of milk even though it doesn’t have dairy in it. The function of almond milk is to replace traditional milk in a person’s diet. As long as it is clearly labelled to not have the same benefits as traditional milk, I don’t believe this is an issue that requires legislation against it. 

Instead, the dairy and meat industry needs to employ new marketing tactics to convince consumers why they should buy animal products. A good way to do that is to showcase the benefits of drinking milk. For example, regularly drinking cow’s milk can help prevent osteoporosis, especially in women who are twice as likely to develop it. 

In conclusion, taking away the label of milk/meat from plant based products will not stop consumers from buying it. The dairy and meat industry needs to find new ways to stay relevant in a world with a growing plant based preference.

References

Ratajczak, A. E., Zawada, A., Rychter, A. M., Dobrowolska, A., & Krela-Kaźmierczak, I. (2021). Milk and Dairy Products: Good or Bad for Human Bone? Practical Dietary Recommendations for the Prevention and Management of Osteoporosis. Nutrients, 13(4), 1329.