Alpro This is Not M*lk Ingredients
Alpro, a European brand, produces an oat-based drink called 'This is Not M*lk' that comes in different fat percentages, such as Semi (1.8%) and Whole (3.5%). The exact ingredients can vary slightly by region and fat content, but a typical formulation is centered on an oat base.
Main Components of Alpro's Recipe
- Oat Base (Water, Oat): This forms the core of the product. Water is combined with oats, which are milled and soaked to create the liquid base.
- Sunflower Oil: Added to give the drink a richer, creamier texture and mouthfeel, similar to traditional dairy milk.
- Chicory Root Fibres or Soluble Corn Fibre: These are included to add fiber content and improve the mouthfeel and stability of the product.
- Pea Protein: A small amount is included to help with stability and contribute a minor amount of protein.
Fortification and Additives
Alpro fortifies its oat drink with essential nutrients to enhance its nutritional profile. It also uses stabilizers and acidity regulators to ensure a consistent texture and long shelf life.
- Calcium: Added as calcium carbonate to match the calcium content of dairy milk.
- Acidity Regulator (Potassium Phosphates): Helps maintain the correct pH balance to prevent the product from curdling, especially when added to coffee.
- Vitamins (D2, B12): These are included as common vegan dietary supplements. Alpro may also add Iodine.
- Stabiliser (Gellan Gum) and Emulsifier (Lecithins): These ingredients help prevent the separation of the oil and water components, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Sea Salt: Used for flavoring.
NotCo NotMilk Ingredients
NotCo is a food technology company that uses an artificial intelligence platform called 'Giuseppe' to develop its plant-based products, including 'NotMilk.' The AI analyzes the molecular structure of dairy and finds plant-based alternatives to replicate the taste and texture. This results in a much different and more complex ingredient list than Alpro's oat-based product.
Main Components of NotCo's Recipe
- Water: The primary liquid component of the beverage.
- Pea Protein: This is the main protein source, crucial for replicating the texture and nutritional profile of milk.
- Sunflower Oil & Coconut Oil: A blend of oils is used to create the fat content and creamy mouthfeel.
- Chicory Root Fiber: Included for fiber content and texture enhancement.
AI-Selected Flavor and Texture Ingredients
This is where NotCo's formula becomes unique, with ingredients specifically chosen by its AI for their molecular properties.
- Pineapple Juice Concentrate: The AI identified that lactones in pineapple could mimic certain flavor notes found in dairy.
- Cabbage Juice Concentrate: Another unusual ingredient, chosen by the AI to help replicate the complex taste of milk.
- Calcium Carbonate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate: These are added for calcium fortification and to serve as acidity regulators.
- Gellan Gum & Acacia Gum: These stabilizers prevent separation and maintain the desired consistency.
- Vitamins (D2, B12): Fortification to boost the nutritional content.
- Natural Flavor: The specific blend of flavors is likely a closely guarded trade secret resulting from the AI's analysis.
Comparison: Alpro vs. NotCo
To better understand the differences between these two plant-based milks, here is a comparison table outlining their key characteristics.
| Feature | Alpro This is Not M*lk | NotCo NotMilk |
|---|---|---|
| Base Ingredient | Oats | Water, Pea Protein |
| Key Fats | Sunflower Oil | Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil |
| Flavoring | "Flavourings" (generic) | Pineapple and Cabbage Juice Concentrates |
| Thickeners/Stabilizers | Gellan Gum, Soluble Corn Fibre | Gellan Gum, Acacia Gum, Chicory Root Fiber |
| Protein Source | Pea Protein | Pea Protein |
| Primary Market | Europe | United States, South America |
| Environmental Claims | Uses European oats | Uses AI to minimize water, CO2, energy |
Understanding the Roles of Ingredients
Beyond the headline components, the various additives play crucial roles in creating a milk-like experience.
Why Stabilizers and Emulsifiers are Important
In both products, ingredients like gellan gum and lecithins (in Alpro) or acacia gum (in NotCo) are essential. Without them, the fats and water in these beverages would separate, leading to an unappealing consistency. This is especially important for creating a stable, creamy texture that can be used in coffee without curdling, a common issue with early plant-based milks. The chicory root fiber and soluble corn fiber also contribute to this stability while adding dietary fiber.
The Science Behind Flavor
The distinct approach to flavoring is a key differentiator. Alpro uses a simple "flavorings" label, likely indicating a straightforward method to enhance the natural oat taste. NotCo's use of specific juice concentrates, guided by AI, is a more complex attempt to mimic the subtle flavor profile of dairy milk at a molecular level. This innovative method is designed to provide a more authentic taste experience for consumers seeking a direct dairy replacement.
Conclusion
The question of what are the ingredients in 'this is not milk' has two different answers depending on the brand. Alpro's version is primarily an oat-based drink, fortified with vitamins and stabilized with plant-based ingredients for a creamy texture. In contrast, NotCo's NotMilk is a pea-protein-based alternative that utilizes AI-selected ingredients like pineapple and cabbage juice concentrates to replicate the flavor profile of dairy milk. Both products offer dairy-free, vegan alternatives, but their fundamental composition and technological approaches to mimic milk are distinctly different. Consumers can choose the option that best fits their taste preferences and ingredient considerations.
For more detailed information on ingredients and nutritional content, it is always best to check the specific product packaging or the official company website, such as Alpro's official product pages.
