What is Plant-based Milk and Why do Malaysians Love Them?

Walk down the chiller aisle at Jaya Grocer or AEON and the milk section looks nothing like it did ten years ago. Next to the fresh milk you will now find almond, oat, macadamia, walnut and pistachio milk, alongside the soy milk Malaysians have drunk for generations.

Plant-based milk is a dairy-free drink made by blending nuts, grains, seeds or legumes with water and straining out the solids. In Malaysia, it has taken off for a practical reason: according to a study of 300 Malaysian adults in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, between 83% and 91% of Malay, Chinese and Indian participants had low levels of lactase, the enzyme that digests the sugar in cow’s milk.

This guide explains what plant-based milk is, compares the main types available in Malaysia, and is honest about how they stack up against cow’s milk.

What is plant-based milk made of?

Plant-based milk is made from a plant ingredient, such as almonds, oats or soybeans, soaked and blended with water, then strained to a smooth, milk-like drink.

Most commercial plant milks follow the same basic process. The base ingredient is soaked, ground with water and filtered. Manufacturers may then add oil for creaminess, a little salt, and vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitamin D. This is called fortification, and it matters, because most plant ingredients do not naturally contain as much calcium as cow’s milk.

The base ingredient decides almost everything else: taste, texture, protein, sugar and how well the milk behaves in a hot cup of coffee.

What types of plant-based milk are available in Malaysia?

The main types of plant-based milk in Malaysia are soy, almond, oat, macadamia, walnut and pistachio milk, each with a different taste and nutrient profile.

Type	Taste and texture	Protein	Best for
Soy milk	Beany, medium body	Highest of the plant milks	Drinking, cooking, protein needs
Almond milk	Light, nutty, thin	Low	Low-sugar and low-calorie diets, cereal, smoothies
Oat milk	Naturally sweet, creamy	Low to moderate	Coffee, baking, nut-free households
Macadamia milk	Buttery, rich, creamy	Low	Coffee, drinking on its own
Walnut milk	Earthy, slightly complex	Low	Smoothies, porridge, drinking
Pistachio milk	Mild, nutty, indulgent	Low	Lattes, desserts, a treat

Soy milk

Soy milk is the original plant milk in Malaysia, sold at every pasar malam and kopitiam long before the newer options arrived. According to a 2018 review by Vanga and Raghavan in the Journal of Food Science and Technology, soy milk is the plant milk closest to cow’s milk in overall nutrient profile. Read more about the health benefits of soy milk.

Almond milk

Almond milk is one of the most popular nut milks in Malaysia. Unsweetened versions are very low in sugar and calories, which makes them a favourite for keto and calorie-conscious diets. 137 Degrees Almond Milk Unsweetened is made from 100% California non-GMO whole almonds with no cane sugar added. See our guides to the nutritional benefits of almond milk and almond milk vs cow milk.

Oat milk

Oat milk is creamy and naturally a little sweet, because the oats’ starches break down into sugars during processing. It froths well, which has made it a cafe staple. 137 Degrees Oat Milk Unsweetened is not made from concentrate and contains no cane sugar, carrageenan or preservatives. Learn more about the benefits of oat milk.

Macadamia, walnut and pistachio milk

These are the premium end of the category. Macadamia milk is one of the creamiest nut milks and a strong choice for coffee; our guide to macadamia milk in Malaysia covers it in detail. Walnut milk has an earthy depth and naturally contains omega-3 ALA, a plant form of omega-3 fat. Pistachio milk, blended with cashew for body, has a mild, indulgent flavour that suits lattes and desserts.

 

Why are Malaysians switching to plant-based milk?

Malaysians are switching to plant-based milk mainly because many adults digest lactose poorly, and because plant milks fit dairy-free, vegan and lower-sugar diets.

• Lactose: the Indian Journal of Medical Research study found hypolactasia (low lactase) in 88% of Malay, 91% of Chinese and 83% of Indian adults tested. Not everyone with low lactase gets symptoms, but bloating or discomfort after milk is common. Plant milks contain no lactose.
• Diet choices: plant milks are dairy-free, so they suit vegans, vegetarians and people avoiding dairy for other reasons.
• Sugar: unsweetened almond, macadamia and walnut milks contain little or no sugar, which appeals to people cutting back.
• Coffee culture: Malaysia’s cafe scene has made oat and macadamia lattes everyday orders, and many people now want the same at home.
• Halal confidence: many imported plant milks, including 137 Degrees’ almond and oat milks, are Halal certified, so Muslim households can choose freely.

Is plant-based milk healthier than cow’s milk?

Not automatically. Plant-based milk is lactose-free and often lower in calories and saturated fat, but cow’s milk has more protein, and only fortified plant milks come close on calcium.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration’s 2023 consumer guidance on milk and plant-based milk alternatives, fortified soy drinks are the only plant-based option the US Dietary Guidelines place in the dairy group, because their nutrients are close enough to milk. The FDA advises choosing plant milks higher in calcium, vitamin D, potassium and protein, and lower in added sugars and saturated fat.

The practical answer depends on what you need. If you want a low-sugar, low-calorie drink and get protein elsewhere, unsweetened almond milk is a good fit. If you rely on milk for protein, soy milk or cow’s milk serves you better. Whichever you pick, read the label rather than assuming “plant-based” means healthier.

Which plant-based milk is best for coffee and cooking?

Oat and macadamia milk are best for coffee because they are creamy and froth well. Unsweetened almond milk works well in smoothies, cereal and baking where you want a lighter result.

• Lattes and flat whites: oat or macadamia milk. Warm the milk gently first to reduce splitting in very hot coffee.
• Teh tarik and kopi at home: almond or oat milk, depending on how creamy you like it.
• Smoothies and overnight oats: almond or walnut milk.
• Baking and savoury cooking: unsweetened almond or oat milk, swapped one for one with cow’s milk in most recipes.
• Desserts: pistachio milk, for a richer, nuttier finish.

How do you choose a good plant-based milk in Malaysia?

Check the label for added sugar, the main ingredient, additives, Halal certification and fortification before you buy.

1. Sugar: choose “unsweetened” or “no added sugar” if you want to keep sugar low.
2. Ingredient quality: look for whole nuts or grains rather than extracts or flavourings.
3. Additives: some brands use carrageenan or gums for texture. If you prefer a shorter ingredient list, look for carrageenan-free options.
4. Halal certification: look for JAKIM’s Halal logo or a foreign certification body that JAKIM recognises.
5. Fortification: if plant milk replaces cow’s milk in your diet, choose one with added calcium and vitamin D.

For a step-by-step version with product picks, read our plant-based milk buying guide.

When might plant-based milk not be right for you?

Plant-based milk is the wrong choice if you are allergic to its main ingredient, if you depend on milk for protein, or as a replacement for breast milk or formula in babies.

• Allergies: nut milks are unsuitable for people with tree nut allergies. Oat milk is a nut-free alternative, but check the label for shared facilities.
• Protein needs: most nut and oat milks contain far less protein than cow’s milk. Soy milk is the exception.
• Babies and young children: plant milk is not a substitute for breast milk or infant formula. Speak to your doctor before making it a main drink for a young child.

Where can you buy plant-based milk in Malaysia?

You can buy plant-based milk at supermarkets such as AEON and Jaya Grocer, and online at sanglafoods.com, Shopee and Lazada.

The 137 Degrees range covers almond, oat, macadamia, walnut and pistachio milk, all lactose-free and dairy-free. Its almond, oat, walnut and pistachio milks are Halal certified. Explore the range at sanglafoods.com, or find it on Shopee and Lazada.

Frequently asked questions about plant-based milk in Malaysia

What is the healthiest plant-based milk in Malaysia?

Soy milk is the most nutritionally complete plant-based milk, because its protein and nutrient profile is closest to cow’s milk. Unsweetened almond milk is the lowest in sugar and calories. The healthiest choice depends on whether you need more protein or less sugar.

Is plant-based milk good for lactose intolerance?

Yes, plant-based milk is naturally lactose-free, so it is a good option if you are lactose intolerant. This is common in Malaysia, where a study found low lactase levels in 83% to 91% of adults tested. Almond, oat, soy and macadamia milk all contain no lactose.

Which plant milk is best for coffee?

Oat milk and macadamia milk are the best plant milks for coffee. Both are creamy and froth well for lattes. Almond milk works too, but it is thinner and can split in very hot coffee unless you warm it first.

Is plant-based milk Halal in Malaysia?

Most plant-based milk is made from Halal ingredients, but you should still look for a Halal logo, because certification also covers processing. 137 Degrees almond, oat, walnut and pistachio milks sold by Sangla Foods are Halal certified.

Does plant-based milk have calcium?

Plant-based milk naturally contains less calcium than cow’s milk, unless it is fortified. Check the label for added calcium and vitamin D if plant milk replaces dairy in your diet. The FDA recommends choosing plant milks higher in calcium, vitamin D and protein.