All foodies represent a united front when it comes to the love and adoration for the humble and delicious potato. Whether it is fried, mashed, roasted or, most recently, used to make milk, the potato is a versatile vegetable that is the gift that keeps on giving.
The popularity of plant-based milk has grown worldwide as the shift to adopt animal-free alternatives continues. Currently, there are various plant-based milk alternatives available on the market including soy, almond and oat.
ALSO READ: 5 dairy-free milk alternatives to consider when cutting out cow’s milk
In 2021, oat milk took centre stage, but we believe that the new star of the show will definitely be potato milk. And, yes, we know what you’re thinking: “Potato milk? Is it just a bunch of mashed-up potatoes?” We are here to answer all your questions and provide you with some insight into the new plant-based milk alternative.
Potato milk is more than just mashed potatoes
According to reports, the geniuses behind creating potato milk are a Sweden-based tech startup called DUG drinks whose product launch was fuelled by the food science research conducted by Lund University’s Professor Eva Tornberg.
Owned by Veg of Lund, DUG drinks utilises the emulsion technology discovered by Professor Tornberg to create the world’s first potato milk. Currently, DUG drinks is the first and only producer of this soon-to-be popular potato milk.
They have created a potato milk product using rapeseed emulsion, ensuring that it can be used for baking, cooking, drinking and more without separating.
Why make milk from potatoes?
One of the main reasons behind adopting plant-based alternatives is its reduced production impact on the environment and animals.
According to DUG drinks, the humble potato is more sustainable in crop production when compared to other plant-based milk alternatives. “Potatoes don’t need much to grow at all, making them a super-sustainable crop compared to others like soybeans, almonds, oats or dairy.”
According to Carbon Cloud, a company dedicated to providing transparent and accurate information on the carbon footprint of products available on the market, potato milk production has a 75% reduced impact on the climate when compared to dairy milk products.
Water Footprint Network points out that when compared to almonds, potatoes need 56 times less water to be grown. This means that the production of potatoes positively contributes to combating droughts and possible water shortages across the globe.
Currently the potato milk alternative is only available in the UK and Sweden, but we can’t wait for it to make it to local shores so we can give it a try.
Would you try this plant-based milk? Let us know in the comments or by visiting us on Instagram @food24_sa and leaving your thoughts.