Breaking
FoodNerdy Recipes Management System
Tag

alternatives

Browsing
Lifestyle

8 Alternatives for Women to Watch Football

Your partner likes to watch football, but you don’t? Then check out clever alternatives to watching football. As a result, you can comfortably do other things you enjoy and still spend time with your boyfriend. So the time together in front of the TV is put to good use.

Men always want to watch football, especially at a football World Cup or European Championship. If you want to spend time with them, watching football is a must. Alternatives are always good.

Ideas for football alternatives

There are now many women who like to watch football, but maybe you are not one of them. If you still want to spend playtime with your partner without getting bored, do something else. Because there are many activities that you can do while watching football. Below we have collected some football alternative ideas for you:

1) Take a foot bath and do a pedicure

A footbath is an electric footbath that is relaxing and actually takes a lot of time. However, since such a football game has 90 minutes, you have enough free space for a laid-out foot bath followed by soothing care for tired feet. Removing calluses also requires a lot of time and rest.

2) Buy new clothes

Watching football is a great way to search for new clothes on the internet. Precisely because the attention of the man and the children is on the football players, you can dream yourself into beautiful clothing worlds. The following sites are very suitable for online shopping. Also, note valuable tips for bargain hunting on the Internet.

  • etsy.com
  • vinted.de
  • zalando.de

3) Dye and condition your hair while watching football

How about a new look? Then use the time of the game to dye your hair. You can also make a nourishing hair treatment yourself. Because you rarely find time for that in everyday life. So why not use the 90 minutes in which your friend is watching the TV?!

4) Make face masks yourself

Likewise, you can take care of your facial skin while you are sitting on the sofa with your friend and watching the game. Because you rarely take the time to do this. Our skin will thank us for it. Therefore, use beneficial recipes to make your own face mask and relax. Then you can counteract wrinkles at the same time.

5) Paint fingernails

Soccer time is a nice opportunity for women to take time for their fingernails. The whole program: washing, filing, polishing, and varnishing fingernails. It is best to use the tips and home remedies for beautiful fingernails. You can also make care oil for nail care yourself in advance and try it out.

6) Buy new shoes instead of watching football

Browsing for shoes takes time and a lot of attention. The soccer game is great for looking for nice new shoes with your tablet on the sofa. So you can use the time well and sensibly for yourself. Of course, you can also look for many other things on the internet. And the good thing is, if you don’t like the products, you have a right to return them. In addition, note how you can save money on the Internet. And for the shoe search use the following websites:

  • justfab.de
  • zalando.de/schuhe
  • mirapodo.de
  • otto.de/schuhe

7) Knitting or crocheting while watching football

If you’ve always wanted to knit or crochet, the soccer game is the perfect opportunity. Because it’s fun and you create something at the same time. So get creative and start with your new or old hobby. And enjoy having your friend keep you company. Please also note our tips for sewing for beginners.

8) Leaf through magazines

Leafing through beautiful glossy magazines has gone out of fashion. But it’s just a nice pastime and gives you nice ideas. So just let the guys bring you one or more magazines when you buy a beer. Then you can use magazines creatively, e.g. to make collages.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Gelatin Substitute: Vegan, Plant-Based Alternatives

As a vegan or vegetarian, you can use gelatin substitutes for desserts, sauces and cakes. You can find the best alternatives here.

Gelatine is used in the food industry to bind liquids and create a creamy to firm consistency. For this reason, the gelling agent is used particularly in sweets, desserts, dairy products or sauces and soups. But juices, wines or medicines can also be made with gelatine.

Conventional gelatin is a by-product of slaughter. It consists mainly of collagen, which is found in skin, bones and nails. The remains of cattle or pigs are often used for this. But poultry or fish are also used for gelatine production.

Gelatine is therefore taboo for vegans and vegetarians. You don’t have to do without delicious desserts & co. Because there are herbal alternatives as a gelatine substitute that work very well.

Gelatin substitute: These are the vegan alternatives

Agar Agar is a vegetable gelling agent and consists of dried seaweed. The vegan gelatine substitute is available as a powder or flakes. Agar Agar is tasteless and rich in minerals and fiber. Before use, it must be heated or soaked in water. The end result is slightly firmer than regular gelatine.
Carrageenan is a gelatin substitute made from red algae. It binds liquid and is particularly used as a thickening agent. Since it stays a little more liquid, it is more likely to be used for jellies or in cosmetics. Carrageenan is suspected of causing allergic reactions, so it should be used with caution.
Guar gum is obtained from the seeds of the guar plant and is also considered a vegan gelatine substitute. It binds the liquid during preparation and is particularly suitable for preparing ice cream, creamy dishes or jams.
Potato or corn starch can also be used as a gelatin substitute. The starch has to be heated beforehand and can then be used as a binding agent. Vegetable starch is used in cakes, soups and sauces, among other things. You can find the vegan gelling agent in organic quality in health food stores.
Pectin is mainly obtained from the cell walls of leftover apples or lemons and is therefore rich in dietary fibre. It has no taste of its own and is particularly suitable for making jam, as the pectin gels particularly well with sugar and lemon juice.

Keep Reading
By
health

Useful Knowledge about Breastfeeding and Breast Milk Alternatives

When the long-awaited baby is finally born, a very special and exciting time begins for the parents. A lot will then be new in living together and some things will have to get used to overtime. Breastfeeding with breast milk or breast milk alternatives will also be an issue. Therefore, we have collected useful information.

When the long-awaited baby is finally born, a very special and exciting time begins for the parents. A lot will then be new in living together and some things will have to get used to overtime. Breastfeeding with breast milk or breast milk alternatives will also be an issue. Therefore, we have collected useful information.

Proper breastfeeding guidance and help

Since many mothers are a bit uncertain, especially at the beginning, you should get help from a lactation consultant or a specially trained midwife when it comes to breastfeeding. They can give valuable tips on the subject. You can also get valuable tips on pregnancy with asthma or the right diet during pregnancy here.

It should be possible to breastfeed the baby on both breasts without difficulty, even in different breastfeeding positions. If the baby is latched correctly, it can prevent sore nipples, engorgement, and other problems. The baby should be able to grasp both breasts well and breastfeeding should be painless.

Use the nursing pillow

The so-called breastfeeding pillow is one of the most important things in the baby’s initial equipment. There are different versions of this. In general, it should make breastfeeding easier for the mother and the child and make breastfeeding more comfortable. The nursing pillow is a special pregnancy pillow that is ergonomically shaped and flexible to use and is already popular during pregnancy. The selection of nursing pillows is quite large. A look at the nursing pillow test winner can help make the right decision in this regard.

How long should you breastfeed?

It is recommended that the infant be exclusively breastfed until at least the beginning of the fifth month. After that, you can start with complimentary food. After six months, the baby should also be given other food at the latest. But you have to decide for yourself how long you want to breastfeed your child.

The frequency and duration of meals

How often you breastfeed is an individual decision. This allows the infant to have eight to twelve breastfeeding meals a day. There are babies who drink every hour for a period of two to six hours and then sleep longer. Others drink every two to three hours during the day and night. The little ones stay on each breast for an average of 15 to 20 minutes per feed. There are also infants who only need one breast to be full. Others need both and drink even longer. In addition, also consider a safe sleeping environment for the baby.

Prepare baby milk with the right water

Usually, the milk powder is mixed with water. In principle, the quality of tap water in Germany is so good that you can boil the water and use it to make baby food. However, you need to know that old houses can still have old lead or copper pipes. If that’s the case, you shouldn’t use that water for feeding babies. Even if it has been cleaned with a water filter.

Some water companies can give parents of young children free water tests. This makes it easy to check the quality. It is also possible to have the water tested for lead and copper for a fee. Still, mineral water is an alternative to tap water. The label should contain the note “suitable for preparing baby food”. Special baby water is also available, but very expensive.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Salt Substitutes: These Alternatives Flavor Your Food Without Salt

There are many alternatives that you can use as a substitute for salt in cooking. Why too much salt is unhealthy and how to replace it without sacrificing spice and taste.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a maximum of five grams of salt per day for adults, but the reality is different: According to the organization, the majority of Europeans consume up to eleven grams of salt a day through food. Consuming too much salt over a long period of time can be detrimental to your health. High blood pressure in particular is a dangerous risk associated with too much salt.

Actively reducing salt consumption is not always easy: We get most of it from finished products, snacks such as crisps and pretzel sticks, but also bread and cheese. In addition to fat and sugar, fast food also contains a lot of salt.

So, if you want to control your salt intake, your primary goal should be to cut down on processed foods and cook more at home. This has a positive side effect: you save a lot of packaging waste and you know exactly what you are eating.

However, there are also some flavorful alternatives to salt that you can use in cooking. So you save on salt, but you don’t have to sacrifice taste and spice.

Spices as a salt substitute

“Seasoning” does not necessarily mean “salting”. Instead, use more different spices when cooking and thus develop the whole spectrum of taste. Spice powders are easy to use and widely available. Tip: If you don’t mind the effort, you can grind many spices yourself at home.

Keep the following in your pantry at all times:
For vegetables:
chilli powder
anise
garlic
nutmeg
fennel seeds
cardamom
For fish and meat (for ecological reasons, it is advisable to eat little or no fish and meat):
White pepper
Black pepper
curry powder
paprika powder
Caraway seeds
pimento

Replace salt with vinegar

You can also replace salt with high-quality vinegar. Although vinegar tastes tart, adding small amounts gives you a great flavor.

Herbs as an alternative to salt

Fresh and dried herbs ensure an intense aroma and varied taste. There is an abundance of herbs:
Parsely
chives
dill
wild garlic
basil
watercress
rosemary
thyme
lovage
oregano
coriander
marjoram
tarragon
mint
sage
lemon balm
As you can see, there are a lot of different herbs, many native, others Mediterranean. If you want to harvest your own herbs, you can create your own personal herb bed with your favorites.

Garlic and onions as a salt substitute

Onions and garlic have a strong flavor of their own and add flavor to your food without the need for additional salt.

Replace salt with yeast

Many dishes, especially soups and broths, can also be seasoned with yeast products. Yeast gives your food an aromatic, spicy taste. Yeast flakes, yeast extract and yeast seasoning pastes are suitable. When buying, make sure that the product in question does not contain any additional table salt.

Sodium reduced salt as a salt substitute?

As its name suggests, reduced-sodium salt contains less sodium chloride than regular salt. As a substitute, potassium chloride is in such products.

Sodium-reduced salt is suitable with regard to a low-salt diet in that you can save a lot of sodium chloride. However, it is said to have a slightly bitter aftertaste and taste less salty than regular salt.

The best thing to do is to try it out to see whether it is suitable and worthwhile as a salt substitute for you. Seasoning with natural ingredients such as spices, herbs or yeast is more recommended.

Salt substitute: More tips

If you want to reduce your salt intake, weaning it off slowly will help. On the one hand, you should (after) add less salt overall. Your taste buds will get used to it over time, so you won’t miss all that salt anymore.

Many seasoning products, such as vegetable broth and soy sauce, are also available in reduced-salt versions. Keep your eyes open when shopping and look around for such products. You can save a lot of salt this way.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Honey Vegan: The 6 Best Plant-Based Alternatives

For ecological and animal welfare reasons, many vegans in particular choose not to consume honey. But it is also worthwhile for anyone who is curious to simply try honey vegan.
We will introduce you to various herbal products that you can use to replace the classic honey.

Is honey vegan?

Many vegan beginners ask themselves this question. The answer is simple: no. Because honey is a product made by animals. Just like with other farm animals, humans interfere with the natural development and way of life of the bees and, just like with other farm animals, problems can arise from this. Many strict vegans therefore do without honey and beeswax.

Alternatives: honey vegan

If you do without honey or just want to try something new, you can try the following plant-based alternatives in addition to conventional household sugar.

1. Sugar beet syrup: regional vegan honey
2. Maple syrup: the vegan honey alternative from Canada
3. Dandelion syrup: honey vegan to make yourself
4. Agave syrup and agave cream: the versatile vegan honey alternative
5. Dried fruits: the vegan honey alternative for muesli
6. Stevia: the vegan honey alternative for drinks

Keep Reading
By
Food

Soy Drink – The Classic Among Milk Alternatives

In China, soy drinks – also known as soy milk – have been a popular drink for several thousand years. In Europe, the vegan milk substitute has now established itself as a classic among milk alternatives.

The advantages first: soy drinks are vegan, lactose-free, milk protein-free and gluten-free – so they are also suitable for people who are allergic to cow’s milk. And yet the soy drink is not without controversy: there are also allergies to soy. In addition, it is repeatedly claimed that the plant-based milk substitute contains genetically modified soybeans, that the soy is imported from South America and that soy drinks are generally not suitable for children. Not all of that is true. Here we have compiled the most important facts about the soy drink.

What is meant by soy drinks?

The so-called soy milk may not officially be called milk in the EU because it is not milked but made from soybeans. In retail, the drink can therefore be found on the shelves under the name “soy drink”. The same applies to other milk alternatives, by the way.

Soy drinks are based on soybeans and water. As a rule, the drink is made from the press cake that remains when soybean oil is pressed from soybeans. This press cake is soaked in water, finely mashed and then filtered so that solids and liquids are separated.

The pure “soy milk” is then further processed – into tofu, other meat alternatives or drinks. In order to make them durable, the milk alternative is heated to an ultra high temperature.

The finished soy drink usually contains between 8 and 10 percent soy. The slightly yellowish liquid is reminiscent of cow’s milk in consistency, but tastes more like beans or slightly nutty.

Minerals, especially calcium, vitamins such as vitamin B12, and often sugar or flavorings are added to many soy drinks.

What’s in the soy drink? The nutritional values

Soy drink contains around two percent less fat than whole milk (3.5 percent) and slightly more than low-fat milk (1.5 percent).

At three to four percent, the protein content is about as high as that of cow’s milk, but the proteins from the milk substitute are considered to be somewhat easier for the human body to utilize.

In addition, the soy drink also contains saponins and flavonoids, secondary plant substances that are said to have a positive effect. The calcium and vitamin B2 content is rather low, which is why it is often artificially added.

Compared to cow’s milk, soy milk substitutes lack cholesterol, vitamin B12 and vitamin C.

Is soy drink healthy as a milk substitute?

Are soy drinks healthy? Yes and no.

The milk substitute has positive health aspects: It is suitable for people with lactose or milk protein intolerance. Gluten allergy sufferers also have no problems with the drink.

As a high-quality supplier of unsaturated fatty acids and as a source of protein, soya drink helps to ensure the supply of these nutrients in a vegan lifestyle.

The lack of cholesterol also has a positive effect on people with problems in this area. All points that speak in favor of using the milk alternative in coffee or muesli.

Keep Reading
By
Cooking Tips

The Best Vegan Minced Meat Alternatives

Meat is an essential part of the diet for most people. Vegan minced meat is a plant-based alternative to minced meat dishes such as spaghetti Bolognese. We show you cheap and at least tasty minced meat alternatives and what advantages vegan minced meat has for you.

Lots of great and delicious dishes can be made with minced meat: lasagne, meatballs, or spaghetti Bolognese. However, the consumption of pork and/or beef causes mass deaths of animals. It’s not really healthy either. To avoid that, here are some vegan minced meat alternatives.

Vegan mince as a healthier option

Roughly speaking, minced meat is chopped and designed as muscle meat, e.g. As pork, beef, or veal. It contains nutrients and important vitamins, but vegan ground beef is much healthier. Vegan minced meat contains very healthy ingredients such as vegetable fat with lots of unsaturated fatty acids. Healthy vegetable oil is rapeseed oil, for example. This is good for your heart and circulation. The minced meat alternatives also contain fiber.

Products from the supermarket and online

Almost all supermarkets now sell meat alternatives. Including vegan alternatives to minced meat. Of course, such products can also be purchased online. The Rügenwalder Mühle brand sells vegan minced meat, both online and in supermarkets, such as Rewe.

Different variants of vegan mince

Vegan mince comes in many different types. These include soy, peas, and sunflower seeds. The different bases provide a wide range of choices and are all very healthy. This means that people with allergies or vegans and vegetarians also have a large selection of products. The minced meat alternatives can be used, for example, for dishes such as homemade Bolognese or a cider Bolognese sauce, chili non-Carne, burgers, or vegetable fillings.

1) Vegan, soy-based ground beef

Many vegan meat alternatives are based on soy. So also some vegan minced meat products. These are not only available for frying, but also for mixing. Soy is a healthy and nutritious alternative to ground beef, and it tastes amazing too. Soy-based products are also available online.

2) Pea protein as a basis for vegan mince

Even pea protein minced meat exists. The unusual alternative, like the soy mince, can be bought as granules, for example. You can use the granules for a wide variety of dishes. It is also ideal for a vegan or vegetarian diet.

3) Vegan ground beef made from sunflower seed proteins

Great minced meals can also be prepared from sunflower seed proteins because the products are soy-free and contain a lot of protein. Minced meat based on sunflower seeds is very healthy and a good product for people with allergies, for example.

4) Make vegan mett yourself

In addition to warm dishes, the Mettbrötchen is probably one of the most popular dishes with minced meat. There is also a delicious vegan alternative. What you need for this:

  • 50g puffed brown rice or rice cakes
  • 50g tomato paste
  • 1.5 onions (approx. 120g)
  • 1-2 tsp sea salt
  • pepper
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
  • 200ml of water

Watch this video for simple instructions on how to prepare it. By the way, this vegan mince alternative tastes very delicious and is quick and easy to prepare.

Minced meat from factory farming

Masses of animals are dying because of the high meat consumption of the people. Many people go hungry because most of the soy grown worldwide is used for animal feed. To counteract this and the cruel attitude of the animals, you can use vegan alternatives.

Vegan hack for the diet

Vegan mince is great for a diet. Since it is very healthy, you can eat delicious mincemeat despite a vegan Thrive diet, for example. The healthy nutrients in soy, sunflower seed, and ground peas help you to get your diet under control and still be able to eat delicious dishes.

Keep Reading
By
Food

9 Coffee Alternatives

Coffee is an essential part of everyday life for many people. But the long transport route, the exploitation of the coffee farmers and the use of pesticides speak against conventional coffee beans and in favor of regional coffee alternatives. You can read here which regional coffee alternatives are available and what advantages they have.

For around 80 percent of Germans, coffee in the morning, with cake or with a chat over coffee in a café is part of life. We think far too rarely – if at all – about the origin of the coffee and the production conditions.

What speaks against coffee beans?

Coffee beans are grown in around 20 different countries – the majority come from Brazil and Vietnam. So that we can enjoy a cup of coffee in Germany, the coffee beans have to travel a long way by ship. This requires large amounts of fuel and produces quite a bit of CO2 emissions.
Unless the coffee is certified organic, pesticides and sometimes genetically modified plants are usually used in coffee cultivation.
Coffee cultivation uses a large amount of water: about 140 liters of water are needed per cup of coffee.
In the producing countries, the coffee farmers work under difficult working conditions: They have no regulated access to export markets, fluctuating world market prices threaten to cover their production costs and climate change threatens their existence through crop declines or crop failures.

Nine regional coffee alternatives

If you want to limit your coffee consumption or even do without coffee altogether, you can use coffee alternatives. These are regional, do not have to travel long distances and can sometimes even be made by yourself.

1. Wrong coffee: Muckefuck

Almost everyone has heard of Muckefuck: The term probably comes from the French “mocca faux” (fake coffee) and is a general term for coffee-like beverages such as malt, grain or chicory coffee. The coffee alternatives are often available in different versions: for infusion or as an instant product.

2. Coffee alternative: Malt coffee

Malt coffee consists of malted barley: the ripe barley grains are soaked in water and allowed to germinate. The enzymes in the grain convert some of the starch it contains into malt sugar. The grains are now dried and roasted. This caramelizes the malt sugar and creates the coffee-like taste and brown color. To prepare, pour hot water over the easily soluble powder.

The best-known malt coffee is Caro coffee – but there are now also many organic malt coffees, for example at Alnatura (EUR 2.59/100 g) or dm (EUR 2.45/100 g). The coffee alternative is caffeine-free and, thanks to the lower tannin content, is easier on the stomach than coffee beans. Since the high temperatures during roasting can produce acrylamide, you should not drink more than two to three cups per day. Despite the new EU regulation, this also applies to coffee beans.

3. Grain coffee: Coffee alternatives made from spelt, rye, barley and corn

The difference between malt and grain coffee is that the grains do not germinate. Grain coffee therefore contains no malt sugar and is only for real lovers due to the larger amount of bitter substances. Grain coffee is made from different types of grain: spelt, rye, barley and, rarely, corn.

Spelled coffee in particular is said to have a digestive effect. The slightly bitter flavors stimulate liver and bile function. In addition, grain coffee contains a lot of high-quality protein, complex carbohydrates and numerous trace elements, minerals and vital substances. Since acrylamide was also detected in grain coffee a few years ago, you should leave it at two to three cups a day.

4. Chicory coffee: Coffee alternative made from chicory roots

Chicory coffee is made from the roots of the common chicory. The roots are cut into small pieces, dried and then roasted. The juice contained in the roots caramelizes during roasting and gives the chicory coffee a coffee-like taste.

Hippocrates already knew how healthy the roots are: fresh they are said to help against pulmonary tuberculosis, their decoction is said to be effective against jaundice and liver enlargement. Chicory coffee is available in organic shops from various organic manufacturers, for example from Lima (approx. 5.50 euros/500g) or Naturata (approx. 6 euros/110g).

5. Coffee alternative: (sweet) lupine coffee

Lupine coffee is obtained from the sweet lupine. The plant belongs to the legume family and, unlike the conventional lupine, is not poisonous. Their seeds are dried and gently roasted – this is why lupine coffee contains very few bitter substances. Lupine coffee is very aromatic and comes close to the taste of coffee beans. Like all coffee alternatives, it contains no caffeine. Unlike grain coffee, lupine coffee is gluten-free and very low in acid. In addition, the sweet lupins contain a lot of protein, various vitamins and trace elements.

Another great advantage of sweet lupins is that, in addition to being cultivated regionally, they can also be used as a natural fertilizer: they loosen the soil and bind nitrogen.

You can buy sweet lupine coffee in health food stores or health food stores.

6. Do-it-yourself coffee alternative made from chestnuts

In autumn – from around the end of September to November – is the harvest time for chestnuts. The delicious nuts contain various minerals such as calcium and magnesium as well as B vitamins and vitamin C. You can also use them to make coffee:

First, remove the prickly shells. Then the fruits go into the oven at 120 °C until they turn slightly brown. To prevent acrylamide from forming, you should make sure that the chestnuts do not turn too brown. When they have cooled down, you can chop the chestnuts, grind them and prepare them like normal coffee. The result is a nutty, slightly sweet alternative to regular coffee.

7. Regional dandelion roots as a coffee alternative

The dandelion roots for dandelion coffee are also best harvested in the fall. At this point the plant regresses and all the nutrients accumulate in the root. The bitter substance taraxin it contains increases gastric juice production and stimulates digestion and bile production. Therefore, this coffee alternative can help with digestive problems.

Thoroughly clean the freshly dug roots and let them dry for about a day. Then cut them into small pieces and toast them in a pan on low heat until the roots turn light brown. When the root pieces are cool, you can grind them into powder in the blender. For a tasty, strong cup of dandelion coffee, place a spoonful in a filter and brew with hot water – if you like it a little milder, you’d better use a little less powder.

Did you know that dandelion can also be eaten in a salad? You can find more recipe ideas here: Dandelion salad: Tips and recipes to make yourself

8. Autumn coffee alternative: acorn coffee

The third autumnal coffee alternative to make yourself is acorn coffee. The regional product not only impresses with its good ecological balance, but also with its tart and slightly spicy taste. The “coffee” stimulates digestion and helps against heartburn by regulating gastric acid production.

Acorn coffee is easy to prepare: First, heat the acorns in a pan – this expands the inner core and makes them easier to peel. Soak the peeled kernels in water for a day or two. This removes the tannins they contain. Stir occasionally and change the water when it becomes cloudy. Then drain the acorns and roast them like the chestnuts in the oven at 120°C. Then chop and grind them and brew them like regular coffee. Acorn coffee is said to help against indigestion and be good against nervousness.

9. Do-it-yourself regional coffee alternative: rosehip coffee

Rosehip puree or tea is widespread – rosehip coffee, on the other hand, is something special for us: In autumn you can collect the rosehips, halve them and remove the seeds. Wash the seeds, remove the hairs and let them air dry. Then you can roast the seeds in the pan. Then grind them and brew them like coffee beans. Rosehip coffee is said to be a good remedy for gastritis. In addition, rosehips contain a lot of vitamin C – which unfortunately is not heat-resistant.

Conclusion: regional coffee alternatives

Unfortunately, for passionate coffee drinkers, all coffee alternatives have one major disadvantage: they contain no caffeine. If you want to avoid caffeine for at least a while or are specifically looking for a non-stimulating alternative, you should definitely try these regional coffee alternatives. If you still don’t want to do without bean coffee, you should use fair organic coffee for the sake of the environment and the coffee farmers.

Keep Reading
By
Food

Study: Market for Milk Alternatives is Growing Rapidly

Plant-based milk alternatives have been experiencing rapid market growth for several years. According to the market research company Nielsen, plant-based milk from soy, oats, almonds and the like increased by a full 47% between August 2019 and August 2020. It is thus well above the annual growth rates for alternative milk drinks of almost 10% forecast worldwide in 2019.

The proportion of oat milk rose particularly sharply in Germany during this period. According to Nielsen, with 115% it is not only one of the growth winners, but also one of the most popular plant-based milk drinks in Germany. Already more than half (53%) of the total sales in the milk alternatives category in Germany are made with oat milk.

The Society for Consumer Research (GfK) also confirms the “extremely dynamic” growth of milk alternatives. In their monthly report on the GfK household surveys, the market researchers from Nuremberg even describe this market as “crisis-resistant”.

Growth drivers are diverse and sustainable

The reasons for the strong and crisis-independent growth are manifold – just like the consumers themselves: “There are concerns about the ongoing climate change, the knowledge of the influence of one’s own diet, the desire to eat healthier and the horror at the conditions in factory farming several strong reasons. Apart from that, the milk alternatives also taste very delicious,” says Anna-Lena Klapp, an expert on plant-based milk alternatives and editor-in-chief of the plant-based milk report by the international nutrition organization ProVeg.

The environmental and climate balance of alternative products is pleasing. Plant-based milk alternatives are up to 95% better than cow’s milk in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and land and water use. Oat milk is particularly good at this. It also benefits from the short transport routes of the oats, because the grain can be grown well in our latitudes.

State punishes more climate-friendly milk alternatives

Despite the good balance in terms of health, climate, animal welfare and the environment, plant-based milk alternatives are still disadvantaged by politics. They are subject to the increased VAT rate of 19%. Cow’s milk, on the other hand, is only taxed at 7%: an indirect subsidization of a foodstuff that is harmful to the climate and the environment, which was recently criticized by the WBAE, the scientific expert committee of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food, as inappropriate for environmental and climate policy reasons. The committee calls for lower taxation for environmentally and climate-friendly, specifically plant-based foods. Food of animal origin, on the other hand, should no longer be subsidised, but taxed at 19%.

Rapid growth without the dairy industry?

Despite these hurdles, manufacturers of alternative dairy products are expecting rosy times: “Plant drinks currently still have a share of a good 10 percent of the entire milk market in Germany. However, we assume that there will be a drastic change in consumption in the next 10 years and that significantly more plant-based drinks will be consumed than cow’s milk,” says Helge Weitz, DACH manager at Oatly, the market leader for oat milk.

The classic dairy industry is still holding back with its own milk alternatives despite the good market prospects. So far, Alpro has dominated the German market, followed by the food trade with a large number of own brands in second place and the Swedish oat milk manufacturer Oatly in third place in the sales ranking. Although the market leader Alpro, which was taken over by global player Danone in 2017, is experiencing enormous growth, its competitors in the dairy-processing food industry are not following suit with dairy alternatives.

Possible reasons for the reluctance: Dairy companies fear pressure from their suppliers, the dairy farmers, who have been complaining about falling milk prices for decades and are keeping their heads above water, above all, with EU agricultural subsidies. Dairy processing companies themselves also benefit from the low milk prices because they increase the margins of their dairy products.

Consumption of cow’s milk is declining

The sale of both fresh milk and UHT milk is declining in Germany. In the past year alone, sales of fresh milk have fallen by 3.5% and UHT milk by 6%. However, instead of taking up the trend towards promising, climate-friendly and animal-friendly milk alternatives and bringing vegan milk alternatives onto the market, the dairy industry resorts to well-known defense mechanisms.

With the help of an online portal, the dairy industry is planning to regain control of information about cow’s milk and milk-like products. According to the Lebensmittelzeitung, several million euros are currently being collected from those involved in the dairy industry. At the same time, lobbyists from the agricultural and dairy industries in the EU Parliament have achieved that plant-based dairy products can no longer be called plant-based “milk” or vegan “cheese”. What is new is that designations such as “Yoghurt type” or “Butter” alternative are no longer permitted. The argument of the agricultural and dairy industry lobby, which wants to avert unwanted competition with the campaign: Otherwise, consumers would not be able to distinguish plant-based milk alternatives from cow’s milk products.

No customer confuses scouring or coconut milk with cow’s milk

Advocates of a sustainable diet see this argument as a pretense. They argue: Nobody would think of cow’s milk when they saw scouring milk or coconut milk. Jasmijn de Boo, Vice-President of ProVeg, cannot understand the action of the EU Parliament: “It is in direct contradiction to the declared goals of the European Union in the international Green Deal and Farm-to-Fork strategy, the turnaround towards a more sustainable and healthier food system.” Livestock farming is responsible for around 16% of all greenhouse gas emissions generated worldwide. Alternatives to animal products should therefore not be blocked, but encouraged.

Keep Reading
By
Cooking Tips

Milk Alternatives For Coffee Drinkers

Only 15.6% of the coffee drinkers surveyed between the ages of 18 and 64 enjoy their coffee straight, the rest enjoy mixed varieties.

What alternatives to cow’s milk are there?

Not everyone tolerates cow’s milk. Some are vegan. A change in cappuccino would also be a good idea. Here we present some alternatives to milk.

The well-known Italian milk foam is one of them
Developments that have made a certain contribution to changing the coffee market. However, for many, it poses a problem when it comes to drinking their coffee with milk. Many people suffer from lactose intolerance or a milk allergy and for this reason have to avoid many products with milk. In addition, the vegan diet also dispenses with animal cow’s milk. So if you give up milk, have to give up milk or just want a change, you need an alternative for the latte macchiato or cappuccino.

Such alternatives include a wide variety of grain and nut milks. According to the law, however, these may no longer be referred to as milk in the EU for several years. Rather, these are so-called drinks.

Here is an overview of the most well-known milk alternatives

soy milk
rice milk
Almond milk
Rice Almond Milk
oat milk
spelled milk
millet milk
hazelnut milk
cashew milk
coconut milk

The best coffee milk alternative

If you don’t want to do without your coffee with milk despite a milk allergy or vegan diet, there are many choices for your coffee drink in organic markets, health food stores and in some supermarkets. Which milk you choose depends on your personal preferences. A relatively new trend, especially in the vegan world, is hemp milk.

With the right milk substitute products, not only can a delicious taste be conjured up, but also a nice latte art. As the almond rice milk already demonstrates, a mix of several types of milk can also be used for coffee drinks. Thus, the best of taste can be mixed with a good type of milk for milk froth to get the right consistency and aroma.

Keep Reading
By