Rice milk and cow’s milk have many important differences despite both being called “milk.”
In addition, rice drink has a unique nutritional makeup and offers several potential health benefits.
This article will provide details about the taste, nutritional content, and potential health benefits of rice milk.
Westend61 / Getty Images
Westend61 / Getty Images
How Does Rice Milk Taste?
Based on the name alone, you may guess that rice milk tastes like rice soaked in milk.
However, the flavor profile of this drink is a bit more complex.
Rice drink is typically a bit sweeter than dairy milk.
Many types of rice milk sold in the grocery store contain natural or artificial flavoring.
This allows the drink to be offered in various flavors, including chocolate and vanilla.
Several other nutritional factors make rice drink unique from dairy milk.
In addition, rice drink is quite a bit higher than dairy milk in carbohydrates.
Making Rice Milk: The Commercial Process
Several steps go into making rice milk commercially.
First, the rice grain is milled, meaning several components are removed.
Full milling refers to removing the grain’s husk, germ, and bran to produce white rice.
While this process creates an optimal rice milk texture, it also strips away many different vitamins and nutrients.
Next, enzymes are used to break down the starch in the mixture.
Oils, salt, stabilizers, and flavors are also typically added at this point.
Finally, the rice milk is homogenized to create creaminess and stability.
To make rice milk:
Benefits vs.
Drawbacks
Several potential health benefits make rice milk worth considering as an alternative to dairy milk.
People with lactose intolerance may have an easier time digesting it.
It also lacks the proteinscaseinandwheythat trigger symptoms in those witha dairy milk allergy.
A few possible drawbacks should be considered.
Is Rice Milk as Nutritious as Other Milk?
Rice milk can be a healthy and nutritious choice for certain people.
The beverage is lower in calories than whole dairy milk and has no lactose or saturated fat.
As such, it may not be desirable for people managing their blood sugar levels in diabetes.
Non-fortified versions of rice milk also lack the calcium, vitamins, and protein found in cow milk.
How to Choose Rice Milk?
Choosing trustworthy rice milk means paying attention to labels and nutritional information.
These versions are often the ones that are chocolate or vanilla flavored.
Summary
Rice milk is a dairy-free alternative to traditional cows milk.
Fortified rice drinks containing vitamins and nutrients and flavored variations are widely available at most grocery stores.
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