Got peas? This plant-based milk is healthy and good for the planet

Research suggests pea milk emits a fraction of the planet-warming gases of cow’s milk production and is more nutritious than most other plant-based milks. Choosing from the options in the milk aisle often involves trade-offs between health and climate. Cow milk production involves a lot of planet-warming emissions.

Plant-based milk alternatives are generally better for the planet, yet they tend to lack some of the nutritional benefits of cow’s milk. Research suggests that milk made from peas may come closest to being both healthy and sustainable. Its production emits a fraction of the planet-warming gases of cow’s milk, and it has more protein than other plant-based milks.



No, pea milk isn’t green, and it doesn’t taste like peas. (Though my Washington Post climate desk colleagues had mixed opinions on the taste and texture – more on that below.) The key ingredient is yellow split peas.

After the peas are harvested and milled into flour, commercial manufacturers extract the pea protein. Then, to mimic the components of cow’s milk, they blend it with water, fat (in the form of vegetable oil) and a bit of sugar (typically cane). They also add nutrients such as calcium and vitamins.

The resulting beverage has an ivory or cream colour. Pea milk and the planet.