Research Progress on Material Composition, Processing Problems and Innovative Technology of Plant-based Milk

In broad sense, beverages made from nuts and plant fruits/pulp, as well as other plant-derived materials including proteins etc. are collectively known as plant-based milk. Plant-based milk has multiple advantages such as lactose free, cholesterol free, hormone free, low saturated fat, antibiotics free, special sensory flavor, as well as unique nutritional functions, which fit with the diversified needs of consumers. The market size of plant-based milk in China is huge, which also has great development potential. However, there are still many unsolved problems, such as backward processing technology, insufficient raw material development, unsatisfied sensory properties, vague nutritional and digestive characteristics, and incomplete academic discipline etc. From this, the processing problems of plant-based milk, new processing technology and equipment, innovative technology development trend, industrialization policy comprehensively are described and discussed in this paper. This paper will contribute to the industrial development of domestic plant-based milk, and further satisfying people's growing demand for nutrition and health.