You might not know it, but some vegan products can still come at the expense of both animals and people. Palm oil is the most widely consumed vegetable oil in the world. It can be found in almost 50 percent of all packaged and supermarket products, including vegan dairy items such as plant milk, cheese, and spreads.
Palm oil production is a leading cause of deforestation and habitat loss. In Malaysia, Indonesia, and Nigeria—the top three countries for palm oil production—the industry is devastating some of the most biodiverse regions in the entire world, including critically endangered animals such as orangutans, rhinoceroses, and elephants.
But Illinois-based company Milkadamia is creating nutritious, sustainable, and plant-based dairy products such as milk, spreads, and creamers, without using any palm oil at all. The brand is outspoken in its criticism of palm oil and other unsustainable farming practices.
According to Milkadamia, dairy and palm oil are two of the most destructive—and widely used—raw ingredients in the world. Both for people and for animals.
“Against the might of the palm oil industry, we are not at all significant,” Milkadamia CEO Jim Richards told LIVEKINDLY. “But despite that—and despite how few like-minded people we may encounter—we choose not to use palm oil or purchase products containing palm oil.”
“It is simple economics; stop demand and supply will stop. Consumers wield tremendous amounts of power,” said Milkadamia CMO Christina Downey. “We value the earth in all its rich diversity. We ask consumers to shop with their values in mind.”
Are Macadamias Healthy?
Founded in 2015, Milkadamia quickly became one of the most successful dairy-free plant milk brands in the U.S. The company uses sustainably farmed macadamia nuts to create a versatile, dairy-free, nutritions, and creamy tasting range of vegan products.
“We all like to have nice things and Milkadamia is very nice. In fact, macadamia nuts are so delicious their wellness credentials have been overlooked,” said Richards.
By using raw macadamia, the brand maximizes the nutritional content of each nut. Raw macadamia nuts contain healthy oils and fats—including oleic and palmitoleic acids—which may promote brain health and help regulate weight. They are also high in dietary fiber, protein, manganese, thiamin, and copper, all of which contribute to a well-balanced diet.
Overall, eating raw macadamia nuts promotes a reduced risk of heart disease. It may also protect against type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Macadamia are high in antioxidants such as tocotrienols and flavonoids, which can help lower cholesterol levels.
“Macadamias have a place within the global wellness narrative,” continued Richards. “Milkadamia allows for daily consumption of macadamias so they are no longer considered a rare indulgent treat.”
Milkadamia ensures that it grows its produce in a sustainable, and environmentally-friendly fashion. By incorporating key regenerative farming principles such as no-till agriculture, which helps create and maintain healthier soil, Milkadamia supports the healing of natural ecosystems, increased biodiversity, and produces reduced carbon emissions.
“Our health, our longevity and every aspiration we hold depends on soil health,” added Richards. “Soil is one of our world’s critical sources of vitality.”
A Broad Range of Products
The brand stocks several different varieties of macadamia-based plant milk. These include Original flavor, Unsweetened, and the popular Unsweetened Vanilla in 32oz cartons. Unsweetened and Unsweetened Vanilla flavors are also available in 62oz containers. The 32oz and 62oz cartons are $3.99 and $5.99, respectively.
Milkadamia’s creamers are also available in Unsweetened, Unsweetened Vanilla, and Vanilla, at $3.49 per 16oz tub. The 8oz salted Buttery Spread, like all of Milkadamia’s products, is free from dairy, gluten, soy, GMOs, and palm oil.
You can check out Milkadamia’s full range of products here or in stores nationwide including Whole Foods, Kroger, Sprouts, Albertsons, Jewel, Publix, and more.
This is a sponsored post.
