Plant-based dairy alternatives are growing rapidly. Understanding the welfare implications of the transition, and which alternatives have the most positive welfare profile, helps informed choices.
The welfare case for plant-based dairy is strong: dairy cow welfare problems including calf separation, mastitis, lameness, and metabolic disease are eliminated entirely. The environmental profile of most plant-based alternatives is significantly better than dairy on most metrics. But the welfare calculus includes indirect wildlife welfare through land use and habitat impacts. Oat and pea-based dairy alternatives generally have the best combination of low land use, low emissions, and minimal habitat impact. Making informed choices within the plant-based dairy transition requires understanding these nuances rather than treating all alternatives as equally welfare-positive.