Cereal-Based Beverages (e.g. rice and oat beverages
(June 2006)
What are cereal-based beverages and what is their purpose?
Cereal-based beverages are derived from cereals such as rice and oats, and are mainly used as a milk or soy beverage substitute. Cereal-based beverages are used by people who are allergic/intolerant to dairy and/or soy foods, or by those who choose not to consume dairy products either for health or philosophical reasons.
For those people with allergies/intolerances to dairy and/or soy foods, cereal-based beverages can be used to replace milk or soy beverage as a drink and as an ingredient in baking and cooking. For those wishing to avoid dairy products for other reasons, such as vegans, cereal-based beverages extend the range of milk substitutes available.
Is the composition of cereal-based beverages comparable to milk?
No, the composition of cereal-based beverages is different to the composition of milk. The amount of protein in cereal-based beverages is much less than in milk, as cereal-based beverages generally only contain about 10% of the protein found in milk. Some cereal-based beverages now contain added protein, however their protein content is still not equal to milk.
The vitamin and mineral content also differs between milk and cereal-based beverages. Milk naturally contains higher levels and a broader range of vitamins and minerals compared with cereal-based beverages.
From February 2006, cereal-based beverages are permitted to contain added selected vitamins and minerals, including calcium, riboflavin and vitamin D, according to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. These added vitamins and minerals allow cereal-based beverages to better reflect the nutritional content of milk. It is important to note that these permissions are voluntary, and therefore each manufacturer of cereal-based beverages may choose to add none, some or all of the permitted vitamins and minerals.
Why are cereal-based beverages not suitable as a complete milk replacement for children under 5 years of age?
Consumers, caregivers and health professionals need to be aware that cereal-based beverages generally only contain about 10% of the protein found in milk. This is particularly important if children are consuming cereal-based beverages, as children require adequate protein for normal growth and development. Milk is an important source of protein for most children, particularly those under the age of 5 years. Therefore, if a child needs to consume cereal-based beverages instead of dairy or soy beverages, adequate protein from other food sources will be needed to replace the protein normally provided by milk.
Why is an advisory statement required for these products?
Due to the low protein content of cereal-based beverages and the risk of inadequate protein intake for children consuming these products, an advisory statement specific to these products is now required. An advisory statement indicating that the product is not suitable as a complete milk replacement for children under the age of five years must appear on the packaging of all cereal-based beverages with a low protein content.
Who should I contact for more information?
It is recommended that consumers and caregivers seek advice from a dietitian or their doctor on the correct use of cereal-based beverages, especially if these beverages are to be consumed by children. It is important to note that these products are not suitable for those people allergic to the cereal(s) from which the beverages are derived, for example rice and/or oat. Young children with allergy/intolerance may have access to a hypoallergenic formula, which is suitable as a complete milk replacement.
How do I to find a dietitian?
Your doctor or specialist may refer you to a dietitian that works at your local hospital or healthcare centre.
You can also find the contact details for private practice dietitians in your region by using the ‘find a APD/dietitian’ button on the following websites:
Dietitians Association of Australia: www.daa.asn.au
New Zealand Dietetic Association: www.dietitians.org.nz