Have you ever wondered what lies behind the latest development in the world of milk? Let's talk about fish milk, a product that raises many doubts from an environmental and ethical point of view. Although in Southeast Asia it is presented as an alternative to cow's milk, the reality is very different.
The Origins of Fish Milk
Fish milk has begun to gain popularity in Indonesia as an alternative to cow's milk, especially in coastal communities where fish are abundant and cow's milk is not always available or affordable. The basic idea is simple: use fish meat as a protein base to create a milk-like, or rather "same-tasting" drink, like the Berikan Protein Initiative (the "nonprofit" behind the new drink) he told the Wall Street Journal.
The production process of this “drink”, however, has little to do with simplicity. Transforming fish into “milk” requires invasive industrial processes: the fish meat is separated from the bones, minced and mixed with water and other ingredients. To mask the basic flavor of the fish, sugars and artificial flavors. The result? A product ultra-processed which resembles milk, but which has very little that is natural.
Growing phenomenon
Despite the concerns, fish milk is gaining traction in Indonesia. It is promoted as a cheaper and more accessible alternative to cow's milk, especially for low-income families. It is also touted as a source of protein and nutrients for growing children. It's a business that can create a 4 billion euro economy.
However, the increased demand for fish milk risks exacerbating the already significant environmental impact of fishing and aquaculture in Indonesia. Key fish populations they are already overexploited and increasing the pressure on these resources to produce milk seems shortsighted and unsustainable in the long term.
Not to mention the ethical question.
A growing body of scientific evidence shows that fish are beings capable of experiencing pain and stress. A large scientific study of 2022 he concluded that the fish are widely recognized as sentient beings. Yet we continue to capture and raise them in often cruel conditions to produce food, and now milk.
Fortunately, there are alternatives to fish milk that are much more sustainable, nutritious and animal-friendly. vegetable milk based on soy, oats, rice and other plants is becoming increasingly popular. These products offer a valuable source of nutrients without the ethical and environmental drawbacks of fish milk.
In short: fish milk, boo
Although fish milk is presented as an innovative solution for Indonesian communities, for me it is a step in the wrong direction, and a trend to be avoided.
Instead of further exploiting the already fragile marine resources, we should promote more sustainable and ethical alternatives: only in this way can we feed the population in a healthy way that respects the environment and animals.
