Table 4.

Key themes discussed in comments submitted to the FDA

Theme	Subtheme	Example quotes
Nutritional merits of PB dairy alternatives	1.PB dairy alternatives are a healthy choice	“These are healthy alternatives with superior nutritional quality.”
		“The general public has finally been educated about plant-based milk being healthier for humans…”
	2.PB dairy alternatives provide an adequate source of essential micronutrients for individualized dietary needs	“Its still a great calcium source, and its useful for those (especially kids) who cant tolerate or dont like cows milk.”
		“Take any one of my patients with high cholesterol; I will tell them to choose some dairy alternatives, fortified with those essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals…”
	3.Dairy is harmful to human health	“Animal products are directly linked with hypercholesterolemia, a major contributor to cardio-vascular disease, morbidity and mortality.”
		“Healthcare professionals like myself are making strong inroads into convincing the public of the deleterious health effects of the ingestion of any form of animal products…”
Nutritional demerits of PB dairy alternatives	1.Dairy and PB alternatives do not have equal nutritional profiles	“Every week, patients tell me they are using almond milk or some other nut milk as an alternative to dairy, with no clue that these are not nutritionally equivalent products.”
		“There is a substantial difference in the nutritional content of these two products, and consumers are understandably confused by the name "milk" on non-dairy products.”
	2.Dairy provides a superior source of essential micronutrients	“We know from extensive research on the benefits of dairy milk including calcium, potassium, and vitamin D, in addition to many other important micronutrients.”
		“I have cared for too many patients that have fractures that could have been prevented by a higher calcium intake from dairy products. The plant based beverages do not contain naturally occurring calcium…”
	3.The protein content in dairy is superior to PB alternatives	“As a dietitian it saddens me to see parents giving rice or coconut milk to children… less than 1 gm protein.”
		“The nutritional value of nut milk isn’t the same as cows milk, and the biggest difference is in the protein content. Most nut milks are not a good source of protein, and people think they are getting the same amount of protein that they would in cows milk.”