#DYK: Plant-based milk is being debated–is it really milk?

Did you know there is an ongoing debate in the US about whether plant-based milk like almond, pea protein, cashew, soy, coconut and such should be called milk? 

The reason there is a debate today is that those on the dairy side feel that people are drinking less dairy milk because they can buy these kinds of milk right next to the dairy milk and thus farmers are losing money, not to mention dairy milk provides superior nutrients compared to non-dairy milk. On the other hand, plant-based milk suppliers are saying that the consumer understands the difference between dairy milk and non-dairy milk and that they might be choosing these alternatives for other health benefits including that they may be lactose intolerant or just want something different to drink. Plus, plant-based milk tend to be fortified with nutrients so though they may not have all the nutrients like dairy milk, they do provide some of the nutrients you seek. Furthermore, plant-based milk manufacturers just see the word milk as being a generic term and feel that consumers know that you can’t get milk from cashews, almonds or peas!

Which side are you on? Do you find the debate pointless because you know the difference between dairy milk and plant-based or do you think there should be a different word for plant-based milk like beverage (for example, instead of almond milk, it would be almond beverage)?