(P09-047-24) Determination of Choline and B Vitamins in a Market Basket of Eight Types of Plant-Based Milk Alts. Using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Objectives: There has been an increased demand for plant-based milk alternatives (PBMAs); however, analytical data on key micronutrients in these products is very limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the levels of B-vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, & folate) and choline in nine types of commercially available PBMAs from the U.S. market. PBMA types selected for analysis were almond, cashew, coconut, hemp, oat, pea, rice, soy, and chickpea (for some B-vitamins) for a total of 86 unique samples and representing 20 unique brands.

Methods: The B vitamins and choline content were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Both free and total choline content was determined. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA [using JMP statistical software.]

Results: Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in free choline content across PBMA types as well as within some PBMA brands. The soy-based beverages had 29.9-fold higher free choline and approximately two-fold more total choline per 240 mL compared to cow’s milk. In the case of almond-based beverages, the free and total choline concentrations ranged from 0.7 to 1.5 mg and from 5.95 to 9.79 mg/240 mL serving, respectively. Likewise, the concentrations (ug/240mL) of individual B vitamins in almond-based beverages ranged from approximately 2.5 - 105 for B1, 39 - 1391 for B2, 108 - 252 for B3, and 5 - 25 for B6.

Conclusions: These results indicate that various PBMA can be a source of choline and B vitamins, but these levels of micronutrients vary considerably across the type of PBMAs.

Funding Sources: Office of Nutrition and Food Labeling