The purpose of this guidance is to provide FDA’s current view on the naming of plant-based foods that are marketed and sold as alternatives for milk (plant-based milk alternatives) in accordance with sections 403(a)(1) and 403(i)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) (21 U.S.C. 343(a)(1) and 343(i)(1)). The guidance also includes our recommendations on the use of voluntary nutrient statements. Industry’s use of these voluntary nutrient statements would provide consumers with additional nutrition information to help them understand certain nutritional differences between these products and milk and make informed dietary choices. 

The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way, unless specifically incorporated into a contract. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law.  FDA guidance documents, including this guidance, should be viewed only as recommendations, unless specific regulatory or statutory requirements are cited. The use of the word should in FDA guidances means that something is suggested or recommended, but not required.

Download the Draft Guidance

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Related Information

• Plant-Based Milk Alternatives (PBMA)
• Consumer Update: Milk and Plant-Based Milk Alternatives - Know the Nutrient Difference
• Constituent Update: FDA Releases Draft Guidance on Labeling of Plant-Based Milk Alternatives
• Food Facts: Using the Nutrition Facts Label to Choose Milk and Plant-Based Beverages
• Labeling & Nutrition Guidance Documents & Regulatory Information