Several countries and cultures do not traditionally consume cow’s milk or have limited consumption due to dietary, cultural, or environmental factors. Some of these countries include:
China: While cow’s milk consumption is increasing in China, it has not been a traditional part of the Chinese diet. Many people are lactose intolerant, which has historically limited dairy consumption.
Japan: Traditional Japanese cuisine does not emphasize dairy products. However, dairy consumption is growing in modern Japan, particularly among younger generations.
Southeast Asian Countries: Many countries in Southeast Asia, such as Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, have not traditionally consumed cow’s milk. Instead, they use coconut milk and other plant-based milk alternatives in their cuisines.
Lactose-Intolerant Countries: Countries with a higher prevalence of lactose intolerance, such as parts of Africa and some South Asian nations, have limited cow’s milk consumption. People in these regions may favor lactose-free or fermented dairy products.
Middle Eastern and North African Countries: In some Middle Eastern and North African countries, cow’s milk consumption is limited due to cultural dietary preferences. Instead, goat or camel milk is more commonly consumed.
Vegan and Plant-Based Diets: In various countries worldwide, individuals following vegan and plant-based diets choose to avoid all animal-derived products, including cow’s milk, in favor of plant-based milk alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk.
Religious Dietary Practices: Some religious dietary practices, such as those in Hinduism and Jainism in India, discourage or prohibit the consumption of cow’s milk.
It’s important to note that while cow’s milk consumption may be limited in these regions, dietary preferences and habits can change over time, influenced by globalization, dietary trends, and health considerations. As a result, the consumption of cow’s milk and dairy products is on the rise in many parts of the world. Additionally, many people in these countries still consume dairy products made from other animals, like goat, sheep, or buffalo milk, and may also use dairy alternatives like soy or almond milk.
