Saturday, May 27, 2023

196% Tax Increase on Most Plant Milks as New Dutch Law Groups Oat Milk With Coca-Cola

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A new tax in The Netherlands is set to take effect from January 1st 2024, that includes most forms of plant milks but excludes dairy milk as they are “considered a basic necessity of life”.

As reported today by the highest-circulated daily newspaper in The Netherlands, De Telegraaf, the tax sees no difference between coca-cola and plant milk made from almonds, oats, or coconuts. 

When questioned by the Party for the Animals, a Dutch political group focusing on animal welfare and animal rights, State Secretary Maarten van Ooijen said: “The primary purpose of this increase is to raise more tax revenue…”

The 196% increase (from 9 to 26 cents per litre) excludes soy and pea-based drinks as they meet the “protein content requirements” and “other plant-based alternatives contain too little protein”.

Van Ooijen goes on to mention the Disc of Five, which is a ‘Scoring for Health’ program that encourages a diet that includes ‘lean cuts of meat and mince’, and ‘milk, cheese and yoghurt as a way of adopting a healthy lifestyle. 

Unlike the sugar tax in the UK, the amount of sugar in a soft drink does not play a role in the tax, but a study is being conducted to determine whether or not the tax discourages customers from drinking sugary soft drinks.

Damoy Robertson
Damoy Robertson is an entrepreneur and founder of The Vegan Review. Damoy is dedicated to spreading veganism to the masses which he believes will enable people to make better, more informed decisions concerning the way we all interact with animals and our planet.