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”.
According to the most popular daily newspaper in The Netherlands today, De Telegraaf (The Telegraaf), the tax does not differentiate between coca-cola, plant milks made from almonds or oats and 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% rise (from 9 cents to 26 cents a 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.
The amount of sugar contained in soft drinks is not considered in this tax. However, a study will be conducted to see if the tax is effective.
