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”.
De Telegraaf – the Netherlands’ most widely read daily newspaper – reported today that the tax is the same for coca-cola as well as plant milk made of almonds, coconuts, oats or a combination thereof.
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 (9 cents to 25 cents per litre excluding) 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.
