Plant or vegetable milk has been consumed for centuries in various cultures, both as a regular drink and as a substitute for dairy milk. The most popular varieties are soy milk, , rice milk, coconut milk and other common nut and grain milk such as almond, walnut, oats, spelt, or rye in daily life . The protein content varies. It contains no lactose or cholesterol, and is usually sold with added calcium and vitamins, especially B12.

Centrifuges and separators play a key role in the industrial production of those milk alternatives. First, The plant or vegetable flour is mashed, adding sufficient water. This results in a creamy mass which is then processed using centrifuges and separators which separate the grain milk from the solid residue.