Rising interest among consumers to monitor their dietary intake of animal-based food and food products with a focus on sustainability and environmental concerns is driving the plant-based milk market to expand. The added nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, proteins and fibres further add to the nutritional content of plant-based milk. The food industry is investing in novel ideas to develop new protein-rich milk that is devoid of any animal origin. This consumer shift can be attributed to its dairy-free and animal-free protein ingredients that are derived from plant sources like soy, almond, rice, coconut or nuts, among others. They provide good nutritional value, taste, texture, and fullness. It is further supported by athletes and young people who adopt vegan diets that exclude food and drinks or any other dairy alternative of animal origin. Furthermore, there are growing concerns about GHG emissions and other pollutants that degrade the environment as a result of animal exploitation. A growing number of young children with lactose intolerance turn to plant-based milk for their daily protein intake. All these factors drive the demand for plant-based milk in the global market. Plant-based milk has been consumed for centuries by some cultures around the world, but its popularity has increased in recent times. These are used for drinking, cooking, or baking products. Plant-based milk is made from soybeans, almonds, hazelnuts, rice, coconut, oats, cashews, etc.
According to the research report “Global Plant Based Milk Market Outlook, 2029" published by Bonafide Research, the global plant-based milk market is expanding speedily to attain revenue of over USD 31 Billion by the end of forecast period. They may be plain or flavoured milk. Plant-based milk is either sweetened or unsweetened in a variety of flavours like strawberry, chocolate, nuts, vanilla, coffee, mocha, hemp, berry and others. These are generally packed and sold in tetra packs as they increase shelf life and keep the flavours intact. Recently, almond milk has gained consumer attention as it is low in cholesterol values and has wide application in frozen desserts and personal care products. Coconut milk adds a good aroma to cooking food and baking products. It is widely used in curries, soups, smoothies, and others. While the thin texture of rice milk is best suited for coffee. Social media has played a major role in mass educating the millennials of the plant-based milk products. Endorsed by famous celebrities and key personnel’s, consumers gained trust over the quality of these milks. Further, driven by the consumers changing habits and rise in disposable incomes have supported the plant-based milk market globally. However, plant-based milk has disadvantages like a lack of similar taste, texture, and nutrients to dairy milk. These are considered highly processed milk and full of additives, while dairy milk is pasteurized and homogenized. Despite this, many global giants have invested in the plant-based milk market with an array of products to offer.
The U.S. is the leading country in the North America region, with almost 85% of the populace consuming plant-based milk. Lactose intolerance, allergies, and the growing vegan food trend are propelling the market. Flexitarian diets have increased millennial’s' desire for healthy, protein-rich diets. China, being the leading country in the Asia-Pacific region, has a long-standing tradition of consuming soy and soy products. The demand for plant-based milk in China is increasing with the rapid increase in the population of the country. Large-scale research and development expenditures to develop new protein sources as ingredients will further bolster future demand for plant-based milk. Availability of raw materials like rice, soy and other sources for plant-based milk in Asian countries is further expected to bolster market demands for plant-based milk. Europeans consume more coffee than any other region globally. The plant-based milk market is expanding in Europe at a rapid pace eliminating cow's milk with soy milk. Soy is generally used for coffee making as the basic ingredient across barista's in Europe. Almond milk has recently gained consumer attention as it considered richer in nutrients. Oat milk is being accepted by consumers with lactose intolerance, milk allergies, gluten allergy and difficulty in digestion. Obesity and rising health focus is driving the demands in European region.
Plant based milk is an alternative to Dairy Milk, which is made from base ingredients like Soy, Almond, Oat, Rice, Coconut, Cashew, Hazelnut, Hemp, Pea and others. It is of two types, Plain Milk or Flavoured Milk. Soy milk has emerged as a dominant player in the plant-based milk industry for several compelling reasons that underscore its popularity among consumers worldwide. One of the primary factors driving soy milk's leadership is its robust nutritional profile, which closely rivals that of traditional dairy milk. Soy milk is naturally rich in high-quality protein, containing all nine essential amino acids necessary for human health. This protein content is notably higher than many other plant-based milk alternatives, making soy milk a preferred choice for consumers seeking dairy-free options that provide comparable nutritional benefits. Additionally, soy milk is typically fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins, to further enhance its nutritional value and support overall health and wellness. The versatility of soy milk in culinary applications contributes significantly to its market dominance. Unlike some plant-based milk that may alter the taste or texture of dishes, soy milk's neutral flavor and creamy consistency make it a versatile ingredient in both savory and sweet recipes.
It can be used as a substitute for dairy milk in cooking, baking, and beverage preparation without compromising the flavor or structure of the final dish. Plain formulations lead in the plant-based milk industry due to their versatility, natural taste appeal, and suitability for a wide range of culinary and dietary applications. Flavored formulations in the plant-based milk industry cater to consumers seeking enhanced taste experiences and variety in their dairy alternatives. Plain formulations dominate the plant-based milk industry primarily because they offer a versatile base that appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers seeking dairy alternatives. Unlike flavored varieties, plain plant-based milks such as soy, almond, oat, and coconut maintain a neutral taste profile that closely mimics traditional dairy milk, making them suitable substitutes in various culinary applications, including baking, cooking, and beverage preparation. This natural taste appeal is particularly appealing to consumers who prioritize simplicity and prefer to use plant-based milks as direct replacements for cow's milk in everyday recipes and beverages without altering the flavor profile significantly. The neutrality of plain formulations also allows consumers to customize their drinks or dishes according to personal preferences, whether adding sweeteners, spices, or flavorings, thereby enhancing flexibility and satisfaction in usage.
Many plain formulations are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins, to provide nutritional benefits comparable to or even exceeding those of traditional dairy milk. This nutritional profile appeals to health-conscious consumers, including those managing lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or dietary preferences such as veganism or vegetarianism. Chocolate and strawberry flavors lead in the plant-based milk industry due to their widespread appeal, nostalgic associations, and ability to enhance taste experiences without dairy. Chocolate and strawberry flavors have emerged as leaders in the plant-based milk industry primarily because they evoke strong consumer nostalgia, offer indulgent taste experiences, and effectively replicate popular dairy milk flavors without the use of animal-derived ingredients. One of the key reasons for their prominence is their widespread appeal across diverse demographic groups, including children, teenagers, and adults, who appreciate the familiar and comforting, taste profiles reminiscent of traditional dairy beverages. Chocolate-flavored plant-based milks, often reminiscent of chocolate milk, appeal to consumers seeking indulgent treats or post-workout beverages that provide a satisfying blend of sweetness and refreshment. Similarly, strawberry-flavored plant-based milks offer a fruity twist that appeals to those seeking a lighter, more refreshing alternative to dairy milk, particularly during warmer months or as a complement to breakfast or snacks.
Super and hypermarkets lead in the plant-based milk industry due to their extensive product selection, convenient shopping experience, and ability to cater to diverse consumer preferences under one roof. Super and hypermarkets have established themselves as leaders in the plant-based milk industry primarily because of their capacity to offer a wide variety of products, including a comprehensive selection of plant-based milk alternatives, to cater to the diverse dietary preferences and health-conscious lifestyles of today's consumers. These retail giants provide consumers with the convenience of accessing multiple brands, flavors, and formulations of plant-based milks in one location, facilitating comparison shopping and allowing consumers to explore and choose products that best meet their specific nutritional needs, taste preferences, and lifestyle choices. One of the key advantages of super and hypermarkets in the plant-based milk industry is their ability to provide extensive shelf space dedicated to dairy alternatives, including soy, almond, oat, coconut, and other plant-based milks. This dedicated space not only enhances visibility and accessibility for consumers but also encourages product discovery and experimentation, enabling shoppers to explore new brands and flavors while ensuring availability of popular choices. The broad product assortment offered by super and hypermarkets accommodates varying dietary requirements, such as vegan, lactose-free, and nut-free options, catering to a diverse consumer base seeking alternatives to traditional dairy milk for health, ethical, or environmental reasons.