Market research company Mintel says sales of non-dairy milk grew 9 percent in 2015, while dairy milk sales fell 7 percent, the food industry news site Food Dive says. “The non-dairy segment started out as an alternative category catering to those with food allergies but it has since evolved beyond a trend.”
“Now, it embraces the plant-based and dairy-free lifestyle — one that is conscious of environmental, ethical and health concerns,” says Food Dive. Leaders of plant-based non-dairy products expect more products to come on the market this year. Purchasers are driven by a desire for healthy diets and the cachet of sustainability. The founder of Califia Farms says non-dairy items are on the cusp of becoming mainstream.
“When it comes to dairy-free products, consumers are looking for a product that tastes just like dairy-based products. Today’s consumer also expects natural ingredients instead of just flavors,” said Food Dive. “The dairy case of tomorrow may look increasingly plant-centric and much more like a ‘non-dairy case.’”