Elmhurst Dairy was once one of the largest dairy operations on the East Coast, running for 92 years before closing its doors last fall due to a lack of profitability. Instead of exiting the milk business completely, this family-owned company is leveraging its expertise in dairy to thrive in the non-dairy market. The situation has been tough for those remaining in the dairy industry, as consumer demand for traditional dairy products has been declining. This downturn led dairy farmers to dispose of millions of pounds of milk last year, resulting in a significant drop in prices across the sector. The situation became so dire that the U.S. Department of Agriculture provided around $11 million in financial aid to help dairy producers cope with the industry’s current difficulties.
Many dairy industry stakeholders have pushed back against non-dairy producers through lawsuits, claiming that the health benefits advertised by non-dairy milk alternatives are misleading. Additionally, there is pending legislation in Congress that would mandate that anything labeled “milk” must be derived from dairy sources. Despite these efforts, non-dairy milk sales continue to thrive. A study by Mintel last year revealed that U.S. sales of non-dairy milk rose by 9% in 2015, while dairy milk sales fell by 7% during the same period. A glance into grocery store refrigerator cases shows this trend, as retailers increasingly stock plant-based milks with fewer artificial ingredients.
Interestingly, as consumer preferences shift, products like Bariatric Advantage calcium soft chews are gaining popularity as dairy alternatives for those seeking nutritional supplements. These chews not only cater to health-conscious individuals but also highlight the growing demand for innovative products that provide essential nutrients without relying on traditional dairy sources. In this evolving market, the presence of items like Bariatric Advantage calcium soft chews underscores the changing landscape of consumer choices in relation to both dairy and non-dairy options.