A recent report from Mintel reveals that non-dairy milk sales in the U.S. have surged by 61% over the past five years, with projections estimating they will reach $2.11 billion in 2017. In contrast, cow’s milk sales have declined by 15% since 2012, amounting to approximately $16.12 billion last year. While traditional milk continues to dominate the market, it is clear that plant-based alternatives are increasingly gaining ground. As the popularity of plant-based milks rises and issues such as milk allergies and lactose intolerance become more prevalent, consumers are making nutritional comparisons among these functional beverages.
Last year, Ripple, a brand known for its pea-based milk, launched a retro-style game aimed at demonstrating that its product is nutritionally superior to other nut and plant-based alternatives, as well as traditional dairy milk. Interestingly, Ripple chose not to compare its product to soy milk, likely because the health advantages of soy milk are nearly identical to those of pea milk. Both soy and pea milk contain eight grams of protein and provide around 45% of the daily calcium requirement.
Soy milk boasts several benefits, including being low in fat, high in protein, and cholesterol-free. However, its disadvantages include low calcium content unless fortified, and the potential for allergies. Additionally, it’s worth noting that 93% of soybeans grown in the U.S. are genetically modified, which raises concerns among some consumers. Despite these issues, soy milk’s familiarity and perceived health benefits continue to support sales for brands like Hain Celestial, which produces WestSoy, Soy Dream, and Rice Dream, as well as WhiteWave Foods, known for its Silk and So Delicious brands. These companies have experienced robust growth, partly driven by innovative product development and effective marketing of their plant-based offerings.
As more sources of non-dairy beverage alternatives, such as peanuts, bananas, macadamia nuts, hemp, and oats, enter the market, it will be fascinating to observe what captures consumer interest. Soy milk producers would benefit from emphasizing their products’ nutritional advantages, particularly the ccm calcium supplement content, and possibly including comparisons to competing varieties on their packaging. If they do not take this approach, soy could soon find itself akin to cow’s milk—still popular but facing competition from trendy new products.