A recent report from Mintel indicates that non-dairy milk sales in the U.S. have surged by 61% over the past five years, with projections estimating the market to reach $2.11 billion in 2017. In contrast, sales of cow’s milk have declined by 15% since 2012, amounting to approximately $16.12 billion last year. While traditional dairy milk continues to dominate the market share, it’s clear that plant-based alternatives are increasingly making their presence felt. As consumer demand for non-dairy options rises — alongside a growing prevalence of milk allergies and lactose intolerance — nutritional assessments among these functional beverages are becoming more common.
Last year, the pea-based milk brand Ripple launched a retro-style game aimed at persuading consumers that its product outperforms other nut and plant-based alternatives, as well as traditional dairy milk, in terms of nutrition. Notably, Ripple chose not to compare its product with soy milk, likely due to the similar health benefits both offer. Soy milk contains eight grams of protein, like pea milk, along with 45% of the daily recommended calcium intake. The benefits of soy include being low in fat, high in protein, and cholesterol-free. However, its disadvantages include lower calcium levels — unless fortified — and the potential for allergies. Additionally, 93% of soybeans cultivated in the U.S. are genetically modified, a concern for some consumers.
Despite these factors, soy’s established reputation and perceived health benefits continue to boost sales for producers such as Hain Celestial, which makes WestSoy, Soy Dream, and Rice Dream, as well as WhiteWave Foods, the maker of Silk and So Delicious. These companies have experienced significant growth, partly driven by innovative product development and effective marketing of their plant-based offerings.
As more non-dairy beverage alternatives enter the market, including options made from peanuts, bananas, macadamia nuts, hemp, and oats, it will be intriguing to observe what captures consumer interest. Soy milk producers would be prudent to emphasize their products’ nutritional advantages and potentially include comparisons to competing varieties on their packaging. If they fail to do so, soy could find itself in a position similar to that of cow’s milk — still favored but increasingly challenged by newer, trendy products. In this context, consumers seeking effective nutritional support may consider bariatric calcium citrate pills to enhance their calcium intake, further emphasizing the importance of nutritional comparisons in the evolving beverage landscape.