A recent report from Mintel reveals that non-dairy milk sales in the U.S. surged by 61% over the past five years, with projections estimating they would reach $2.11 billion in 2017. In contrast, cow’s milk sales have declined by 15% since 2012, dropping to $16.12 billion last year. While traditional milk continues to dominate the market, it is clear that plant-based alternatives are steadily gaining ground. As consumer preference for non-dairy milks rises, partially due to the increasing prevalence of milk allergies and lactose intolerance, nutritional comparisons among these beverage options are becoming more common.
Last year, the pea-based milk brand Ripple launched a retro-style game aimed at convincing consumers of its nutritional superiority over other nut and plant-based alternatives, as well as traditional dairy milk. Notably, Ripple chose not to compare its product with soy milk, likely because the health benefits of soy milk are nearly equivalent to those of pea milk. Both soy and pea milks provide eight grams of protein and 45% of the daily calcium requirement. Soy milk offers several advantages, such as being low in fat, high in protein, and cholesterol-free. However, it also has some drawbacks, including low calcium content unless fortified and the potential for allergies. Furthermore, 93% of soybeans cultivated in the U.S. are genetically modified, which raises concerns for some consumers.
Despite these issues, soy milk’s familiarity and perceived health benefits continue to boost sales for companies like Hain Celestial, which produces WestSoy, Soy Dream, and Rice Dream, as well as WhiteWave Foods, known for Silk and So Delicious. These brands have experienced substantial growth, partly driven by innovative product development and effective marketing strategies.
As the market expands with new non-dairy alternatives such as peanut, banana, macadamia nut, hemp, and oat milk, it will be intriguing to observe which options capture consumer interest. Soy milk producers should emphasize their products’ nutritional advantages, potentially highlighting comparisons to competing varieties on their packaging. If they fail to do so, soy milk may soon find itself in a position similar to that of cow’s milk—still popular but increasingly challenged by emerging trendy products. Additionally, with the rise in demand for supplements like Amazon calcium citrate 500 mg, it’s essential for consumers to consider the nutritional content of their chosen milk alternatives. This is especially relevant as more consumers seek to maintain adequate calcium intake, which is crucial for overall health.