As the popularity of plant-based nutrition grows, it seems non-dairy milk is increasingly finding its place in Americans’ refrigerators. New research from Mintel reveals that non-dairy milk sales have seen steady growth over the past five years, growing an impressive 61% since 2012, and are estimated to reach $2.11 billion in 2017.,p>

While almond (64% market share), soy (13% market share) and coconut (12% market share) remain staples in the category, new non-dairy milk types are sparking excitement as consumers look to diversify their non-dairy milk repertoire. Indeed, new varieties have experienced fast growth in popularity as two thirds (63%) of those who have purchased pecan milk say they bought more pecan milk in 2017 than in 2016, while 58% of quinoa milk consumers say they bought more quinoa milk in 2017 than the year prior.,p>

“While almond, coconut and soy milks remain the most popular types of non-dairy milk, other nut and plant bases are gaining traction, including pecan, quinoa, hazelnut and flax milks. Both established and new brands are taking advantage of the growing non-dairy milk segment, innovating with alternative non-dairy bases. Innovation will be a catalyst to drive the category forward in 2018 as both mainstream bases like almond and alternative plant bases offer added functional benefits and unique flavours. We predict that new plant bases such as cashew and rice will allow new entrants into the non-dairy milk category to eventually surpass the soy milk segment, one of the first non-dairy milk segments to really take off with consumers,” said Megan Hambleton, Beverage Analyst at Mintel.,p>

As flavour innovation catches consumers’ eyes, Mintel research shows that flavoured milk is the fastest growing segment of the dairy milk category over the last five years, with sales estimated to reach $1.74 billion in 2017, an 18% increase since 2012. And it seems there will be no slowing down in years to come as sales of flavoured milk are forecast to continue to grow 21% by 2022. Behind this sales growth is an increase in interest from consumers for their favourite flavours as two in five (40%) dairy milk consumers agree that they bought more flavoured cow’s milk in 2017 than in 2016. What’s more, one in 10 (11%) dairy/non-dairy milk consumers agree they are buying more milk because of the innovative flavours.,p>

Despite sales making a splash, flavoured dairy milk has room to grow as just one quarter (23%) of Americans say they have purchased flavoured cow’s milk such as chocolate. While children under age 18 are more likely (78%) to drink flavoured milk, it seems adults are pouring themselves a glass as well, with more than three quarters (76%) of adult flavoured milk buyers saying they drink flavoured milk.,p>

Another segment gaining momentum is whole milk as sales have increased eight% since 2012 and are estimated to reach $5.36 billion in 2017. As many consumers move toward a more natural and holistic approach to nutrition, skim/low-fat dairy milk sales have decreased 28% in the last five years and shelf stable dairy milk sales have decreased nine%. Overall sales in the dairy milk category have fallen 15% since 2012, reaching an estimated $16.12 billion in 2017.,p>

“As the dairy milk category increasingly faces cross-category competition, flavour will play a growing role in determining wher consumer dollars go. Appealing to kids and adults, flavoured milk is one of the only milk types that lends itself to multiple occasions such as being consumed on its own as a thirst quencher, accompanying a meal or as a post-workout recovery drink. With the increase in flavour options, as well as innovations that promise better nutrition, flavoured milk will be a segment that helps fill the gap left by skim and low-fat milk options,” continued Hambleton. “We’re also seeing whole-fat options thrive in the dairy milk category as consumer preferences shift in favour of full-fat, whole milk products that appeal due to taste, nutritional content and are viewed as beneficial for both children and adults.”,p>

When it comes to purchasing milk, dairy and non-dairy consumers take different approaches. While nearly all non-dairy milk consumers also purchase dairy milk (90%), they tend to consider more factors when purchasing. Non-dairy milk purchasers are more likely to seek out milks that deliver on flavour (48% vs 40% of dairy consumers), vitamins and minerals (43% vs 36% of dairy consumers) and that are high in protein (42% vs 31% of dairy consumers). Non-dairy milk buyers are also more likely to look for ingredients that are natural (46% vs 36% of dairy consumers) and/or organic (33% vs 23% of dairy consumers).,p>

It seems consumers do not put dairy and non-dairy milk on the same shelf when it comes to perceptions about health. In fact, the types of milk (including dairy and non-dairy) that Americans perceive to be the healthiest are whole cow’s milk (20%), skim/low-fat cow’s milk (18%) and almond milk (17%). Despite this, however, nearly one in five (19%) Americans say they are consuming less dairy for health reasons.,p>

“The healthy positioning and messaging leveraged by non-dairy brands has made an impression on consumers who purchase both dairy and non-dairy milk. Dairy milk often delivers on many of the attributes non-dairy milk consumers are looking for, but there is a clear lack of understanding. This indicates that dairy brands must better communicate the natural health benefits of dairy milk through campaigns or packaging claims. By focusing on some of the influential factors that non-dairy milk consumers want when looking for milk, such as flavour and health benefits, dairy milk brands may see more success retaining consumers within the category,” concluded Hambleton.,p>