Why the growing demand for plant-based beverages?

Walk through the aisles of the grocery store and you’re bound to come across several plant-based beverages to supplement dairy products. Today, you can find several dairy-free drinks, including almond, soy, rice, oat and hemp milk. The plant-based food and beverage market is on an upward trend as consumer awareness and accountability for personal health rise.

Projections show that the plant-based beverage market will experience a compounded annual growth rate of 12.7% between 2022 and 2030. The reasons for market growth vary, from improved health to lowering one’s carbon footprint — and if experts are correct in their assumptions, consumer demand for plant-based beverages will only increase.

Gen Z Is Boosting Sales for Plant-Based Beverages

According to the Plant-Based Foods Association, non-diary milk alternatives occupy 16% of all retail milk sales at conventional supermarkets. Plant-based beverages account for 40% of sales in the natural foods sector. Although consumers of all ages have shown interest in non-dairy products, the plant-based food and beverage market is growing fastest amongst a particular demographic — Generation Z.

The 2022 Food and Health Survey by the International Food Information Council indicates Gen Z is more likely to purchase plant-based goods or foods with a low carbon footprint than Baby Boomers. They’re also the only generation that ties emotional and mental well-being to food’s many health benefits. The consumer demographic for non-dairy drinks is most prevalent in Britain, where 33% of those purchasing plant-based beverages fall in the 16 to 24-year-old age bracket.

Today’s consumers may shop for non-dairy alternatives due to a high prevalence of lactose intolerance and sensitivities — about 68% of the global population cannot digest lactose properly. The World Allergy Organization also finds around 2% of children under 4 are lactose intolerant, while cow’s milk is the third leading food allergy that causes anaphylaxis in pediatric populations.

As a result, you’re likely to see more non-dairy products that account for dairy allergies appear on grocery store shelves in the future.

Why Is the Plant-Based Market Growing?

Lactose intolerance is just one reason more consumers may be shopping for plant-based beverages. Other apparent factors also play a role in the growing plant-based food and beverage market.

Low Carbon Footprint
Few can argue the ecological benefits of switching to non-dairy alternatives. For example, cow’s milk emits three times as many greenhouse gases as plant-based beverages. It also uses 10 times as much land and 2%–20% more water. Comparatively, almond milk requires 371 liters of water to cow milk’s 628 liters. Oat milk uses only 48 liters, while soy milk uses 28 liters.

Many consumers choose plant-based beverages as a sustainable substitute for milk ingredients in creamy sauces and other recipes. For eco-conscious eaters, plant-based products make favorite, traditional recipes more enjoyable and conducive to greener living.

It’s also noteworthy that many plant-based beverages are sold in eco-friendly packaging, such as recyclable cartons. You can do your due diligence by searching for a particular plant-based brand to learn more about its production methods and sustainability.

Health Benefits
Suppose a recent doctor’s visit resulted in your cardiologist suggesting a heart-friendly diet — plant-based beverages may help prevent a cardiovascular event. A recent study found plant-based diets helped lower one’s risk for cardiovascular disease more than diets with a high ecological impact.

While it’s debatable, many medical professionals have long attributed cow’s milk to an increased risk of heart disease due to higher saturated fat content. However, cow’s milk — especially low-fat products — remains part of the recommended dietary intake for everyone else. Plant-based drinks also usually have lower sodium, calories and saturated fat, with fortified calcium comparable to or higher than what conventional dairy contains.

Nevertheless, consumers should remain aware that not all plant-based beverages are better for them. Some alternatives are sold with sweeteners and flavors, which could impact your weight and susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes.

Nutrition
Since vegans don’t eat animal products and byproducts, they must consume enough protein and essential vitamins and minerals from plant-based sources to sustain healthy bodies. For instance, non-dairy yogurt contains beneficial bacteria for your gut, ensuring optimal intestinal health with probiotics.

Another example is oat milk, which contains high amounts of vitamin B, calcium and protein. The body requires protein to repair cells and tissues, improve immunity and prevent blood clotting.

It’s worth mentioning that cow’s milk has more nutrients than non-dairy milk. For some, it may be best to consume a diet containing various plant-based beverages and conventional dairy products to get the most essential vitamins and minerals possible.

Plant-Based Beverages Are a Healthy Alternative

The plant-based food and beverage market has delivered numerous products for a healthy transition to non-animal-source eating. Thanks to the growing demand for plant-based beverages, consumers have several options. If you’re interested in improving your carbon footprint through diet or eating healthier, buying non-dairy alternatives could be the change you need to make.