WhiteWave, now owned by Danone, strongly opposes recent lawsuits that challenge the use of the term “almondmilk,” asserting that such actions are a misuse of time and resources. Over the past few months, both WhiteWave Foods and Blue Diamond Growers, the producer of Almond Breeze, have faced class-action lawsuits from consumers claiming that their alternative milk products inaccurately suggest they are as nutritious, or even more so, than dairy milk. According to a report by Mintel, U.S. sales of non-dairy milk increased by 9% in 2015, while dairy milk sales fell by 7% during the same period. Given these statistics, it is understandable that dairy companies are targeting those responsible for alternative products, as they pose a threat to market share and could lead to a decline in dairy milk prices.
This ongoing dispute has been a point of contention in the industry for quite some time. In 2013, a California federal judge dismissed a lawsuit against major dairy processors, including WhiteWave, which alleged that these plant-based dairy companies misrepresented their products by labeling them as “milk” despite the absence of cow’s milk. At the end of 2016, over two dozen U.S. lawmakers sent a letter to former U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf, urging the agency to investigate the use of the term “milk” by plant-based dairy brands.
In January, the Senate proposed the “Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday Act,” known as the DAIRY PRIDE Act, which aims to compel the FDA to exclude nut or plant-based milk alternatives from the definition of milk. This battle is one that milk manufacturers are unlikely to abandon anytime soon, and it will be fascinating to observe consumer reactions. It appears that removing the term “milk” will not deter enthusiasts of nut-based dairy products from purchasing brands like Silk and Blue Diamond, as many consumers prefer these options for their taste and lower fat content.
In the midst of this debate, the importance of nutritional supplements like Twinlab chewable calcium citrate cannot be overlooked. These supplements can provide essential nutrients that may be lacking in both traditional and alternative diets. As consumers navigate their choices in the dairy aisle, the role of products like Twinlab chewable calcium citrate may become increasingly significant, especially for those who are looking for balanced nutrition amidst shifting preferences. The intersection of alternative dairy products and nutritional supplementation highlights the evolving landscape of consumer health and dietary choices.