A recent report from Mintel indicates that sales of non-dairy milk 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, totaling approximately $16.12 billion last year. While traditional dairy still holds the largest market share, it’s clear that plant-based options are increasingly making inroads. As consumer interest in plant-based milks rises — alongside a growing prevalence of milk allergies and lactose intolerance — nutritional comparisons among these functional beverages are becoming more common.
Last year, Ripple, a brand specializing in pea-based milk, created a retro-style game to persuade consumers of its product’s nutritional superiority over other nut and plant-based alternatives, as well as traditional dairy. Notably, Ripple chose not to compare its product with soy milk, likely because the health benefits of soy are very similar to those of pea milk. Soy milk offers eight grams of protein, akin to pea milk, and provides 45% of the daily calcium requirement. The benefits of soy include low fat content, high protein levels, and absence of cholesterol. However, it also has drawbacks, such as being low in calcium unless fortified, and the potential for allergies. Additionally, 93% of soybeans in the U.S. are genetically modified, which can be a concern for some consumers.
Despite these challenges, soy milk’s established reputation and perceived health benefits continue to fuel sales for companies like Hain Celestial, the producer of WestSoy, Soy Dream, and Rice Dream, as well as WhiteWave Foods, known for Silk and So Delicious. These brands have experienced robust growth, partly due to innovative product development and effective marketing of their plant-based offerings.
As more non-dairy beverage alternatives emerge, including those made from peanuts, bananas, macadamia nuts, hemp, and oats, it will be intriguing to observe which options capture consumer interest. Soy milk producers should emphasize the nutritional advantages of their products, potentially incorporating comparisons to competing varieties on their packaging. If they fail to do so, soy could risk becoming the next cow’s milk — still favored but increasingly overshadowed by trendy new products. Moreover, for consumers seeking additional calcium, products like Solgar Calcium Magnesium Citrate 250 Tablets may provide a beneficial supplement to their diet, especially as they explore various non-dairy options.