WhiteWave, acquired by Danone, firmly opposes recent lawsuits contesting the use of the term “almondmilk,” claiming that such legal actions are a misuse of time and resources. In recent months, both WhiteWave Foods and Blue Diamond Growers, the producer of Almond Breeze, have faced class-action lawsuits from consumers alleging that their alternative milk products misleadingly assert to be as nutritious or more so than dairy milk. According to a report by Mintel, sales of non-dairy milk in the U.S. 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 decrease in dairy milk prices.
This issue has been brewing in the industry for some time. In 2013, a federal judge in California dismissed a lawsuit against major dairy processors, including WhiteWave, which claimed that these alternative dairy producers misrepresented their plant-based products as “milk” despite not originating from cows. By the end of 2016, over two dozen U.S. lawmakers had signed a letter addressed to former U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf, urging an investigation into the use of the term “milk” by plant-based dairy brands.
In January, 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, was introduced in the Senate, advocating for the FDA to exclude nut or plant-based milk alternatives from the definition of milk.
Milk manufacturers are unlikely to back down from this fight anytime soon, and it will be intriguing to observe consumer reactions. The removal of the term “milk” seems improbable to 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 this context, it’s worth noting that some consumers might also consider supplements like Citracal D 600 mg to ensure they maintain their nutritional intake while enjoying these alternative products. As the debate continues, the intersection of traditional and alternative milk products will remain a focal point for both industry stakeholders and health-conscious consumers alike.