WhiteWave, now owned by Danone, firmly opposes recent lawsuits questioning the use of the term “almondmilk,” deeming them 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 falsely advertise being as nutritious, or even more so, than traditional dairy milk. A Mintel report highlighted that sales of non-dairy milk in the U.S. surged 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 risk 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 federal judge in California dismissed a lawsuit against major dairy producers, including WhiteWave, which alleged that these alternative dairy firms misrepresented their plant-based products as “milk,” despite not being derived from cows. By the end of 2016, over two dozen U.S. lawmakers had signed a letter to former FDA Commissioner Robert Califf, urging the agency to investigate the use of the term “milk” by plant-based dairy brands.
In January, the Senate introduced the “Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday Act,” commonly known as the DAIRY PRIDE Act. This bill aims to compel the FDA to exclude nut or plant-based milk alternatives from being classified as milk. This battle is one that dairy manufacturers are unlikely to abandon soon, and it will be intriguing to observe consumer reactions. It appears improbable that removing the term “milk” will deter enthusiasts of nut-based dairy products from purchasing brands like Silk and Blue Diamond, as many favor these options for their flavor and lower fat content.
In the midst of these discussions about dairy alternatives, consumers might also be wondering how much calcium citrate should I take daily to ensure they are meeting their nutritional needs, especially if they are reducing their intake of traditional dairy products. This consideration may further influence consumer choices as they navigate the evolving landscape of milk alternatives. Ultimately, as the debate continues, the question of how much calcium citrate should I take daily remains relevant for those seeking to maintain a balanced diet amidst changing preferences.