Photo Credit

It used to be that non-dairy milks produced from nuts, soy, and grains were reserved for a small number of people who had a particular reservation about cow and goat’s milk. How times have changed though. Not only are non-dairy milks mainstream, but they are also quickly gaining traction against the dairy industry.

According to 2017 research published by Mintel, sales of non-dairy milk products have jumped more than 60% over the last five years. It was estimated at the time that total 2017 sales would eclipse $2.1 billion. Those numbers include sales of almond, coconut, soy, pecan, quinoa, hazelnut, and flax milk.

Here are four reasons that could help explain why:

1. Saying Goodbye to Dairy

More consumers appear to be making a concerted effort to consume less dairy. According to a late 2017 survey conducted in Great Britain, roughly 20% of the population stated a desire to cut down on the amount of milk, butter, and cheese they consumed.

Roughly 28% told researchers they planned to give up cheese and milk, and 19% said they were willing to substitute what they gave up with non-dairy products. That means almond, soy, or other options instead of cow’s milk.

2. Adopting the Vegan Lifestyle

A second factor, which may go hand-in-hand with the first, is the fact that more people are electing to adopt the vegan lifestyle. That same British survey suggested that nearly 10% of Brits aim to be completely vegan by the end of 2018.

Whether or not they succeed, people who go vegan obviously cannot drink dairy-based milk. So they turn to one of the non-dairy options instead. Almond milk tops the list, according to the Mintel research, with a 64% market share. Soy comes in at 13% while coconut milk owns 12% of the market.

3. Greater Exposure

We cannot discount exposure and marketing as factors in the rise of non-dairy milks. If it were not for aggressive marketing, a lot of people now embracing the non-dairy movement would not even know they have choices. Savvy marketers have tapped into the health-conscious movement of the 2010s in the same way they did the aerobics movement of the 1980s. Their efforts have undoubtedly contributed to upward sales trends.

4. Better Quality Products

Last but not least are the better-quality products now on the market. When alternative milks first became the thing, they were not known for their rich flavor and palatable, milk-like texture. But producers have learned a lot over the last 20 years. Today’s non-dairy milks offer the highest quality they have ever offered. They are winning over more consumers as a result.

How about you? Are you a fan of almond, soy, or coconut milk? We would be happy to know what you think. One of our goals here at Galaxie Coffee is to provide the kinds of products our customers want, regardless of what those products are. If that means non-dairy milk for your office, we can handle it.