Milk alternatives generated the most significant retail sales in the plant-based food market in the US in 2020. Sales of milk alternatives was valued between USD2.5 billion and USD3 billion in 2020.
Demand is being driven by worries about hormones, pesticides, and antibiotics. The consumption of these substances' residues is dangerous, especially for expectant mothers.. Because they are naturally derived and extracted, dairy alternatives have established themselves as a secure substitute for dairy products. During the forecast period, the market's growth is anticipated to be further accelerated by the exceptional benefits that milk substitutes offer.
To attract more customers, alternative dairy producers are making significant investments in product innovation. The market's active players gain a competitive edge owing to the product innovation strategy, which boosts their profits. To satisfy changing consumer demands, producers of dairy alternatives offer certified organic products that are GMO-free, gluten-free, label-free, and hypoallergenic-free.
Additionally, because consumers care about their health, they favor low-calorie and low-fat products. As a result, producers of plant-based dairy products offer sugar-free and low-sugar options for the health-conscious consumers. Therefore, launching sugar-free products for the fitness and health freak consumers drives the dairy alternatives market growth in the United States.
New Product Launch Aids the Market Growth
New product launches? They're a big deal for the US dairy alternatives market, helping it grow! People are craving dairy-free options, so companies are getting creative with new products. Think plant-based yogurts, cheeses, and ice creams made from nuts, soy, and coconut – giving us tons more choices. And it's not just about choice; companies are specifically launching new stuff to grab the attention of vegan customers, really boosting the market. Take Melt Organic, for example – a big name in vegan butter. They just launched a new line of dairy-free cheesy spreadable. This cheese spread and dip is allergen-free and even packs more protein than dairy versions! Plus, all Melt Organic's Cheesy Spreadables are allergen-free, vegan, non-GMO, OU Kosher, and Rainforest Alliance Certified Organic, and come in flavors like Original, Queso Picante, Everything, and Cool Garlic Herb. Beyond just new options, these launches get the word out about dairy alternatives and their benefits. Companies use ads and marketing to educate us and build their brands. Plus, new products let companies stand out from the crowd, offering something unique to attract customers. So, yeah, new product launches help the US dairy alternatives market grow by giving us more options, raising awareness, and letting companies differentiate themselves. But, companies need to make sure they do their homework and test products to make sure people actually like them.
Rising Demand for Sugar-Free Products Fuels the Market Growth
One thing that's really driving the dairy-free market right now is that more people are looking for sugar-free options. Folks want healthier choices without all the added sugars, which is why we're seeing so many sugar-free almond, soy, and coconut milks popping up. And since regular dairy can be high in calories, people are turning to dairy substitutes like soy or almond milk to help with weight loss. This trend is expected to keep the market growing, especially with more fitness-focused consumers in the US. Take NadaMoo, for example. They're the leaders in dairy-free coconut milk ice cream made with plant-based goodies. Their new line comes in delicious flavors like Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate, and Mint Chip, and they're all guilt-free thanks to NadaMoo's special recipe. They use their classic coconut base to keep that creamy texture and sweeten it with organic allulose, organic erythritol, and a tiny bit of stevia extract to keep the sugar down but the taste up! Plus, more and more people are dealing with lactose intolerance and dairy allergies, so they're looking for alternatives. Since many dairy-free options are naturally lactose and allergen-free, they're a great fit for people with dietary restrictions. So, the growing demand for sugar-free stuff is a big reason why the dairy alternative market is booming in the United States.
Therefore, the rising demand for sugar-free products, coupled with concerns over animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness, has fueled the growth of the United States dairy alternatives market. Many consumers are looking for healthier options that do not contain added sugars, and this has led to the development of a variety of sugar-free dairy alternatives. However, it's essential to exercise caution and choose products that are both nutritious and suitable for the dietary needs.
Increasing the Demand for Dairy-Free Products Which Will Further The Market Demand
What's driving the move towards dairy-free? Well, it's mostly because people are more aware of the options out there and the benefits they offer. Things like lactose intolerance, caring about the environment, and embracing veganism are huge reasons why folks are reaching for dairy substitutes. Think softened butter, milk, yogurt, even frozen desserts – all dairy-free! Millennials, especially, are a big opportunity since they're into probiotic goodies, plant-based eats, and easy snacks, making them prime candidates for probiotic plant-based yogurts. So, manufacturers are laser-focused on making dairy-free yogurts that taste great, are plant-powered, healthy, and boast clean labels. For example, Silk just dropped a new line of vegan Greek-style yogurts, using coconut milk to mimic that thick and creamy texture we love, but totally plant-based. And let's not forget how popular dairy-free alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk have become. You're seeing them everywhere, even in restaurants and your local grocery store, which is only fueling the market's growth. Basically, with more people wanting dairy-free choices, businesses are stepping up their game, creating a broader selection to satisfy everyone. This increasing demand, fueled by so many reasons, has really supercharged the growth of the United States dairy alternatives market. And it looks like it's only going to keep growing as more folks seek out these options.

Market Segmentation
United States dairy alternatives market is segmented into type, source, formulation, distribution channel, region, and company. Based on type, the market is segmented into milk, butter, yogurt, cheese, others (ice cream, cream, tofu, smoothies, etc.). Based on source, the market is segmented into soy, coconut, almond, others (rice, oats, hemp, walnut, hazelnut, cashew, etc.). Based on formulation, the market is segmented into unsweetened and sweetened. Based on distribution channels, the market is segmented into grocery/convenience store, supermarket/hypermarket, online, others (specialty retailers, pharmacies, direct sales, etc.).
Market Players
Danone North America Public Benefit Corporation, SunOpta, Inc., The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., Daiya Foods Inc., Eden Foods, Inc., Living Harvest Foods Inc., Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, Earth's Own Food Company Inc., PACIFIC FOODS OF OREGON, LLC, Kite Hill
Attribute | Details |
Base Year | 2021 |
Historic Data | 2017 – 2020 |
Estimated Year | 2022 |
Forecast Period | 2023 – 2027 |
Quantitative Units | Revenue in USD Million, and CAGR for 2017-2021 and 2022-2027 |
Report Coverage | Revenue forecast, company share, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
Segments Covered | · Type· Source· Formulation· Distribution Channel |
Regional scope | South, West, Mid-West, North-East |
Key companies profiled | Danone North America Public Benefit Corporation, SunOpta, Inc., The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., Daiya Foods Inc., Eden Foods, Inc., Living Harvest Foods Inc., Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, Earth's Own Food Company Inc., PACIFIC FOODS OF OREGON, LLC, Kite Hill, etc. |
Customization scope | 10% free report customization with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope. |
Pricing and purchase options | Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options |
Delivery Format | PDF and Excel through Email (We can also provide the editable version of the report in PPT/Word format on special request) |
Report Scope
In this report, United States dairy alternatives market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below
- United States Dairy Alternatives Market, By Type
- Milk
- Butter
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Others
- United States Dairy Alternatives Market, By Source
- Soy
- Coconut
- Almond
- Others
- United States Dairy Alternatives Market, By Formulation
- United States Dairy Alternatives Market, By Distribution Channel
- Grocery/Convenience Store
- Supermarket/Hypermarket
- Online
- Others
- United States Dairy Alternatives Market, By Region
- South
- West
- Mid-West
- North-East