Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Supermarket shelves with alt milk courtesy ProVeg

Image courtesy ProVeg

Plant-Based Dairy Sees Rapid Growth in Western Europe & North America Due to “Profound Shift” in Consumer Preferences

According to insights from strategy consultancy Roland Berger, the plant-based dairy market in Western Europe and North America is growing at an unprecedented rate as consumers increasingly prioritize health and sustainability. In 2023, the size of the plant-based dairy retail market reached $11.55 billion (€10.7 billion), up from $7.34 billion (€6.8 billion) in 2019. This reflects a compound annual growth rate of 12%. The growth is primarily driven by plant-based beverages, which make up 60% of the total market, followed by yogurt and cheese alternatives. The horeca sector is also increasingly embracing dairy alternatives, providing a foundation for continued growth in the industry. However, plant-based dairy still only accounts for a fraction of the traditional dairy market. Milk alternatives are the most successful product type, …

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Alpro switches to British oats

© Alpro

Alpro Announces Switch to 100% British Oats Following Multi-Million-Pound Investment

Plant-based brand Alpro has announced that it will begin making its oat milk from 100% British oats, tapping into the increasing demand for locally made products. The change has been made possible by a multi-million-pound investment from parent company Danone, which has been used to expand Alpro’s facility in Kettering. Around 58 million litres of British oat milk are expected to be produced there annually, equating to a quarter of the site’s annual production of plant-based drinks. The oat milk will be produced in partnership with Navara oat mill, also located in Kettering. Oats will mostly be sourced from farmers within 80 miles of the mill, significantly reducing food miles and giving local farmers new revenue streams. Strategic move Alpro previously invested £41 million into …

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Savor butter

© Savor

Savor Introduces Animal- and Plant-Free Butter, Produced from Captured Carbon

Savor, a US-based food technology startup, has commercially launched a new butter product that contains no animal or plant inputs. The product is made using a proprietary fermentation-based process that converts captured carbon dioxide (CO₂), green hydrogen (GH₂), and methane (CH₄) into structured fats, without relying on conventional agriculture. The butter alternative will initially be available through selected foodservice partners, including restaurants and bakeries such as SingleThread, ONE65, and Jane the Bakery. These venues were part of a quiet pilot rollout that has taken place over the past year, during which chefs and culinary professionals tested and evaluated the product in commercial kitchens. The launch coincides with the company’s third anniversary and follows the opening of its first 25,000-square-foot pilot production site in Batavia, Illinois. …

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MALK Organics unsweetned soy

© MALK Organics

MALK Organics Launches Two New Unsweetened Plant-Based Milk Options

MALK Organics has launched two new unsweetened plant-based milk options—Unsweetened Organic Coconut and Unsweetened Organic Soy—in response to growing consumer demand for simpler, lower-sugar alternatives. The new products are part of the company’s ongoing commitment to offering clean-label beverages made with minimal ingredients, catering to those seeking healthier, more transparent choices. In an interview with vegconomist, Jason Bronstad, CEO of MALK Organics, explained how consumer interest drives the company’s product innovation: “Our product development focuses on being innovative, healthy, and sustainable. We listen to what our consumers want and need and keep up with market trends to continue improving and innovating with the highest quality plant-based milk options.” Simple, unsweetened options The Unsweetened Organic Coconut is made with just four ingredients: filtered water, organic coconut …

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Peet's Coffee

© Peet's Coffee

Peet’s Coffee Removes Plant-Based Milk Surcharge Following PETA and Paul McCartney Push

Peet’s Coffee will no longer charge an extra fee for plant-based milks, following pressure from animal rights group PETA and public support from Sir Paul McCartney. The announcement comes after PETA launched a national campaign urging the coffee chain to stop penalizing customers who opt for vegan milks, such as almond, oat, and pea-based varieties, instead of traditional cow’s milk. Peet’s currently charges at least 80 cents more for plant milks, a practice that PETA has criticized for contributing to environmental damage and animal welfare concerns, including the separation of mother cows from their calves. PETA’s campaign included a social media blitz, targeted billboards near Peet’s locations, and protests. The group argued that the upcharge on plant-based milks was inconsistent with Peet’s stated commitment to …

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Benexia chia milk

© Benexia/Seeds of Wellness

Benexia Launches “First of Its Kind” Chia Milk

Benexia, a producer of chia-based products, has launched a new plant-based milk alternative called Seeds of Wellness Chia Milk in the US. The product is claimed to be the first ever plant-based milk made from whole chia seeds, and each 8 oz serving is said to provide 740 mg of plant-based omega-3 fats. The chia milk is a source of fiber, protein, calcium, and vitamin D, and is free of added sugar. According to Benexia, the milk alternative is sustainably produced, since the company’s farms exclusively use rainwater as a watering source and follow regenerative agriculture practices. The ingredients used in the chia milk are processed without the use of water, solvents, or enzymes, using a process that is claimed to be almost zero-waste and …

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The Coconut Collab strawberry protein yogurt

© The Coconut Collab

The Coconut Collab Launches Strawberry Flavour Plant-Based Protein Yogurt

UK-based coconut yogurt brand The Coconut Collab has launched Strawberry Protein Yog, a single serving plant-based protein yogurt. Made with a coconut and almond base, the yogurt is flavoured with a strawberry compote that is free of added sugar. Each pot provides 9g of protein from almonds and soy, along with live cultures for gut health. The launch follows the success of The Coconut Collab’s original Protein Yog, which was introduced last year. “The Coconut Collab’s Protein Yog has been a hit with our consumers, who love that it is a natural way to get protein into their diet without any artificial sweeteners, so we’re thrilled to add a new flavour to the range,” said Anna Dominey, Managing Director of The Coconut Collab. “Like all …

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Elmhurst 1925 oat barista

© Elmhurst 1925

Los Angeles Coffee Chain Go Get Em Tiger Switches to Elmhurst’s Seed Oil-Free Oat Milk

Los Angeles-based coffee chain Go Get Em Tiger has announced a partnership with plant-based dairy producer Elmhurst 1925, making Elmhurst’s Oat Barista Edition the exclusive oat milk at all eight of its locations. With this shift, Go Get Em Tiger has completed its transition to offering only seed oil-free milk options. Elmhurst’s Oat Barista Edition is formulated without seed oils, gums, or emulsifiers, aligning with Go Get Em Tiger’s focus on simple and high-quality ingredients. The partnership reflects an increasing demand for plant-based alternatives in the coffee sector, particularly those without additives commonly found in conventional non-dairy milks. Yuri Polyachenko, senior director of food service at Elmhurst 1925, stated, “Today’s coffee lovers are paying closer attention to what’s in their cup, seeking high-quality plant milks …

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Plenish enriched oat milk

© Plenish

Plenish Launches “UK’s Only” Clean-Label Fortified Oat Milk With No Oils or Additives

British plant-based beverage brand Plenish has launched a new product, Plenish Enriched Oat M*lk, which combines essential nutrients with a short, natural ingredients list. Claimed to be the UK’s only clean-label fortified oat milk without oils or additives, the product contains just three base ingredients — oats, water, and salt. It provides fibre without added sugar and is fortified with calcium, vitamin D, B12, riboflavin, and iodine. The new milk alternative launched at Tesco stores UK-wide on March 3 and will arrive at Waitrose on April 28, followed by Ocado and Amazon. Plenish has also recently reformulated its original Oat M*lk with a new creamy recipe, which has already begun rolling out at Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Co-op, and Tesco. “Dedicated to being transparent” Plenish was …

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Dunkin' Donuts

© Dunkin'

Dunkin’ Removes Surcharge on Vegan Milk Alternatives at US Locations

Dunkin’, the second-largest coffee chain in the United States, has eliminated the surcharge for plant-based milk at its more than 9,500 locations. This decision follows similar moves by Starbucks, Dutch Bros, and Scooter’s Coffee, marking a shift among major coffee chains toward more equitable pricing for non-dairy alternatives. The change comes after discussions with the advocacy group Mercy For Animals, which has campaigned against additional costs for plant-based milk. Advocacy groups argue that surcharges for dairy alternatives disproportionately impact people who are lactose intolerant. Mercy for Animals has noted that the extra cost makes non-dairy options more accessible to these consumers. Jennifer Behr, corporate relations manager at the organization, stated, “Mercy For Animals applauds Dunkin’ for this landmark decision. Plant-based milk upcharges create barriers for …

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Tim Hortons

© Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons Drops Non-Dairy Milk Surcharge in Canada and the US

Tim Hortons has confirmed it will eliminate the surcharge for plant-based milk in both Canada and the US following advocacy efforts from organizations including Switch4Good, PETA, and Mercy For Animals, aligning with other major chains removing financial barriers to more sustainable and ethical choices. The move makes Tim Hortons—Canada’s largest coffee chain and one of the biggest globally—the fourth major brand to eliminate the upcharge in recent months, following Starbucks in November 2024, Dutch Bros Coffee in January 2025 and Scooter’s Coffee earlier this month. Until now, customers at its nearly 4,000 locations across North America faced additional charges, sometimes up to a dollar, for plant-based alternatives in drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. Advocacy efforts drive change The decision was communicated to Switch4Good’s executive director, …

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Jumbo plant-based yogurts

© Jumbo

Jumbo Launches Plant-Based Yogurts Made From Dutch-Grown Soy

Dutch supermarket chain Jumbo has launched a new range of plant-based yogurts made from soy grown in the Netherlands. The retailer claims to be the first in the country to introduce this type of product. The yogurts have been produced by the plant-based brand De Nieuwe Melkboer and are available in three varieties — Natural, Vanilla, and Forest Fruits. They are sold under Jumbo’s ’Direct van de Boerderij’ (Direct From the Farm) brand. The products have been developed with a process that uses the whole soybean, meaning they are rich in fiber as well as protein. This also allows for a more efficient use of raw materials. The partnership between Jumbo and De Nieuwe Melkboer was established through Plant Protein Forward, an initiative by Foodvalley, …

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COYO

© COYO

COYO Introduces “Australia’s First” Oat and Coconut Dairy-Free Yoghurt

Sunshine Coast-based company COYO has launched a new dairy-free yoghurt in Australia, combining oat and coconut milk for the first time in the local market. The new product will be available nationwide at Woolworths and Independant stores from March 2025. COYO’s Dairy-Free Oat & Coconut Yoghurt is made with 74% oat milk and 17% coconut cream, crafted to deliver a balance of creamy texture and nutritional value. The product is designed to appeal to health-conscious consumers, featuring live cultures that support gut health. It is also free from artificial additives, flavours, or preservatives, and is produced using sustainably sourced coconut and Australian-grown oats. COYO has been a pioneer in the dairy-free space, having previously introduced the “world’s first” dairy-free coconut yoghurt. According to Sandra Gosling, …

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PKN launches Zero Pecan milk

© PKN

PKN Launches New Pecan Milk With No Added Sugar or Additives

PKN, a US producer of pecan-based dairy alternatives, has announced the launch of a new variety of pecan milk called PKN Zero. The milk alternative is said to have a buttery texture and a subtle roasted pecan taste reminiscent of pecan pie. It is free of added sugar, gums, and other additives. PKN Zero contains just four ingredients — filtered water, pecan butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt. It is gluten-free, vegan, keto-friendly, non-GMO, and kosher. “Many of our early customers asked for a pecan milk option that brings out the pecan taste and is made with simple ingredients,” said Laura Shenkar, founder and CEO of PKN. “Research shows that in 2024, more than 25 percent of consumers who chose to buy plant-based milks preferred …

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© Raisio Group / Kuvatehdas - Roni Lehti

Raisio Sells Plant Protein Business to Finnish Dairy Giant Valio in €7M Deal

The food company Raisio will sell its plant protein business and the Härkis® and Beanit® brands, under which plant protein products have been marketed, to the Finnish dairy and food company Valio. The price of the deal is €7 million, which will be paid to Raisio in cash upon the transfer of the business. The companies have signed a purchase and sale agreement for the sale of the plant protein business, the related fixed assets and the Härkis® and Beanit® fava bean brands. The fixed assets include, among other things, the equipment of the factory producing plant protein products in Kauhava.  The plant protein business employs 16 people, who will be transferred to Valio as existing employees as part of the deal. Raisio has been a …

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Irish consumers go plant-based

© Oatly

Oatly Reports 5% Rise in Revenue, Expects First Full Year of Profitable Growth in 2025

Oatly has published its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ending December 31 2024. Q4 revenue was $214.3 million, up 5% from the same period in 2023. Gross margin was 28.8%, a 5.4% increase compared to the prior year period. Fourth quarter net loss attributable to shareholders of the parent was $91.2 million, down from $298.7 million in Q4 2023. Adjusted EBITDA loss was $6.1 million, an improvement of $13.1 million on the prior year period. Oatly has also revealed that it is discontinuing the construction of a manufacturing facility in China, less than two months after announcing the closure of its Singapore facility as part of an asset-light strategy. Profitable growth expected Oatly now expects to achieve its first full year …

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Oatly Barista

© Oatly

Oatly Barista Launches at Circle K Stores in Estonia, Lithuania & Latvia

Swedish oat milk brand Oatly has partnered with convenience store chain Circle K to bring its Barista oat milk to Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia. Oatly Barista will be available at all Circle K locations across the three countries, and will be the only plant-based milk alternative on offer for coffees purchased in-store. “Our mission is to make our customers’ lives a little easier every day,” said Skirmantas Mačiukas, Vice President of Circle K Baltics. “At Circle K, we recognize the importance of making responsible choices for a sustainable future. By teaming up with Oatly, we can provide a delicious and sustainable plant-based option in our coffee offerings that meets the evolving preferences of our customers across the Baltics.” “Constantly diversifying” In November, Oatly revealed it …

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Potato milk brand DUG launches at Carrefour Spain

© DUG

Potato Milk Brand DUG Gains Listing at 150 Carrefour Stores in Spain

Swedish potato milk producer DUG Foodtech has gained a listing at 150 Carrefour hypermarkets across Spain. The first order has already been completed, totalling 400,000 SEK (around €35,400). The collaboration represents DUG’s first step towards entering the Spanish market. Figures from GFI indicate that sales of plant-based milk and drinks in Spain grew by 12% to €308 million between 2021 and 2023. Unit sales were up 9.3%, while volumes increased by 11.3%. Partial-year data covering January 1 to April 21 2024 shows a continuation of this upward trend. “Spain, as the second-largest non-dairy market in Europe, presents an exciting opportunity for us,” said Helene Nielsen, CEO of DUG Foodtech. “Alongside this retail partnership, we are also launching into the coffee channel, further expanding our footprint.” …

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Nespresso x oatly

© Nespresso

Oatly and Nespresso Partner to Launch Limited-Edition Coffee Blend

Oatly Group AB (Nasdaq: OTLY) and Nestlé Nespresso have announced a collaboration to introduce a new coffee blend tailored for oat drink consumers. The limited-edition Oatly Barista Edition Coffee has been designed to complement the flavor and texture of Oatly’s oat-based beverage and is available exclusively for Nespresso Vertuo coffee machines. The partnership between the Swedish oat drink producer and the Swiss coffee company aims to cater to the growing number of consumers opting for plant-based milk alternatives. According to ProVeg data, 50% of consumers in the US and Europe, and two-thirds of consumers in the Asia-Pacific and Latin American regions, now use plant-based milk products. Karsten Ranitzsch, global head of coffee at Nespresso, commented, “At Nespresso, we’re all about taste, and we’re on a …

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Scooter's Coffee

© Scooter's Coffee

Scooter’s Coffee Drops Plant-Based Milk Upcharge at All Locations US-Wide

The US’s fourth-largest coffee chain, Scooter’s Coffee, has removed the upcharge for plant-based milk alternatives at its 800+ locations across 29 states. The change follows discussions with the corporate engagement team from animal protection organization Mercy for Animals, which urged Scooter’s Coffee to promote inclusivity by making plant-based options more accessible. Mercy for Animals notes that almost 90% of people from some areas of East Asia are lactose intolerant, along with 80% of Native Americans, 65% of Africans and African Americans, and 50% of Latin Americans. Milk alternatives also have a much lower environmental impact than cow’s milk, meaning that removing the upcharge has benefits for both human health and the environment. “We are thrilled that Scooter’s Coffee has listened to their customers and taken …

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