The dairy alternatives market continues to drive the vegan market, with several new product launches aimed at catering to a variety of dietary needs and preferences. Market reports predict that the global plant-based milk market will reach $51.87 billion by 2032, fueled by the rising popularity of vegan diets, high lactose intolerance rates, and growing sustainability concerns linked to dairy production.
Here are six of the most interesting, recent innovations in the sector.
1. NIÚKE’s plant-based quinoa milk
NIÚKE recently introduced a new quinoa milk product (featured image) in the US. Marketed as the first quinoa-based plant milk in the United States, NIÚKE sources its quinoa from the Andes, ensuring a naturally cultivated product. Quinoa, technically a seed rather than a grain, provides higher protein and healthy fat content than grain-based plant milks. Additionally, quinoa cultivation requires less water and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional dairy farming, making it a sustainable option.
The quinoa milk is said to offer a blend of nutty notes and subtle sweetness and contains vitamins A, D2, E, and B12. It is also noted for being rich in potassium and providing 240 mg of calcium per serving, supporting bone health.
Additionally, NIÚKE has launched two peanut-based milks, one plain and one cacao-flavored, using peanuts sourced from Argentina. The quinoa milk will soon be available on Amazon.
2. Milkadamia’s organic artisan macadamia nut milk
Milkadamia expanded its product line last week with the introduction of Organic Artisan Shelf-Stable Macadamia Nut Milk, now available nationwide at Whole Foods Market. This new product is the company’s first USDA organic offering, featuring a simple ingredient list that mirrors homemade nut milk in taste and texture.
The launch follows a consumer survey conducted by the company and reported in a press release, which indicated a high demand for organic plant-based milks, with 92% of premium purchasers favoring organic options. The survey also showed that macadamia nut milk is preferred for its creamy texture and versatility in various culinary uses.
The Organic Artisan line uses high-quality, organic macadamia nuts and contains no fillers, gums, added flavors, or oils. It is lightly sweetened with organic agave nectar and is free from dairy, lactose, gluten, soy, cholesterol, and carrageenan. The product is available at Whole Foods Market and on Amazon.
3. Balchem’s cold water-soluble oat creamer
Specialty ingredients manufacturer Balchem has unveiled its new cold water-soluble oat-based creamer, VitalBlend™ Oat 2540. This creamer is designed for easy integration into various beverages, providing a smooth texture and creamy mouthfeel. The powdered blend is enhanced with macronutrients, micronutrients, and minerals to support consumer’s health and vitality. VitalBlend™ Oat 2540 is part of Balchem’s broader portfolio of beverage system offerings, which aim to balance superior sensory profiles with added nutritional benefits.
4. Haven’s “market first” oat-based toddler drink
New Zealand’s Haven has introduced what it claims to be the world’s first completely oat-based toddler drink. This product is designed to be nutritionally equivalent to traditional A2 cow and goat toddler milks, providing similar levels of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
The oat-based drink caters to parents seeking plant-based options for ethical or environmental reasons. It is made with carefully chosen ingredients, including oat protein, dairy-free probiotics, and algal-sourced DHA (Omega-3). The product is currently available in New Zealand and will soon be launched in Australia and the United States.
5. MYOM’s oat paste for sustainable oat milk
UK-based MYOM has created an oat paste that can be mixed with water to produce oat milk, reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional plant-based milks. Each 65g pouch of MYOM paste produces 500ml of oat milk and only requires refrigeration after mixing.
The product is fortified with essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D3, vitamin B12, and iodine, and contains no added sugars. MYOM’s compact and versatile packaging also aims to reduce transport emissions and food waste.
6. Kern Tec’s upcycled apricot kernel milk for Coop
Austrian company Kern Tec has launched a sustainable plant milk product for Coop Switzerland in partnership with dairy manufacturer Emmi Group. The product, made from upcycled apricot kernels and called the Karma Kernel Apricot Drink, is said to have a similar taste to almond milk, and helps to prevent food waste and reduce carbon emissions by making use of European apricot pits produced as a byproduct of fruit processing.
The company manufactures products for other businesses, as well as under its own brand, Wunderkern, and has also collaborated with Bauer Group to launch a line of upcycled products under the ZUM GLÜCK! brand.
Kern Tec’s innovative use of upcycled fruit kernels saves resources and supports sustainable agricultural practices. The company has raised €12 million to scale production and expand its market presence. Kern Tec’s products are now available in over five countries, with plans for further global expansion.
Speaking to vegconomist this April, Michael Beitl, founder of Kern Tec, explained, “Five and a half years ago, I started talking to Austrian fruit growers who drew my attention to the large quantities of leftover pits. But it wasn’t just Austrian farmers who hadn’t processed the kernels up to that point – it was a global phenomenon involving tens of thousands of tonnes.
“Very few people realise how valuable fruit stones are as a raw material: they contain many important vitamins, fats and proteins, similar to nuts, and most importantly: they taste really good. It was therefore clear that it was not waste, but a raw material in the wrong place. So I brought the raw material to Kern Tec and put together a team to further process this exciting raw material.”
