“The plant-based trend continues to gain momentum in the UK, fuelled by environmental and health considerations.”

A growing number of Brits are ditching dairy and switching over to plant-based milk options.

According to Mintel, one in three Brits are now consuming non-dairy alternatives  – a record high.

The global market research company polled 2,000 people aged 16 and over to compute the results.

Report findings

Mintel’s poll found that 44% of those aged between 25 to 44 now drink plant-based milk.

32% of those polled drink milk made from either soy, oats, almond or rice – up from 25% in 2020.

Among the alternatives, oat milk proved most popular in 2020, with consumers spending £146 million on the non-dairy substitute.

Almond milk came in as the second plant-based milk of choice with consumers spending £105 million on it in 2020, compared to £96 million in 2019.

Other findings highlighted that the demand for alt-milk was driven by environment and health concerns. 50 % respondents said it would make a difference to the environment, while 23% said it mattered to their health.

Plant-based milk market is now ‘mainstream’

Amy Price, a senior food and drink analyst at Mintel, said the findings suggest the alt-dairy market is now ‘mainstream’ and its ‘appeal is far beyond the vegan or vegetarian populations’.

She added the industry is worth a whopping £394million annually.

“The plant-based trend continues to gain momentum in the UK, fuelled by environmental and health considerations,” Price said.

“…Oat milk’s previous robust growth has attracted a lot of innovation to the segment including barista-style varieties.

“The rapid sales growth of plant-based milk has brought about new product development from established players and new entrants alike.

“While almost 90% of Brits use cow’s milk, usage continues to be lower amongst younger Brits than older age groups, as it faces intense competition from plant-based varieties. 

“If they retain their plant-based milk habit as they age, this stands to drive usage across the population upwards over time, fuelling long-term growth for the plant-based milk category.”

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