The Surge in Plant-Based Vegan “Dairy” Products

Coconut milk: Nature’s Answer to Dairy

Milk choices are no longer limited to the color of the lid or carton (red, green, blue, purple).  Options now include organic milk, grass-fed cow milk, lactose-free milk among many others. And recently a growing number of non- dairy milk alternatives are being developed to meet consumers’ ever-changing lifestyles.

Interest in dairy milk is waning as thirst for non-dairy options is growing.  According to Nielsen Company, the total milk market (dairy and non) in the past five years has shrunk by more than $1 billion.  During that same period, sales of almond milk have grown 250% to more than $894.6 million in 2015. Non-dairy alternatives are experiencing a huge spike in the marketplace while dairy milk declines.

The milk category has been flooded with plant-based alternatives. Among them, soy is paving the way followed closely by almond, coconut and rice.  As more negative press surrounds soy, other options have surged to the forefront. As this category continues to grow, coconut milk is poised and ready to go. Coconut milk is still a new player with only 3% of the market share, while almond has 65%. This means now is the time to innovate with coconut milk
to ride its growth wave.

The desire for plant-based milk is fueled due to an increased focus on health and general wellness as well as a rising awareness of environmental issues surrounding dairy milk.   When you look at sustainability of different non-dairy milks, coconut milk compares favorably for less energy and water as well as for producing fewer green-house gas.

Mintel research indicates one in five Americans would be drawn to drink more non-dairy milk with the addition of beauty benefits, eg: skin and hair health.  Luckily, coconut provides both with other health benefits to boot. Coconut milk via topical and ingested applications may help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, which improves skin elasticity due to its high vitamin C and copper content.

Coconut milk is also a rich source of phosphorus which helps to build stronger bones.  It touts health benefits such as working to control inflammation and ease joint pain.  Additionally, coconut milk contains lauric acid which boosts good cholesterol.

iTi Tropicals supplies coconut cream and coconut water, which, when combined make a delicious coconut milk.  Visit our website at www.iTitropicals.com to learn more and request a sample!