As consumers search for that healthy, quenching beverage, non-dairy drinks seem poised to fulfill that need state, experts note. “As more Americans become health conscious, that drives their purchasing decisions with regards to dairy and dairy alternatives,” says Jeffrey Cohen, industry analyst with IBISWorld, Santa Monica, Calif.
Cohen notes that fluid milk has experienced slight declines because of consumer concerns about excess fat, growth hormones and antibiotics. At the same time, plant-based alternatives have experienced notable increases, he says.