In 1999, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a health claim allowing soymilk manufacturers to state that consuming 25 grams of soy protein in a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, says Virginia Lee, senior research analyst at Chicago-based Euromonitor International. This claim boosted the popularity of soymilk, and it continues to be the most popular dairy alternative beverage today, she says. However, the research firm estimates that sales of soymilk declined 5.8 percent from $981 million in 2009 to $924 million in 2010, and another 8.5 percent in 2010 reaching $846 million in 2011.
Allen Flavors Inc., Edison, N.J., was founded in 1990. The company started as a one-room, two-person operation. Since then, the company has evolved into one of the largest privately held suppliers of flavor to the beverage industry.
Sunrich Naturals, a brand of SunOpta Inc., introduced Sōl, a dairy alternative beverage made from roasted sunflower kernels. The dairy-free, gluten-free, all-natural beverage contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that promote heart and brain health, strengthen bones and teeth, and helps maintain youthful-looking skin, in addition to folic acid to support prenatal health, the company says.