US plant-based milk sales fall 5.4% as dairy milk regains ground

Sales of plant-based milk alternatives in the US fell by 5.4% over the past year, according to Circana. Almond milk performed even worse, with sales down 7.9%. At the same time, dairy milk sales have started to recover after years of decline.

Price has been one of the factors behind the shift in demand. After milk prices declined in 2023, some consumers returned to traditional dairy products, particularly amid pressure on household budgets.

Consumers are also paying closer attention to ingredients and nutritional value. Cow’s milk contains three to four times more protein than oat milk, while some plant-based drinks contain added sugars, oils and stabilizers.

Plant-based producers are responding to changing preferences by increasing protein, calcium, iodine and vitamin content and launching new flavors aimed at younger consumers.

Demand for high-protein dairy products is also strengthening. At Arla, revenue from products such as quark and skyr has been growing by around 25% annually since 2024, highlighting the growing focus on protein-rich foods.

Tags: Milk, USA