The global revenue of the plant-based milk alternatives market reached a stunning USD 14 billion in 2023, and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate CAGR of almost 12% until 2032. [report by Global Market Insights]
This surge reflects a profound shift in consumer habits towards more sustainable and health-conscious dietary choices.
Fueled by a blend of factors such as increased health consciousness and environmental considerations, plant-based milk has evolved from a niche product to a mainstream dietary essential. With soy, almonds, oats, and coconuts at the forefront, the production of plant-based milk is reshaping conventional perspectives on dairy consumption.
The dairy industry's changing tides
The dairy industry is undergoing profound change as consumer preferences shift towards plant-based alternatives.
With lactose intolerance affecting over two-thirds of the world’s population (particularly in Southern Africa and East Asia) and cow’s milk allergy (CMA) being the most common food allergy in infants and young children, there’s a clear demand for dairy alternatives. In addition, the rise of vegetarian and vegan diets, driven by health and ethical motivations, is accelerating the transition to plant-based dairy options.
Consumers are also looking for more sustainable alternatives as they become more aware of the environmental impact of conventional dairy farming, including issues such as greenhouse gas emissions and water use.
Plant-based milk: a delicious and versatile alternative
Plant-based milk, also referred to as vegetable milk, resembles traditional cow’s milk in appearance but offers a unique taste and texture owing to its plant-based production method. It can be derived from a variety of sources including legumes (soy), fruits such as almonds, coconuts, and hazelnuts, as well as cereals like oats, rice, spelt, hemp, and buckwheat. Unlike dairy milk, plant-based milk undergoes sterilization to be sold at room temperature and may be enhanced with flavors or sugars for added taste.
The production process of plant-based beverages typically involves several key steps:
- Soaking of the raw material: this step involves soaking the chosen cereal, legume or fruit to obtain a semi-finished product from which the solid part is separated from the liquid part, which forms the base of the beverage.
- Filtering: a centrifuge decanter separates the solid part from the liquid part.
- UHT sterilization: the mixture is sterilized using Ultra High Temperature (UHT) to ensure it is safe for consumption and has a longer shelf life.
- Homogenization: this process ensures the even distribution of particles within the mixture, resulting in a smooth and consistent beverage texture.
- Cooling: the milk undergoes cooling in an aseptic tank to reach an optimal temperature for subsequent processing stages.
- Packaging: once cooled, the beverage is carefully packaged into suitable containers, designed to preserve its freshness during storage and transportation.
Vegetable milk is a versatile and flavorful alternative to traditional dairy, offering a diverse range of flavors and textures. Plant-based options range from creamy almond milk to nutty oat milk and silky soy milk to suit different tastes and dietary requirements.
The production process is crucial in determining the taste of each type of vegetable “milk”.
FrauGroup's innovative approach to sterilization
Utilizing direct steam sterilization, FrauGroup ensures that plant-based milk retains its natural color, flavor, and nutritional integrity. This advanced sterilization method not only meets rigorous quality standards but also enhances the organoleptic qualities of the final product, resulting in a superior taste and texture. By leveraging this cutting-edge technology, FrauGroup sets a new standard for excellence in the plant-based milk industry, providing manufacturers with the means to create premium-quality products that resonate with discerning consumers.
Customized solutions can help you achieve success
FrauGroup offers Customized Solutions to thrive in the growing plant-based milk market. With a rising demand for dairy alternatives, manufacturers seek innovative approaches to meet consumer needs. FrauGroup’s tailored solutions, including full plant-based milk production line design and implementation, ensure clients stay competitive. Collaborating with technology experts enables personalized recipes, meeting diverse market demands. With FrauGroup’s expertise, manufacturers create market-ready, delicious plant-based milk products for success in the dairy alternative landscape.
