While growth is still nascent, strong potential for brands exists to fulfill consumer desires for ‘healthy’ dairy alternatives
ST. LOUIS, June 27, 2019 – As Americans continue to look for ways to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diets, the plant-based dairy alternative segment is expanding. Sales of plant-based dairy products, excluding milk, reached $697 million, for the 52 weeks, ending June 2018, according to Nielsen data – an increase of 50 percent year over year. Nondairy ice cream and frozen desserts, yogurt, cheese, creamer, butter and dressing sales are included in these figures. All the nondairy product categories cited here experienced double-digit growth greater than 20 percent during the same period.
“The top driver for consumers of plant-based dairy products is health,” said Greg Paul, Ph.D., MBA, Marketing Leader, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences. “Consumers believe plant-based is healthier for them, yet what they consider healthy varies widely and is often personal. Healthy may be defined simply as dairy avoidance because of an allergy or intolerance or it may mean sustainable, lower in fat or better for one’s overall well-being.”
While health benefits may be what’s bringing mainstream consumers to the plant-based dairy sector, meeting expectations for taste, texture and overall eating enjoyment is what will keep them there. Analysis of more than 3 million online conversations over a three-year period by MotiveQuest found that taste and flavor are consistently consumers’ most important criteria in nondairy substitutes. Protein content, texture, sugar level and calories are other common discussion topics.
“Consumers are often disappointed in the labels on dairy alternative products because their expectations aren’t met,” Paul said. “The labels are not jibing with what consumers expect with dairy-free products – which is natural and simple with high protein, low sugar and clean labels. There is significant opportunity in the market for brands to deliver dairy-free products with better nutritional profiles and cleaner labels.”
DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences is a leader in plant-based product development, with decades of experience and category research. Together with an expansive portfolio of protein ingredients, complementary systems for texture/stabilization, cultures, probiotics and food protection solutions, DuPont experts can help plant-based dairy brands deliver on consumer healthfulness expectations with exceptional taste and texture.
For more plant-based dairy alternative insights, infographics and videos, visit plantbasedlifestyle.dupont.com
For a complete listing of DuPont plant proteins and complementary systems for texture/stabilization, cultures for fermentation, sensory appeal and food protection for shelf life extension, go to www.food.dupont.com/.
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About DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences
DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences applies expert science to advance market-driven, healthy and sustainable solutions for the food, beverage, dietary supplement and pharmaceutical industries. We also use cutting-edge biotechnology across a range of markets to advance bio-based solutions to meet the needs of a growing population, while protecting our environment for future generations. We are innovative solvers who help our customers turn challenges into high-value business opportunities. For more information:www.dupontnutritionandhealth.
About DuPont
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials, ingredients and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, health and wellness, food and worker safety. More information can be found at www.dupont.com/.
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6/27/19
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For further information contact:
Kevin Kuzma
+1-913-738-3604
kevin.kuzma@dupont.com
