Lactose-free doubles plant-based growth

Americans spent $13.88 billion on milk in 2019, according to research from IRI, down just 0.4% from $13.93 billion in 2018.

Soy beverage sales fell 13.3% from $248 million to $215 million, whereas almond beverages grew 5.7% from $1,339 million to $1,416 million, taking total plant-based beverages up 5.5% to $2,036 million.

Lactose-free milk gained most of all, according to the National Milk Producers Federation, adding 11.9% from $1,250 million to $1,400 million.

So, despite strong growth for plant-based beverages, lactose-free milk grew at twice the rate of plant-based, adding $149 million of value compared with $104 million for plant-based.

Oat beverages, however, were the fastest climbers of all, but from a much smaller base. They jumped from $7 million in 2018 to $68 million in 2019.