Explore the latest innovation in dairy and non-dairy drinks in 2025 with Mintel’s global innovation report. The report identifies the major launch activities, pivotal consumer attitudes and most important product development of the year across the globe.
Key innovation trends in the dairy drinks market are analysed and succinctly presented alongside Mintel’s consumer data and insights. So you can understand changing consumer demands and identify future growth opportunities.
This report also presents Mintel’s analysts’ pick of the most innovative launches in the global dairy and non-dairy drinks market. Understanding innovation in milk and dairy has never been so easy.
Meet the Expert Behind the Analysis
This report was written by Benedict Lai. Benedict joined the Food & Drink team in March 2025, bringing with him over three years’ experience as a CN-EN translator within the localisation team. Currently, he researches and writes Year of Innovation reports.
Nutrient fortification is driving innovation in dairy and non-dairy drink launches, while sugar-related and no preservatives/additives claims have seen growth.
Benedict Lai
Associate Analyst (Innovation)
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- What we have seen
- Our pick of the most innovative launches in this review
- Other innovative launches
- The Future of Dairy and Non-Dairy Drinks: 2025
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EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA (EMEA)
- Europe: flavoured milk brands double down on their sugar reduction efforts
- Consumers are becoming more mindful of sugar intake
- No added sugar claims rise in flavoured milk launches
- Graph 1: flavoured milk launches, by share of sugar-related claims, 2020-25
- Flavoured milk brands emphasise messaging around sugar content
- Europe: plant-based drink brands strengthen their health appeal through nutrient fortification
- Health-conscious choices fuel demand for better nutritional content
- More plant-based drinks than white milk feature nutrient fortification claims
- Graph 2: white milk launches vs plant-based drink (dairy alternative) launches, by share of select plus claims, 2024-25
- Plant-based drink brands elevate indulgent flavours with added nutrients
- The Middle East & Africa (MEA)
- Brands incorporate functional ingredients and playful flavours
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ASIA PACIFIC (APAC)
- Asia: senior-focused white milk gains ground in China
- Senior consumers are fuelling demand for more specialised food and drink options
- China dominates senior-focused white milk launches
- Brands launch powdered milk products targeting seniors
- Asia: brands leverage nutrient fortification to boost plant-based drinks
- Rising nutrient demand sparks concern over deficiencies in dairy alternatives
- Vitamin/mineral fortified and added calcium claims are on the rise in plant-based drink launches
- Graph 3: plant-based drink (dairy alternative) launches, by share of vitamin/mineral fortified and added calcium claims, 2020-25
- Plant-based drink brands highlight better-for-you attributes
- Brand renovation/innovation: Oatly! launches oat milk products infused with nourishing TCM ingredients
- Australia & New Zealand
- Brands leverage cross-category collaborations and limited editions to offer exciting flavours
- Brand renovation/innovation: Sanitarium Plantwell launches health-boosting plant-based milks with superfood ingredients
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THE AMERICAS
- North America: plant-based drink producers increasingly embrace no additives/preservatives claims
- Consumers prefer additive- and preservative-free options
- No additives/preservatives claims in plant-based drink launches are on the rise
- Graph 4: plant-based drink (dairy alternative) launches, by share of no additives/preservatives claims, 2020-25
- Plant-based drink brands highlight the absence of preservatives and additives
- North America: vitamin/mineral fortification continues to make strides in milk launches
- Consumers turn to nutrient-enriched products for wellness
- Vitamin/mineral fortified claims continue to grow in white milk and flavoured milk launches
- Graph 5: white milk and flavoured milk launches, by share of vitamin/mineral fortified claims, 2020-25
- Dairy drink brands highlight vitamin fortification
- Latin America: consumer preference for dairy and plant-based options is evolving
- Consumers embrace plant-based options and reduce dairy intake
- Plant-based options account for a significant share of dairy/non-dairy drinks launches
- Graph 6: share of white milk and plant-based drink (dairy alternative) launches, by sub-category, 2020-25
- Plant-based drinks featuring unique ingredients
What is 'A Year of Innovation' Report?
To truly understand a market, it’s essential to look at the products that are shaping it. Our ‘A Year of Innovation’ reports provide a detailed review of specific categories, focusing on the most notable product launches from the past 12 months. These reports are designed to give you a clear and comprehensive picture of recent innovation and its impact.
How We Analyse a Year of Innovation
By deconstructing the past year’s activity, we can provide valuable context for your current and future strategies. Here’s how we do it.
A Deep Dive into Product Launches
The core of these reports is a thorough examination of new products. We go beyond simply listing what’s new. Our analysis delves into the “why” behind each product launch, exploring the strategies, ingredients, and marketing claims that are driving innovation. This helps you understand what’s working, what’s not, and where the market is headed.
Powered by the Global New Products Database (GNPD)
Our insights are built on a foundation of robust data from Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD). This powerful tool tracks and catalogues new product launches from around the world. By leveraging the GNPD, we offer a complete exploration of innovative activity within your category, ensuring our analysis is comprehensive, accurate, and relevant.
Uncovering Trends and Consumer Shifts
Our ‘A Year of Innovation’ reports are designed to equip you with actionable insights into how to lead innovation in your category. By studying recent product launches, we can identify shifting consumer habits and preferences. These reports help you connect the dots between what consumers want and how companies are responding. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of emerging trends, allowing you to refine your own product development and marketing strategies with confidence.
For a more detailed look at a Year of Innovation report, take a look at a sample PDF report below.
Please Note: All of the figures, graphs, and tables have been redacted.
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