A Year of Innovation in Dairy and Non-Dairy Drinks 2026
2026-05-22T12:00:41+00:00
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Report
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Brands are working to modernise milk's image through innovation around functional, high-protein options, more-indulgent flavours, and canned formats. Amrin Walji, Senior Innovation Analyst…
Global
Dairy and Dairy Substitute Drinks
simple
A Year of Innovation in Dairy and Non-Dairy Drinks 2026
"Brands are working to modernise milk's image through innovation around functional, high-protein options, more-indulgent flavours, and canned formats."
Explore the latest innovation in dairy and non-dairy drinks in 2026 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.
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What we’ve seen
Our pick of the most innovative launches in this review
Other innovative launches
Global spotlight: launch activity in plant-based drinks declines, while flavoured milk introductions ramp up
Graph 1: dairy and non-dairy drink launches, by sub-category, 2021-26
EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA (EMEA)
Europe: milk brands embrace indulgence through flavour innovation
Consumers are keen to see a wider variety of flavours in milk
Pistachio-flavoured milks are rising in launch activity
Graph 2: flavoured milk launches, by top 10 flavour component, 2024-26
Brands seek flavour inspiration from the Dubai chocolate trend
Dessert and bakery flavours are also embraced to enhance indulgence
Brand renovation/innovation: Tom Parker Creamery looks to botanicals to launch a flavourful bedtime milk
Europe: drinking yogurts offer various functional benefits
Consumers choose drinking yogurts for their health benefits
Brands highlight the health benefits of drinking yogurts
Graph 3: drinking yogurt launches, by select functional claims, 2024-26
Yogurt drinks cover various functional wellness needs
Soy milk brands seek inspiration from dessert, floral and tea flavours for greater indulgence
Brand renovation/innovation: Kikkoman launches sweet-potato-flavoured soy milk with added fibre
Australia & New Zealand
Drinking yogurt brands find flavour inspiration in other beverage categories
THE AMERICAS
North America: flavoured milk brands look beyond traditional bottles and cartons
Consumers perceive aluminium cans as convenient
Flavoured milk brands turn increasingly to canned formats, though bottles remain dominant
Graph 5: flavoured milk launches, by top three pack types, 2024-26
Aluminium cans are emerging as a viable format for flavoured milk
North America: brands explore dairy-alternative ingredients in plant-based milks
Consumers are open to trying emerging non-dairy milks
In North America, oat and almond are the most popular bases for plant-based drinks
Graph 6: plant-based drink launches, by select food ingredients (including all children), 2023-26
Novel plant bases are gaining traction in North America
Brand renovation/innovation: Jindilli Beverages disrupts the plant-based milk category by launching oat milk slices
Latin America: high/added protein claims rise among white milk launches
Consumers show interest in dairy-milk-based protein beverages
Graph 7: white milk launches, by high/added protein claims, 2021-26
High-protein white milk launches offering more than a standard ‘good source of protein’ claim
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.
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