US Milk and Non-Dairy Milk Market Report 2024

The US Milk and Non-Dairy Market remains stable as milk continues to be a staple in households. However, the types chosen continue to change as consumers see the benefits of both dairy and non-dairy options.

US Milk and Non-Dairy Milk Market – Current Landscape

The US milk and non-dairy milk market witnesses a shift in consumption, as consumers increasingly embrace both dairy and non-dairy options. The US milk market encompasses a diverse array of products tailored to different health benefits and flavor preferences, showing resilience and adaptability. The demand for non-dairy alternatives, driven by a desire for flavor and nutrition variety, complements the steadfast popularity of traditional dairy milk, known for its familiar taste and nutritional benefits.

Sales trends indicate stability in the dairy milk market US, with both segments expecting slight growth over the next 5 years. Environmental concerns and sustainability will become pivotal, prompting brands to explore carbon-neutral farming, powdered formulas, and even lab-grown milk. Additionally, consumer values will shift towards premium, specialty milks that align with personal health and sustainability ideals.

Generational differences also play a significant role, with older consumers favoring functional and familiar products, and younger demographics seeking novel flavors and health benefits. The versatility of both dairy and non-dairy milk across various applications further enhances their appeal, with innovative marketing strategies targeted at diverse consumer segments, including children.

US Milk Market – Market Statistics

• Milk Market Size: In 2024 $18.1bn estimated value sales of dairy milk was measured.
• Consumer Attitudes in the US Milk Market: Health is a priority for consumers and 47% of buyers in the US purchase reduced fat milk.
• Sustainability in the Dairy Milk Market US: Dairy milk launches in the US with “natural” claims increased by 40%.

US Milk and Non-Dairy Milk Market Report – What’s Inside?

Key Topics Analyzed in this Report

• Analysis of the US milk and non-dairy milk market size and forecasts.
• US milk market segmentation and share of leading brands.
• Consumer preferences, attitudes (such as sustainability concerns), and behaviors, as well as generational influences.
• Milk and non-dairy milk market innovation, trends, and marketing strategies.
• Milk and non-dairy milk market growth opportunities.

Report Scope

The scope of this report includes both the dairy and non-dairy milk markets. Each market has its own market size and forecast.

The dairy milk market size includes:

• Refrigerated dairy milks (skim/low-fat milk, whole milk, flavored milk)
• Shelf-stable RTD milk (unrefrigerated dairy milk)

The non-dairy market size includes:

• Almond milk
• Coconut milk
• Soy milk
• Oat milk
• Other non-dairy milk (cashew milk)
• Shelf-stable (RTD non-dairy milk)

Cream, creamers, condensed/evaporated milk, and powdered milk are excluded from the dairy milk market size.

Non-dairy cream and creamers are excluded from the non-dairy milk market size.

Meet the Expert Behind the Analysis

This report was written by Julia Mills, Food & Drink Analyst at Mintel. Julia joined Mintel as a Food & Drink Analyst in 2023 after spending two years working in the Food & CPG industry. Prior to Mintel, she analyzed trends and insights in both the food distribution and market research space. She holds a BA in Food & Consumer Packaged Goods Marketing from Western Michigan University.

US consumers seek the best of both worlds: dairy and non-dairy milk. To appeal to consumers, foster brand trust and engagement by embracing authenticity and inherent health benefits.

Julia Mills
Analyst – Food & Drink