North America Almond Milk Market Size and Share
Market Overview
| Study Period | 2020 - 2030 |
|---|---|
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 2.98 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 5.17 Billion |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 11.65% CAGR |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. |
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North America Almond Milk Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The North American almond milk market, valued at USD 2.98 billion in 2025, is set to surge to an estimated USD 5.17 billion, marking a robust CAGR of 11.65%, by 2030. The driving force behind this growth is the prevalence of lactose intolerance, which affects 36% of the population in the United States, 59% in Canada, and 48% in Mexico, as reported by the National Institutes of Health[1]Source: National Institutes of Health, “Lactose Intolerance,” nih.gov. This has naturally steered consumers towards lactose-free beverages. Furthermore, with 47% of U.S. adults now identifying as flexitarians, almond milk is witnessing a sustained boost as households shift from traditional dairy to plant-based alternatives, a trend highlighted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey,” cdc.gov . As oat, soy, and pea alternatives vie for market share, intensifying competition, established almond milk brands are responding by emphasizing barista-grade foaming, fortifying with proteins, and promoting clean-label formulas devoid of gums and oils. Concurrently, the institutional food service sector is increasingly adopting plant-based creamers to meet sustainability goals. Coffee chains, having removed non-dairy surcharges in 2024, are seeing heightened on-premise attachment rates, bolstering revenue prospects for almond milk manufacturers.
Key Report Takeaways
- By product type, unsweetened variants captured 47.64% revenue in 2024; sweetened products are advancing at a 12.85% CAGR to 2030.
- By packaging, cartons retained 37.64% of market share in 2024, while glass bottles are expanding at a 13.62% CAGR through 2030.
- By flavor, unflavored options commanded 67.82% of market share in 2024, whereas flavored SKUs are rising at a 12.28% CAGR over the same horizon.
- By channel, off-trade accounted for 72.92% of the 2024 market share; on-trade is climbing at a 13.82% CAGR to 2030.
- By geography, the United States held 79.83% of 2024 revenue, while Canada is the fastest-growing market at a 13.51% CAGR to 2030.
North America Almond Milk Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
| Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rising prevalence of lactose intolerance and dairy allergies | +2.1% | United States, Canada, Mexico | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Expanding vegan and flexitarian consumer base | +2.3% | United States, Canada, with spillover to Mexico | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Product innovation in flavors, fortification, and barista blends | +1.8% | United States, Canada | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Food-service shift toward plant-based coffee creamers | +1.5% | United States, Canada | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Retail private-label expansion enhances price accessibility | +1.4% | United States, Canada | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Protein-fortified almond milks targeting sports-nutrition users | +0.9% | United States, with early adoption in urban Canada | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Rising prevalence of lactose intolerance and dairy allergies
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 36% of Americans, 59% of Canadians, and 48% of Mexicans grapple with lactose malabsorption. This widespread issue creates a structural advantage for non-dairy alternatives, a lead that established dairy players find hard to match. Compounding this challenge is the growing awareness of dairy allergies. Unlike lactose intolerance, these allergies provoke immune responses, steering consumers towards plant-based substitutes known for their cleaner allergen profiles. Given its natural lactose and casein-free properties, almond milk emerges as the go-to choice for both children and the elderly, demographics particularly sensitive to digestive issues. The National Institutes of Health highlights that lactose intolerance is notably prevalent among Asian, African, and Hispanic communities, with rates exceeding 70%. Notably, this demographic is expanding at a pace outstripping the broader North American population. In response, manufacturers are enhancing almond milk with calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, aligning its nutritional profile closer to that of dairy. This strategy aims to ease the transition for health-conscious families.
Expanding vegan and flexitarian consumer base
In the U.S., a growing number of consumers are adopting a flexitarian approach, cutting back on animal products without completely eliminating them. Meanwhile, the popularity of fully plant-based diets is on the rise. This trend is less about strict ethical beliefs and more about practical health benefits: half of those adopting plant-based diets do so for wellness reasons, while a smaller 9% are motivated by the rising costs of animal products. Almond milk has gained a significant advantage, having made its debut in mainstream retail before oat and pea alternatives. This early entry allowed it to secure prime shelf space and establish strong brand recognition. As a result, almond milk now holds a significant portion of the U.S. retail milk sales, with many households buying plant-based milk at least occasionally. Notably, Generation Z is consuming about 20% less dairy milk than the national average, indicating a trend that is likely to intensify over time. In response to these shifts, brands are innovating with hybrid products. For instance, in January 2024, Blue Diamond introduced its Almond and Oat Blend, featuring 4 grams of sugar and 450 milligrams of calcium per cup, targeting consumers who are hesitant to fully commit to a single plant-based option.
Product innovation in flavors, fortification, and barista blends
In 2024, Califia Farms secured its position as the leading barista-milk brand in the U.S., leveraging its steam-stable, microfoam-textured almond milk to penetrate premium coffee markets. In May 2024, the company expanded its portfolio in the U.S. with the launch of three new Barista Blends: Organic Oat, Vanilla Oat, and Almond Barista. This move underscores a strategic approach, diversifying its offerings to mitigate risks associated with relying on a single base. As North American consumers become more diverse and elevate their at-home beverage experiences, flavor innovations are shifting from traditional vanilla and chocolate to Asian-inspired notes like matcha, chai, ube, and hojicha. In 2024, Califia tapped into this trend, rolling out 48-ounce versions of its Matcha Almond Latte and Chai Almond Latte, aiming at bulk-buying households that once frequented cafés for single servings. While almond milk traditionally offers just 1 gram of protein per cup, brands are enhancing this with pea protein isolates, boosting it to 8 grams per serving. A notable example is Lactalis Canada's "Enjoy" line, which debuted this fortified almond milk in May 2024. Further emphasizing the industry's direction, the Almond Board of California, in May 2025, provided insights on crafting almond protein powder for performance nutrition, highlighting a cohesive alignment between upstream supply chains and downstream market trends.
Protein-fortified almond milks targeting sports-nutrition users
Historically, almond milk's protein content, hovering around 1 gram per cup, has made it less appealing to fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders. However, brands are now enhancing their profile by adding pea protein isolates, boosting it to 8 grams per serving, and marketing it as a prime post-workout recovery drink. In May 2024, Lactalis Canada unveiled its "Enjoy" line, featuring oat, almond, and hazelnut variants, each packing 8 grams of unsweetened, non-GMO verified pea protein in a 250-milliliter serving. Also in May 2024, Muscle Milk rolled out its inaugural plant-based ready-to-drink protein shake, boasting 30 grams of protein in an 11-ounce bottle, signaling that plant-based proteins can fetch premium prices in convenience outlets. In June 2024, TurtleTree forged a partnership with Strive to integrate LF+, a fermentation-sourced lactoferrin, into adult and sports-nutrition products set to debut in Q1 2025, merging the realms of dairy-sourced bioactives and plant-based mediums. Highlighting the potential of almond protein powder in performance nutrition, the Almond Board of California, in May 2025, acknowledged its technical feasibility in high-protein mixes[3]Source: Almond Board of California, “Formulating with Almond Protein,” almondboard.com. Yet, they noted the challenge of scaling up, which demands costly enzymatic hydrolysis or mechanical extraction methods to isolate protein fractions.
Restraints Impact Analysis
| Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intensifying competition from oat, soy, and pea milks | -1.2% | United States, Canada | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Premium price gap versus dairy milk | -0.8% | United States, Mexico, Canada | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Water-footprint backlash against California almond farming | -0.6% | United States, with reputational spillover to Canada | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Yield volatility and supply-chain risk in the United States almond crop | -0.5% | United States (production), North America (supply impact) | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Intensifying competition from oat, soy, and pea milks
Oat milk is set to eclipse almond milk, both in volume and dollar growth, as consumers lean towards its creamier texture and reduced environmental impact. In a nod to the North American market, Oatly unveiled its first beverage innovations in five years: Unsweetened Oatmilk and Super Basic Oatmilk, debuting in January 2024. SunOpta, capitalizing on its expanded oat-milk capacity, boosted by a USD 26 million investment in Modesto, California, completed in June 2024, announced in October 2024 that its Dream Oatmilk Barista will hit 6,700 stores in January 2025, thanks to a partnership with a major coffee chain. Planting Hope made waves in 2024 by launching its Hope and Sesame milk at Kroger stores nationwide and in 20 Costco warehouses, touting a 75% reduction in water usage compared to almond milk and boasting 8 grams of complete protein per serving, directly countering almond's sustainability claims. While soy milk, with its 7-gram protein content, enjoys steadfast loyalty from Asian and health-conscious consumers in the U.S., pea milk is carving out a niche in allergen-sensitive households. As alternatives to almond milk gain momentum, almond's dominance in the plant-based category is waning, pushing brands to emphasize functional attributes, like barista performance and protein content, over mere novelty.
Water-footprint backlash against California almond farming
California almond orchards, annually consuming 4.7 to 5.5 million acre-feet of water, accounting for 14.4% to 16.75% of the state's agricultural water, find themselves at the center of drought-related scrutiny. Each almond kernel's water footprint stands at roughly 12 liters. In the realm of almond milk production, crafting a single liter demands about 380 liters of water. This figure starkly contrasts with oat milk's more modest requirement of 48 liters per liter. Such disparities are not lost on environmental advocates and oat-milk marketers, who emphasize them in their messaging to consumers. The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act could lead to the retirement of 180,000 to 350,000 hectares of irrigated land in the San Joaquin Valley. While this would streamline almond production to the most water-efficient farms, it also threatens to curtail overall output and inflate raw material costs. Almond milk boasts greenhouse gas emissions of about 0.8 kilograms of CO₂ equivalent per liter, a third of dairy milk's footprint. However, this environmental edge is often eclipsed by dominant narratives of water scarcity in California's media and activist circles. In response, brands are forging partnerships in regenerative agriculture and securing water-efficiency certifications. Yet, the challenge remains: once consumer perceptions solidify, reversing reputational damage becomes an uphill battle.
Segment Analysis
By Product Type: Sweetened Variants Gain as Health Halo Fades
In 2024, unsweetened almond milk captured 47.64% of the market, reflecting early adopters' preference for low-calorie, low-sugar options aligned with ketogenic and paleo diets. However, sweetened almond milk is growing at a 12.85% CAGR through 2030, as mainstream consumers prioritize taste. Brands are incorporating functional sweeteners like monk fruit, stevia, and allulose to offer indulgence without glucose spikes. Blue Diamond's Almond and Oat Blend, launched in January 2024, balances 4 grams of sugar per cup to target the "better-for-you indulgence" market. In food-service channels, sweetened almond milk is gaining traction as baristas report that unsweetened variants can impart chalky or bitter notes in espresso drinks. Coffee chains are increasingly stocking lightly sweetened options that enhance coffee flavor. Califia's Vanilla Oat and Almond Barista Blends, launched in the US in May 2024, use organic cane sugar to improve foaming stability and mouthfeel. The shift toward sweetened products is notable in Mexico, where sweeter beverages are preferred, and among U.S. Gen Z consumers, who view sugar less critically than older generations.
Unsweetened almond milk remains dominant in health-food stores, natural retailers, and among fitness-focused consumers who closely track macronutrients. Brands like MALK Organics and Elmhurst 1925 focus on premium, minimal-ingredient, unsweetened formulations, appealing to those who value clean labels and organic certification. PLANTSTRONG launched in February 2024 at 500 Whole Foods stores with an Unsweetened Almond SKU free of gums or oils, targeting Whole30 and anti-inflammatory diet followers. The unsweetened segment benefits from rising awareness of added-sugar health risks, with many consumers monitoring intake based on American Heart Association guidelines of 25 grams per day for women and 36 grams for men. Manufacturers are fortifying unsweetened variants with calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 to match dairy's nutritional profile and counter perceptions of nutritional inferiority.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Packaging Type: Glass Bottles Signal Premium Positioning
In 2024, carton packaging held a 37.64% market share, driven by the popularity of Tetra Pak and SIG Combibloc formats, which enable ambient distribution and extended shelf life without refrigeration. Glass bottles are growing at a 13.62% CAGR through 2030, as premium brands leverage their recyclability, inert properties, and shelf appeal to justify higher price points. MALK Organics and Elmhurst 1925 exclusively use glass bottles for refrigerated SKUs, positioning them as quality indicators of minimal processing and ingredient purity. Glass also eliminates concerns about bisphenol A or phthalate migration, appealing to health-conscious parents buying almond milk for children. In March 2024, Califia Farms transitioned all U.S. and Canada refrigerated bottles to 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 19% and energy use by 50%. However, the company retained plastic to maintain cost competitiveness and avoid breakage during distribution. Plastic bottles remained significant in 2024, favored for their lightweight, shatter resistance, and compatibility with high-speed filling lines. Yet, Extended Producer Responsibility mandates across North America are pushing manufacturers toward higher recycled-content ratios.
Carton packaging remains dominant in the almond milk category, especially for shelf-stable SKUs sold in grocery and mass merchandise channels. SunOpta operates four aseptic plants in Modesto, California; Allentown, Pennsylvania; Alexandria, Minnesota; and Midlothian, Texas, producing shelf-stable almond, oat, soy, and coconut milk for private-label and branded customers. The company completed a 252,000-square-foot warehouse in Alexandria in December 2023 and a USD 26 million expansion in Modesto in June 2024, highlighting the capital intensity of aseptic carton production. Shelf-stable cartons enable distribution to convenience stores, dollar stores, and rural markets with limited refrigerated cold-chain infrastructure, expanding almond milk's reach beyond urban coastal markets. However, North America's fragmented carton recycling infrastructure often leads to landfill disposal, posing reputational risks for sustainability-focused brands. In August 2024, Milkadamia introduced Flat-Pack Organic Oat Milk sheets, achieving a 94% packaging reduction and 85% weight reduction, with an almond-milk version planned, signaling potential disruption to the carton-plastic-glass dynamic.
By Flavor: Matcha and Chai Drive Premiumization
In 2024, unflavored almond milk led sales with a 67.82% share, becoming the preferred choice for its versatility in cereals, coffees, smoothies, and cooking. Flavored variants are growing at a 12.28% CAGR through 2030, driven by Asian-inspired flavors like matcha, chai, ube, and hojicha, catering to diverse demographics and enhancing at-home beverages. Califia Farms launched 48-ounce Matcha Almond Latte and Chai Almond Latte in 2024, targeting bulk-buying households previously reliant on single-serve café options. Priced above unflavored versions, these lattes appeal to millennials and Gen Z, who view flavored plant-based milk as a lifestyle choice. MALK Organics expanded its creamer line in 2024 with Vanilla Almond and Caramel Almond, distributed nationally through Sprouts, Whole Foods, Erewhon, and Fresh Thyme, showcasing how flavor innovation can command premium pricing in a competitive market.
Unflavored almond milk holds an advantage in food-service and ingredient sectors, where chefs and baristas prefer its neutral profile to avoid overpowering coffee, tea, or recipes. Around 25% of U.S. coffee-shop consumers choose almond milk, with most favoring unflavored or lightly vanilla variants that complement espresso. Califia Farms, known for unflavored and vanilla SKUs designed for steam stability and microfoam texture, leads the U.S. barista-milk market. Califia also launched a limited-edition Chocolate Strawberry Almond Creamer in 25.4-ounce bottles in 2024, appealing to children and nostalgic adults. While the U.S. and Canada drive flavor innovation with ample retail shelf space, Mexico's almond-milk market remains focused on unflavored and vanilla options due to lower household penetration and price sensitivity.
By Distribution Channel: On-Trade Rebounds as Surcharges Disappear
In 2024, off-trade channels, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialist outlets, and online platforms, accounted for 72.92% of almond milk's volume sales, reflecting its shift from a niche health product to a mainstream grocery item. Meanwhile, the on-trade sector is projected to grow at a 13.82% CAGR through 2030, driven by coffee chains dropping non-dairy surcharges and institutional food services adopting plant-based creamers to meet sustainability goals. Starbucks eliminated non-dairy milk surcharges in 2024 across the U.S. and Canada, lifting a USD 0.70 to USD 1.00 price penalty and boosting plant-based milk adoption rates by 15% to 20% within the first year. Stumptown Coffee made oat milk the default choice in 2024, while Blue Bottle trialed oat milk as the default in select California and East Coast locations, highlighting the influence of default options. Currently, 65% of baristas offer plant-based milks, making food service a key volume driver, especially for brands partnering with distributors like Sysco and US Foods.
Supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate the off-trade landscape, leading household purchases with strong private-label penetration. Great Value enjoys robust household recognition, while Kirkland Signature boasts a 43% penetration rate, making these labels more prevalent than several national counterparts. Online retail is growing rapidly, driven by Amazon's Subscribe and Save initiative, which offers 5% to 15% discounts on regular almond milk orders, reducing the hassle of transporting bulky cartons. In May 2025, Mooala introduced Simple Almond Single Serve six-packs on Amazon, targeting e-commerce-savvy consumers who value convenience over cost. Convenience and specialist stores play distinct roles: convenience outlets stock single-serve bottles for on-the-go consumption, while specialist retailers curate premium brands like MALK, Elmhurst, and Three Trees, which command higher price points. Califia's August 2024 acquisition of Uproot expanded self-serve dispenser access to over 150 educational and healthcare institutions, reducing single-use packaging and tapping into institutional demand.
Geography Analysis
In 2024, the United States accounted for 79.83% of regional revenue, driven by early plant-based adoption, extensive retail distribution, and a growing flexitarian consumer base. California leads US consumption due to its health-conscious population, dense Asian and Hispanic demographics with higher lactose intolerance, and proximity to almond-growing regions, reducing logistics costs. However, the maturing US market is slowing as oat milk gains popularity among younger consumers for its creamier texture and lower environmental impact. Private-label expansions by Costco, Walmart, and Trader Joe's are pressuring branded margins, prompting Blue Diamond, Danone, and Califia to innovate with barista-grade formulations, protein enhancements, and new flavors. The USDA projects a 2025 almond yield of 3.0 billion pounds, but groundwater regulations could reduce irrigated land in the San Joaquin Valley, tightening supply and raising costs.
Canada is set to grow at a 13.51% CAGR through 2030, driven by regulatory support and rising plant-based adoption. In December 2024, Health Canada updated food compositional standards and the food-additives framework, streamlining approval for fortified plant-based drinks. In August 2024, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued guidance on labeling plant-based alternatives, emphasizing clear naming and accurate ingredient lists. In May 2024, Lactalis Canada launched its "Enjoy" line with six high-protein SKUs, offering 8 grams of pea protein per 250 milliliters in oat, almond, and hazelnut varieties. Oatly Canada partnered with Grain Millers Canada for regenerative farming on 1,500 acres and reintroduced creamers alongside its "Oat As Default" campus initiative, highlighting oat milk's growing appeal, though almond milk retains a loyal base.
Mexico and other North American regions are smaller but strategically important. Mexico's high lactose-intolerance rates create demand, but limited income and dairy subsidies restrict almond milk's reach to affluent urban centers like Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. Food certification regulations under NOM-251-SSA1-2009 increase compliance costs for imported almond milk, creating a price disadvantage. In the broader North American region, including the Caribbean and Central America, demand is emerging due to tourism, expatriates, and urban middle-class growth. However, weak distribution networks and cold-chain limitations hinder expansion. Brands are testing shelf-stable formats to bypass refrigeration needs, with SunOpta's aseptic carton production positioned to address this opportunity.
Competitive Landscape
The North American almond milk market is moderately fragmented, with Blue Diamond Growers, Danone, and Califia Farms holding significant market shares. Blue Diamond's Almond Breeze brand benefits from vertical integration, representing approximately 3,000 California almond growers, ensuring raw material security and cost advantages that independent brands cannot replicate. Danone's Silk portfolio leverages its parent company's global distribution network and synergies with yogurt and creamer lines. Califia Farms has carved out a premium niche with barista-grade formulations and 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate packaging, appealing to sustainability-focused consumers. In April 2024, HP Hood announced a USD 83.5 million expansion at its Winchester, Virginia, facility to enhance production and packaging for Blue Diamond's Almond Breeze and Planet Oat, highlighting the importance of co-manufacturing partnerships for scaling capacity without capital-intensive greenfield investments. SunOpta solidified its position as the second-largest shelf-stable plant-based milk producer with its January 2025 acquisition of Dream and WestSoy brands from Hain Celestial for USD 33 million, operating four aseptic plants across California, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Texas.
White-space opportunities in the market include protein-fortified SKUs for sports nutrition, hybrid dairy-plus-plant blends to reduce switching friction, and institutional dispenser systems that eliminate single-use packaging. Califia Farms' August 2024 acquisition of Uproot, a self-serve dispenser company serving over 150 educational and healthcare institutions, exemplifies vertical integration into high-volume, low-margin channels that competitors have largely overlooked. Emerging disruptors such as Planting Hope, which markets sesame milk as a lower-water alternative to almond milk with 8 grams of complete protein, and Milkadamia, which introduced Flat-Pack Organic Oat Milk sheets in August 2024, reducing packaging by 94% and weight by 85%, with an almond-milk version planned, are reshaping the competitive landscape.
Technological advancements are driving the market, with a focus on aseptic processing, enzymatic protein extraction, and fermentation-derived bioactives. For instance, TurtleTree partnered with Strive in June 2024 to incorporate LF+, a fermentation-derived lactoferrin, into adult and sports-nutrition products slated for a Q1 2025 launch. Regulatory compliance remains a key competitive differentiator. Health Canada's December 2024 modernization of food compositional standards and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's August 2024 labeling guidance have created significant barriers to entry, particularly for smaller players lacking regulatory expertise.
North America Almond Milk Industry Leaders
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Blue Diamond Growers
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Califia Farms LLC
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Danone SA
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The Hain Celestial Group Inc.
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SunOpta Inc.
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- January 2025: SunOpta acquired Dream and WestSoy brands from The Hain Celestial Group for USD 33 million, consolidating its position as the number-two shelf-stable plant-based milk producer in North America. Dream ranks as the second-largest shelf-stable plant-based milk brand, and SunOpta already co-manufactured approximately 50% of the Dream portfolio prior to the acquisition, enabling seamless operational integration. The transaction was funded via a USD 20 million first-in, last-out term loan, and the combined entity operates four aseptic plants across California, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Texas, creating coast-to-coast production redundancy and freight optimization.
- June 2024: SunOpta completed a USD 26 million expansion at its Modesto, California facility, increasing oat-milk and oat-base production capacity by more than 60%. The project added 167,684 square feet of production space and created 17 new jobs, bringing total Modesto employment to 208. The expansion supports SunOpta's October 2024 announcement that Dream Oatmilk Barista would roll out to 6,700 stores in January 2025 via a coffee-chain partnership, positioning the company to capture food-service demand as coffee chains eliminate non-dairy surcharges.
- April 2024: HP Hood LLC announced a USD 83.5 million expansion at its Winchester, Virginia, facility, upgrading production and packaging equipment for Blue Diamond Almond Breeze and Planet Oat. The facility employs more than 600 people and manufactures extended-shelf-life fluid milk and non-dairy products. The investment underscores the capital intensity of co-manufacturing partnerships, which enable brands to scale capacity without greenfield construction, and reflects rising demand for plant-based milk in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions.
- April 2024: Blue Diamond Growers announced a partnership with Kagome Co., Ltd. to distribute and produce Almond Breeze in Japan. The collaboration leverages Kagome's distribution network and local manufacturing capabilities to reduce freight costs and tariffs, positioning Almond Breeze to compete with domestic Japanese plant-based milk brands. Japan's lactose-intolerance prevalence exceeds 80%, creating structural demand for non-dairy alternatives, and Blue Diamond's vertical integration through its 3,000-member almond-grower cooperative ensures raw-material security.
North America Almond Milk Market Report Scope
Off-Trade, On-Trade are covered as segments by Distribution Channel. Canada, Mexico, United States are covered as segments by Country.| Sweetened |
| Unsweetened |
| Carton |
| Plastic Bottle |
| Glass Bottle |
| Others |
| Flavored |
| Unflavored |
| On-Trade | |
| Off-Trade | Supermarket/Hypermarket |
| Convenience Store | |
| Specialist Stores | |
| Online Retail Store | |
| Other Distribution Channels |
| United States |
| Canada |
| Mexico |
| Rest of North America |
| Product Type | Sweetened | |
| Unsweetened | ||
| Packaging Type | Carton | |
| Plastic Bottle | ||
| Glass Bottle | ||
| Others | ||
| Flavor | Flavored | |
| Unflavored | ||
| Distribution Channel | On-Trade | |
| Off-Trade | Supermarket/Hypermarket | |
| Convenience Store | ||
| Specialist Stores | ||
| Online Retail Store | ||
| Other Distribution Channels | ||
| Geography | United States | |
| Canada | ||
| Mexico | ||
| Rest of North America | ||
Market Definition
- Dairy Alternatives - Dairy alternatives are foods that are made from plant-based milk/oils instead of their usual animal products, such as cheese, butter, milk, ice cream, yogurt, etc. Plant-based or non-dairy milk alternative is the fast-growing segment in the newer food product development category of functional and specialty beverage across the globe.
- Non-Dairy Butter - Non dairy butter is a vegan butter alternative that is made from a mixture of plant oils. With an increase in alternative diets like vegetarianism, veganism, and gluten intolerance, plant butter is a healthy non-dairy substitute for normal butter.
- Non-Dairy Ice Cream - Plant based ice cream is a growing category. Non-dairy ice cream is a type of dessert made without any animal ingredients. This is typically considered a substitute for regular ice cream for those who cannot or do not eat animal or animal-derived products, including eggs, milk, cream, or honey.
- Plant-Based Milk - Plant based milks are milk substitutes that are made from nuts (e.g., hazelnuts, hemp seeds), seeds (e.g., sesame, walnuts, coconuts, cashews, almonds, rice, oats, etc.) or legumes (e.g., soy). Plant-based milk such as soy milk and almond milk have been popular in East Asia and the Middle East for centuries.
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| Cultured Butter | Cultured butter is prepared by having the raw butter go through chemical processing and has been added with certain emulsifiers and foreign ingredients. |
| Uncultured Butter | This type of butter is one which has not been processed in any way |
| Natural Cheese | The type of cheese in its most natural form. It is made from natural and simple products and ingredients, including fresh and natural salts, natural colors, enzymes, and high-quality milk. |
| Processed Cheese | Processed cheese undergoes the same processes as natural cheese; however, it requires more steps and many different forms of ingredients. Making processed cheese involves melting natural cheese, emulsifying it, and adding preservatives and other artificial ingredients or colorings. |
| Single Cream | Single cream contains around 18% fat. It’s a single layer of cream that appears over boiled milk. |
| Double Cream | Double cream contains 48% fat, more than double the amount of fat of single cream. It’s heavier and thicker than single cream |
| Whipping Cream | This has a much higher fat percentage than single cream (36%). Used to top cakes, pies, and puddings and as a thickener for sauces, soups, and fillings. |
| Frozen Desserts | Desserts that are meant to be eaten in frozen condition. E.g., sherbets, sorbets, frozen yogurts |
| UHT Milk (Ultra-high temperature milk) | Milk heated at a very high temperature. Ultra-high-temperature processing (UHT) of milk involves heating for 1–8 sec at 135–154°C. which kills the spore-forming pathogenic microorganism, resulting in a product with a shelf-life of several months. |
| Non-dairy butter/Plant-based butter | Butter made from plant-derived oil such as coconut, palm, etc. |
| Non-dairy Yogurt | Yogurt made from typically made from nuts, like almonds, cashews, coconuts, and even other foods like soybeans, plantains, oats, and peas |
| On-trade | It refers to restaurants, QSRs, and bars. |
| Off-trade | It refers to supermarkets, hypermarkets, on-line channels, etc. |
| Neufchatel cheese | One of the oldest kinds of cheese in France. It is a soft, slightly crumbly, mold-ripened, bloomy-rind cheese made in the Neufchâtel-en-Bray region of Normandy. |
| Flexitarian | It refers to a consumer preferring a semi-vegetarian diet, that is centered on plant foods with limited or occasional inclusion of meat. |
| Lactose Intolerance | Lactose intolerance is a reaction in digestive system to lactose, the sugar in milk. It causes uncomfortable symptoms in response to the consumption of dairy products. |
| Cream Cheese | Cream cheese is a soft and creamy fresh cheese with a tangy taste made from milk and cream. |
| Sorbets | Sorbet is a frozen dessert made using ice combined with fruit juice, fruit purée, or other ingredients, such as wine, liqueur, or honey. |
| Sherbet | Sherbet is a sweetened frozen dessert made with fruit and some sort of dairy product such as milk or cream. |
| Shelf stable | Foods that can be safely stored at room temperature, or "on the shelf," for at least one year and do not have to be cooked or refrigerated to eat safely. |
| DSD | Direct Store Delivery is the process in supply chain management wherein the product is delivered from manufacturing plant directly to the retailer. |
| OU Kosher | Orthodox Union Kosher is a kosher certification agency based in New York City. |
| Gelato | Gelato is a frozen creamy dessert made with milk, heavy cream and sugar. |
| Grass-fed Cows | Grass-fed cows are allowed to graze in pastures, where they eat a variety of grasses and clover. |
Research Methodology
Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.
- Step-1: Identify Key Variables: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step 1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set, and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
- Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period for each country.
- Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables, and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
- Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms
