T h e B u s in e s s Of D a ir y
The Debate on Dairy Versus Plant-based Alternatives
DFA Explains Its Decision to Offer Consumers the Best of Both
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f you asked the dairy industry what kind of relationship it has with plant-based alternative dairy products, the answer would probably be “complicated.” Without a doubt, the dairy industry is firmly built on fluid cow’s milk and the delicious products like yogurt, cheese and butter that it produces. A glass of ice-cold cow’s milk has been equated with nutrition and wholesome goodness for ages, and you’d be hard pressed to find many in the dairy industry who would say anything to the contrary. But, for some time now, plant-based dairy alternatives have been elbowing their way into the dairy case, particularly when it comes to beverages. With the consumption of fluid cow’s milk continuing to decline, the dairy industry has had no choice but to take notice. Not long ago, plant-based dairy alternatives seemed certain to be a passing phase, and some, in fact, have come and gone. Offerings of plant-based dairy alternatives have been derived from soy, cashews, coconut, rice and even peas. The almond, however, has proven to be the standout for plant-based
alternative beverages, and it doesn’t appear to be going away. New to the scene is oat milk, which has quickly proven to be very popular, although its longevity has yet to be determined. There’s no doubt about it: plant-based alternatives to dairy products are thriving. So, what is the dairy industry to do? Of course, many in the dairy industry will hold firm that grinding up a bunch of nuts and adding water, sugar and thickeners does not a glass of milk make. But others have chosen to embrace these plant-based products as an opportunity to market products that consumers continue to demand. Northeast Dairy magazine discussed this great debate with Dairy Farmers of America, as the cooperative has recently introduced an innovative milk-based product that takes direct aim at plant-based beverages with Dairy+Milk Blends, a lactose-free beverage featuring a 50/50 blend of cow’s milk with plant-based “milk” in two flavors: almond and oat. This new product has 6 to 8 grams of sugar, 5 grams of protein and fewer calories per NED Magazine | Third Quarter 2021 • 45
