The dairy alternatives sector consists of enterprises that have expertise in manufacturing plant-based products as substitutes for traditional dairy. The businesses that supply dairy free alternatives such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and sauces are procured from plant sources such as oats, soya, and nuts. Alternative dairy products cater to numerous consumers who are vegans, lactose intolerant, and environmentally conscious. As the global population becomes more environmentally conscious, the dairy alternatives industry is forecasted to grow at an exponential rate.
According to a report by Extrapolate, the global dairy alternatives market size is anticipated to grow to nearly $75.75 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of about 15.20% over 2023 - 2030.
There are various key players that are embracing innovation to offer alternative dairy products by introducing varied, palatable alternatives. In this blog, we will have a look at the top 10 dairy alternatives suppliers around the world.
Top 10 Dairy Alternatives Manufacturers in 2024
Following are the top 10 companies that procure, manufacture, and sell various alternatives to dairy products for health-conscious and vegan consumers:
1. Hain Celestial
Hain Celestial provides a variety of dairy alternatives catering to individuals with diverse dietary needs. It has a product portfolio that includes dairy free alternatives such as plant-based milk procured from almonds, soy, and oats. It is a perfectly suitable option for individuals who are vegan, lactose intolerant, and have allergies to dairy products.
Hain Celestial also supplies alternative dairy products like non-dairy yogurts extracted from coconut, almond, or soy. These products are non-dairy alternatives rich in probiotics and vitamins. The company focuses on procuring natural ingredients and embracing sustainable practices in manufacturing its products. It collaborates with supermarkets and health food stores to distribute its alternative dairy products for environmentally conscious consumers.
2. SunOpta Inc.
SunOpta Inc. offers a wide range of dairy alternatives derived from plant-based ingredients. Almond milk, coconut milk, and oat milk are a few of its key offerings. The company is known for supplying lactose-free options suitable for vegans and a population that is sensitive to dairy.
SunOpta leverages soy, coconut, or almond as a base to produce dairy-free yogurts. It provides a variety of flavors and textures enriched with probiotics. The company focuses on formulating products with organic and non-GMO (genetically modified organism) ingredients to lure health-conscious consumers who are looking for sustainable choices. SunOpta Inc. makes its alternatives to dairy products accessible by distributing them to mainstream grocery stores and specialty health food markets.
3. Danone
Danone supplies a vast range of non-dairy alternatives through its brands like Silk and So Delicious. It provides its products to individuals looking for plant-based alternatives, vegans, and intolerant to lactose. The company uses almonds, coconut, oats, and soy to manufacture dairy-free yogurts.
Danone fortifies its products with vitamins and probiotics, providing multiple flavors and textures. It puts a strong emphasis on responsibly sourcing natural ingredients and supplying eco-friendly products. The company manufactures alternative dairy products to provide nutritious and delicious plant-based alternatives to traditional dairy products.
4. Oatly AB
Oatly AB has expertise in producing oat-based dairy alternatives. It is well-known for its oat milk worldwide. The diverse product portfolio of Oatly includes multiple flavors of oat milk, like barista edition coffee, and flavored options like chocolate and vanilla.
The company also supplies oat-based yogurt, a dairy alternative to yogurt. It caters to consumers with vegan food preferences, lactose intolerance, and plant-based meal options. Oatly focuses on embracing sustainability practices by leveraging oats that need less water and land compared to dairy production. It collaborates with supermarkets, cafes, and specialty stores as a part of its supply chain to distribute its sustainable and nutritious dairy free alternatives created from oats.
5. Vitasoy International Holdings Limited
Vitasoy International Holdings Limited has an extensive range of dairy alternatives primarily procured from soy and other plant-based ingredients. The company offers vegans and lactose-intolerant individuals soy milk in multiple flavors, such as original, chocolate, and vanilla. It has dairy free yogurt alternatives procured from soy, which are enriched with probiotics for digestive health benefits.
Vitasoy prioritizes health and sustainability. It uses non-GMO soybeans and promotes environmentally friendly practices in its dairy alternative production. The company is making a conscious effort to make a shift toward plant-based nutrition and meet the needs of consumers with diverse dietary requirements.
6. DAIYA FOODS INC.
DAIYA FOODS INC is a pioneer in the dairy alternative sector with expertise in supplying multiple alternatives to various dairy products. Plant-based cheeses, like cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack, are a few of its key product lineups that are derived from ingredients such as tapioca starch and coconut oil.
Daiya also provides dairy-free cheese sauces, salad dressings, and cheesecakes, which are used in a wide range of culinary applications. The company puts a strong emphasis on preparing non-GMO and allergen-friendly formulations. Daiya products are popular for their texture and flavor, and are a preferred choice in both home and restaurant kitchens.
7. CP Kelco (J.M. HUBER)
CP Kelco is a subsidiary of J.M. HUBER, offering a wide range of dairy alternative ingredients, primarily focused on hydrocolloids procured from plant-based sources. Carrageenan, gellan gum, and cellulose gum are widely used ingredients by CP Kelco in manufacturing dairy free alternatives to provide texture, stability, and mouthfeel similar to dairy.
CP Kelco also produces plant-based milk, yogurts, cheeses, and desserts to fulfill the consumer demand for lactose-free and vegan options. The company has stringent checks in place to meet the quality and safety standards.
8. Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)
ADM offers an extensive range of dairy alternatives catering to various consumer preferences. Its extensive product portfolio includes plant-based proteins such as soy protein, pea protein, and almond protein. These proteins are used to manufacture dairy-free beverages, yogurts, and cheeses.
ADM supplies plant-based oils and fats that mimic the functionality of dairy fats, improving texture and mouthfeel in alternatives to dairy products. It has effective quality checks in place to ensure that its products meet the set global food safety standards. ADM is a key player in the rapidly evolving plant-based food industry to serve allergen-friendly, lactose-free, and vegan options.
9. Blue Diamond Growers
Blue Diamond Growers has expertise in manufacturing almond-based dairy alternatives. It provides a variety of products customized to meet consumer demands seeking plant-based nutrition. Plain, vanilla, and chocolate are the three almond milk flavors Blue Diamond Growers offers its customers with different tastes and dietary needs.
The company is famous for its almond-based yogurt alternatives with a creamy texture and probiotic benefits. Blue Diamond makes strategic supply chain partnerships to support its environmental stewardship. It is a preferred brand by individuals seeking dairy-free, lactose-free, and vegan products, non-dairy alternatives for beverages, and yogurt substitutes.
10. Melt Organic
Melt Organic specializes in producing dairy-free alternatives, primarily focusing on plant-based spreads and dairy free butter alternatives. Its products are derived from a blend of oils including coconut, palm fruit, flaxseed, sunflower, and canola. The raw materials used in preparing the products offer a rich, creamy texture suitable for spreading, baking, and cooking.
Melt Organic products do not have dairy, gluten, or soy, catering to individuals with dietary restrictions and preferences. Plain, honey, and chocolate are the three flavors Melt Organic offers to its consumers.
Wrapping Up Top 10 Dairy Alternatives Companies
The surge in the adoption of organic food and animal cruelty-free products is increasing globally. As consumers today are becoming more aware of what they consume, businesses are adapting to their preferences. There are big enterprises in the market that focus on supplying plant-based dairy products. This blog can serve as a guide for vegans, lactose intolerant, and environmentally conscious consumers to explore the top 10 dairy alternatives near them.