A third of U.K. households (32 percent) now buy dairy-free milk, according to a leading plant-based drink brand.
Swedish oat milk company Oatly puts primarily puts growth of the sector down to ‘an increased awareness that consumers now have’.
Dairy-free
Speaking to leading food outlet Speciality Food magazine, Oatly U.K. general manager, Ishen Paran, said as a result of this awareness, consumers know they can have a direct impact on the health of the planet ‘through the products they choose to buy’.
Paran said that before, consumers mainly opted for dairy-free alternatives for dietary or health reasons. Now, many choose them for sustainability.
The change has been, until now, led by Millennials and Generation Z. But all age groups are now seeking out dairy alternatives. Paran said: “A massive 32 percent of households buy dairy-free milk now.”
World Plant Milk Day
Global initiative World Plant Milk Day (WPMD), which takes place annually on August 22, is looking to increase this number by highlighting the positive effects moving away from dairy products can have on health, the planet, and animal welfare.
Robbie Lockie, co-founder of Plant Based News, is the founder of WPMD. He said: “In recent years millions of people around the world have become more aware of how dairy production is harmful to animals, the environment, and human health. The current pandemic has shed a further spotlight on the role of animal agriculture in the genesis of new diseases.
“For these reasons and more, we call on everyone to try switching to delicious dairy-free alternatives for seven days. If you sign up for our challenge, we will send you a daily newsletter with recipes, tips, and hacks to make the switch.
“It’s never been easier, tastier, or more important to start moving away from animal products towards the abundance of plant foods. So why not join us and give it a go – the future is dairy-free.”
World Plant Milk Day is calling on people to sign its 7-day dairy-free challenge. Already ditched dairy? Nominate your friends and family to take part. Find out more here