Plant-based milk demand spans the US, Europe, the UK, and Asia-Pacific, with consumer choices shaped by health, lifestyle, and local agriculture. In the UK, lactose intolerance is a key driver, while US surveys show weekly purchase behavior differs by consumer type. Europe leans toward sustainability-led preferences, and production footprints vary widely by ingredient, from water use to greenhouse-gas emissions—factors this page connects to market growth.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, 42% of US households purchased plant-based milk at least once, up from 38% in 2022, per IRI data.
- Millennials (aged 25-40) represent 45% of plant-based milk consumers in Europe, preferring oat milk for its sustainability.
- 67% of US vegans and 32% of flexitarians bought plant-based milk weekly in 2023 surveys.
- Almond milk production emits 0.7 kg CO2e per liter, 75% less than cow's milk 3.2 kg CO2e.
- Oat milk has a water footprint of 48 liters per liter produced vs. dairy's 628 liters.
- Soy milk land use is 0.7 m² per liter, lower than almond's 10 m² but higher than oat's 0.5 m².
- The global plant-based milk market size was valued at USD 29.53 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.7% from 2024 to 2030, reaching approximately USD 67.1 billion by 2030.
- In the US, plant-based milk sales reached $2.8 billion in 2022, marking a 7% year-over-year increase despite a slowdown from previous double-digit growth.
- The European plant-based milk market generated €3.2 billion in revenue in 2023, with almond milk accounting for 35% of the total market share.
- Oat milk contains 2.5g protein per 100ml on average, compared to 3.3g in cow's milk per USDA data.
- Almond milk provides 120mg calcium per cup when fortified, matching 30% DV vs. 300mg in dairy.
- Soy milk offers 7g protein per 240ml serving, highest among plant milks and close to cow's 8g.
- Global plant-based milk production reached 12 billion liters in 2023, with 40% from oat-based facilities in Europe.
- Oatly's production capacity expanded to 1 billion liters annually by 2024 across 10 global plants.
- Almond milk production in California accounts for 85% of US supply, harvesting 2.5 billion pounds of almonds yearly.
In 2023, plant based milk adoption surged worldwide, driven by health, sustainability, and faster market growth.
Related reading
01 · Category
Consumer Demographics And Trends19 stats
01
In 2023, 42% of US households purchased plant-based milk at least once, up from 38% in 2022, per IRI data.
02
Millennials (aged 25-40) represent 45% of plant-based milk consumers in Europe, preferring oat milk for its sustainability.
03
67% of US vegans and 32% of flexitarians bought plant-based milk weekly in 2023 surveys.
04
In the UK, 55% of plant-based milk buyers are lactose intolerant, driving 28% market penetration.
05
Gen Z (18-24) accounts for 28% of plant-based milk trialists in Australia, motivated by health and ethics.
06
73% of Chinese urban consumers aged 18-35 prefer plant-based milk over dairy for taste innovation.
07
Women comprise 62% of regular plant-based milk purchasers in Canada, citing digestive benefits.
08
In Brazil, 40% of plant-based milk consumers are upper-middle class, with 25% growth in family purchases.
09
51% of Indian plant-based milk users are under 30, influenced by social media influencers.
10
US Hispanic consumers increased plant-based milk purchases by 18% in 2023, reaching 22% household penetration.
11
38% of French plant-based milk buyers are parents seeking alternatives for children.
12
In Germany, 29% of plant-based milk consumers switched from dairy due to animal welfare concerns in 2023.
13
Australian seniors (55+) now represent 15% of oat milk buyers, up 10% YoY for joint health.
14
64% of UK plant-based milk purchasers cite environmental impact as primary reason in 2024 polls.
15
In the US, 45% of plant-based milk loyalists are urban dwellers with household incomes over $75k.
16
Japanese consumers aged 20-39 show 35% preference for soy milk in plant-based category.
17
52% of Mexican plant-based milk buyers are millennials motivated by fitness trends.
18
South African plant-based milk adoption among black middle-class rose 20% to 18% penetration in 2023.
19
70% of Swedish plant-based milk consumers are female, with 40% vegan or vegetarian.
Interpretation
Consumer Demographics And Trends Interpretation
Consumer adoption is widening steadily as plant-based milk becomes mainstream in key demographics, with US households rising to 42% in 2023 from 38% in 2022 and younger groups like Millennials at 45% of consumers in Europe and Gen Z making up 28% of trialists in Australia.
02 · Category
Environmental And Sustainability Impact20 stats
01
Almond milk production emits 0.7 kg CO2e per liter, 75% less than cow's milk 3.2 kg CO2e.
02
Oat milk has a water footprint of 48 liters per liter produced vs. dairy's 628 liters.
03
Soy milk land use is 0.7 m² per liter, lower than almond's 10 m² but higher than oat's 0.5 m².
04
Coconut milk GHG emissions average 0.9 kg CO2e/liter, impacted by tropical deforestation.
05
Pea milk requires 1.2 m² land per liter, with 90% less water than dairy milk.
06
Rice milk production emits 2.6 kg CO2e per liter due to methane from paddies.
07
Global plant-based milk shift could cut dairy methane by 20% if 50% adoption by 2030.
08
Hemp milk uses 70% less water than almonds, with carbon sequestration from crops.
09
Cashew milk supply chains contribute to 1.2 kg CO2e/liter, with labor issues in Africa.
10
Oat milk sustainable sourcing covers 85% of supply via regenerative farming in Scandinavia.
11
Almond pollination requires 80 billion bees annually, stressing hives amid colony collapse.
12
Plant milks packaging recyclability reached 92% for cartons vs. dairy's 75% in EU 2023.
13
Soy milk deforestation risk reduced to 5% via certified sources in Brazil per RSPO.
14
Macadamia milk water use is 120 liters per liter, lower than almonds in Australia.
15
Quinoa milk biodiversity supports Andean ecosystems with zero pesticides average.
16
Tiger nut milk has 0.4 kg CO2e per liter, one of lowest due to local water efficiency.
17
Flax milk carbon footprint is 0.5 kg CO2e/liter with crop rotation benefits.
18
Banana milk repurposes 30% food waste, reducing landfill methane by 15% per liter equivalent.
19
Overall, plant-based milks save 2.5 trillion liters water annually vs. equivalent dairy.
20
Sorghum milk trials show 60% lower emissions than oat milk in arid regions.
Interpretation
Environmental And Sustainability Impact Interpretation
Overall, plant-based milks dramatically cut environmental burdens versus dairy, with emissions as low as 0.7 kg CO2e per liter for almond milk and water footprints such as 48 liters per liter for oat milk compared with 628 liters for dairy.
03 · Category
Market Size And Growth20 stats
01
The global plant-based milk market size was valued at USD 29.53 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.7% from 2024 to 2030, reaching approximately USD 67.1 billion by 2030.
02
In the US, plant-based milk sales reached $2.8 billion in 2022, marking a 7% year-over-year increase despite a slowdown from previous double-digit growth.
03
The European plant-based milk market generated €3.2 billion in revenue in 2023, with almond milk accounting for 35% of the total market share.
04
Asia-Pacific plant-based milk market is projected to grow from USD 10.2 billion in 2023 to USD 22.4 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 12.0%, driven by urbanization in China and India.
05
Oat milk segment in the global plant-based milk market is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR of 14.2% from 2023 to 2032, fueled by its creamy texture and popularity in coffee shops.
06
US retail sales of plant-based milk grew by 8.2% in 2023 to $3.1 billion, with refrigerated varieties outperforming shelf-stable by 12% growth.
07
The UK plant-based milk market expanded by 15% in volume sales in 2023, reaching 1.2 billion liters, led by own-label products.
08
Global plant-based milk production capacity increased by 18% in 2023 to 15 billion liters annually, with new facilities in Canada and Australia.
09
Soy milk held a 25.4% revenue share in the plant-based milk market in 2023, valued at USD 7.5 billion globally due to its protein content.
10
Canadian plant-based milk market sales hit CAD 850 million in 2023, growing 10% YoY, with oat milk surging 25%.
11
Australian plant-based milk category reached AUD 450 million in retail sales for 2023, up 9% from 2022.
12
Brazil's plant-based milk market grew 22% in 2023 to BRL 1.2 billion, driven by almond and oat variants.
13
In 2023, the plant-based milk market in India was valued at INR 15,000 crore, projected to double by 2028 at CAGR 15%.
14
Global wholesale value of plant-based milk alternatives rose 13% to USD 35 billion in 2023 per Innova data.
15
China’s plant-based milk sales volume increased 28% YoY in 2023 to 800 million liters, led by soy and rice milks.
16
Plant-based milk e-commerce sales globally jumped 25% in 2023 to USD 4.5 billion, per eMarketer estimates.
17
The Middle East plant-based milk market is expected to grow at 13.5% CAGR from 2024-2030, reaching USD 1.8 billion.
18
US foodservice plant-based milk sales grew 11% in 2023 to $450 million, mainly in coffee chains.
19
France plant-based milk consumption per capita reached 12 liters in 2023, up from 9 liters in 2020.
20
Global plant-based milk exports totaled 2.1 billion liters in 2023, with Netherlands leading at 450 million liters.
Interpretation
Market Size And Growth Interpretation
The plant-based milk market is poised for strong Market Size And Growth momentum, with the global market reaching USD 29.53 billion in 2023 and projected to expand at an 11.7% CAGR from 2024 to 203..., while key regions like Asia-Pacific are set to rise from USD 10.2 billion in 2023 to USD 22.4 billion by 2030 at a 12.0% CAGR.
More related reading
04 · Category
Nutritional Comparisons And Health Claims20 stats
01
Oat milk contains 2.5g protein per 100ml on average, compared to 3.3g in cow's milk per USDA data.
02
Almond milk provides 120mg calcium per cup when fortified, matching 30% DV vs. 300mg in dairy.
03
Soy milk offers 7g protein per 240ml serving, highest among plant milks and close to cow's 8g.
04
Coconut milk has 4.8g saturated fat per 100ml, higher than skim cow's milk at 0.1g.
05
Pea protein milk delivers 8g protein per cup, with all essential amino acids unlike rice milk.
06
Rice milk averages 1g protein per 100ml and high glycemic index of 79 vs. cow's 34.
07
Fortified oat milk supplies 25% DV vitamin D and B12, equivalent to dairy alternatives.
08
Cashew milk has 45 calories per 100ml, lower than whole cow's milk at 61 calories.
09
Hemp milk provides 3g omega-3 per serving, surpassing cow's milk negligible amounts.
10
80% of plant milks are fortified with calcium to 300mg per cup, matching dairy RDA levels.
11
Soy milk reduces cholesterol by 5-6% with daily 25g soy protein intake per meta-studies.
12
Almond milk allergies affect 1% population vs. dairy lactose intolerance in 65% globally.
13
Oat beta-glucans lower LDL cholesterol by 0.25 mmol/L with 3g daily from oat milk.
14
Plant milks average 50-100mg potassium per 100ml, comparable to cow's 150mg.
15
Macadamia milk has 1.5g monounsaturated fats per 100ml for heart health benefits.
16
Quinoa milk offers 4g complete protein per cup, gluten-free unlike some oats.
17
Tiger nut milk provides 7% DV iron per serving, higher than most plant milks.
18
Flax milk delivers 2.5g ALA omega-3 per 240ml, aiding anti-inflammatory effects.
19
Banana milk fortified has 20% DV vitamin B6, supporting metabolism over dairy.
20
Plant-based milks reduce type 2 diabetes risk by 20% with regular soy intake per studies.
Interpretation
Nutritional Comparisons And Health Claims Interpretation
Across nutritional comparisons, soy and pea milks lead on protein at about 7g per 240ml and 8g per cup respectively while rice milk lags at only 1g per 100ml and also has a higher glycemic index of 79 versus 34 for cow’s milk, underscoring why health claims often hinge on both protein content and blood sugar impact.
05 · Category
Production And Supply Chain21 stats
01
Global plant-based milk production reached 12 billion liters in 2023, with 40% from oat-based facilities in Europe.
02
Oatly's production capacity expanded to 1 billion liters annually by 2024 across 10 global plants.
03
Almond milk production in California accounts for 85% of US supply, harvesting 2.5 billion pounds of almonds yearly.
04
Global soy milk production hit 8.5 million metric tons in 2023, primarily from US and Brazil soybeans.
05
New oat milk processing plants in China increased capacity by 500 million liters in 2023.
06
Coconut milk supply chain relies on Philippines and Indonesia producing 3.2 million tons of copra annually.
07
Rice milk production in Thailand exported 450,000 tons in 2023, 60% to Europe and US.
08
Pea milk production scaled to 300 million liters globally in 2023 by Ripple Foods expansions.
09
Hemp milk facilities in Canada produced 150 million liters in 2023, using 50,000 acres of hemp.
10
Cashew milk supply from Vietnam and Ivory Coast reached 1.8 million tons of nuts processed in 2023.
11
Global supply of beta-glucan enriched oats for milk rose 25% to 2 million tons in 2023.
12
Almond milk water usage per liter is 371 liters in California production as of 2023 studies.
13
New fortified plant milk production lines in Europe added 1.2 billion liters capacity in 2023.
14
Sorghum milk pilot plants in Africa produced 50 million liters trial volume in 2023.
15
Macadamia milk supply from Australia exported 20,000 tons in 2023, growing 15% YoY.
16
Quinoa milk production in Peru reached 100 million liters in 2023 from Andean farms.
17
Hazelnut milk processing in Turkey utilized 250,000 tons of nuts for 400 million liters in 2023.
18
Global tiger nut milk (horchata) production hit 300 million liters, mostly artisanal scaled up.
19
Flax milk facilities in North Dakota produced 80 million liters from local seeds in 2023.
20
Banana milk production in Latin America scaled to 200 million liters using food waste peels.
21
Plant-based milk shelf-life extended to 90 days via HPP tech in 40% of US production by 2023.
Interpretation
Production And Supply Chain Interpretation
In Production And Supply Chain terms, the plant-based milk sector is scaling fast with global output hitting 12 billion liters in 2023 and capacity concentrated in oat and regional feedstocks, with Europe’s oat-based facilities driving 40% of that total, China adding 500 million liters through new oat plants, and coconut supply anchored by the Philippines and Indonesia producing 3.2 million tons of copra annually.
Reference
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APA
Priya Chandrasekaran. (2026, February 13). Plant-Based Milk Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/plant-based-milk-industry-statistics
MLA
Priya Chandrasekaran. "Plant-Based Milk Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/plant-based-milk-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Priya Chandrasekaran. 2026. "Plant-Based Milk Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/plant-based-milk-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
80 datasets cited across this report