Plant-based milk varieties have become one of the high-demand products in grocery stores and a vital ingredient for coffee shops. The growing demand for plant-based alternatives to classical dairy products (see our post on what is dairy) has led to the development of different vegan dairy products. From yogurt alternatives to vegan butter, there are multiple plant-based products that resemble the characteristics of traditional dairy goods. In this post, we’ll shed some light on the different vegan dairy products, their benefits, and how businesses can use them. Make sure to also check our posts on vegan meat alternatives and the dairy farming industry.
Key takeaway: Vegan dairy products are made of nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios), seeds (chia, hemp, pumpkin), certain types of grains (rice, oats, soy), or fruits (banana, coconut). There are vegan alternatives to traditional milk, cheese, cream, butter, ice cream, yogurt, and various other dairy products. Plant-based dairy products are sometimes used in non-vegan dishes as a way to add nutty flavor.
What Are Vegan Dairy Products
Technically speaking, there is no such thing as a vegan dairy product. As dairy goods are made of animal products (most commonly cow milk), they cannot be simultaneously vegan. However, alternatives to classical dairy goods are often marketed as vegan dairy products. This means that they are made of nuts, seeds, or other parts of plants. Let’s examine the different types of dairy alternative products.
Types of Vegan Dairy Products
- Plant-based milk. It’s the most popular type of dairy-free alternative to regular milk. There are multiple varieties of plant-based milk made of coconuts, almonds, pistachios, soy, oats, and other nuts or seeds. Plant-based milk can be used as vegan milk for cocktails, cooking, or making delicious espresso drinks.
- Vegan cheese. There are dairy-free alternatives to hard cheeses like parmesan and there are also different types of soft spreads. Vegan cheese is usually made of ingredients like cashews, coconut oil, soy, potatoes, and yeast.
- Plant-based butter. It can be used for baking delicious vegan pastries or for cooking. Vegan butter is a blend of nuts and different plant-based oils such as coconut, avocado, and olive oil.
- Vegan ice cream. As ice cream is one of the most popular desserts worldwide, there are also vegan alternatives. They combine cashew cream with coconut and almond milk. Plant-based ice cream comes in various flavors.
- Dairy-free yogurt. Yogurt has been used as a probiotic for centuries. Many manufacturers of vegan yogurt also enrich their products with probiotics to make them a healthy alternative to the regular types of yogurt. Check out our post on different yogurt recipes as well.
- Vegan creams. From whipped cream to coffee creamers, there is a wide range of cream products offered by wholesale dairy distributors. To answer the demand for vegan alternatives, manufacturers also offer dairy-free alternatives to these products.
Benefits of Vegan Dairy Products
Dairy-free alternatives to traditional dairy goods are growing in popularity among consumers and businesses in the restaurant industry. That’s because these products are considered to be more sustainable compared to animal products. Furthermore, some vegan dairy alternatives are used in recipes as a way to add more flavor. Almond and coconut milk are great examples of plant-based dairy products that are also used in non-vegan dishes and beverages.
A major benefit of vegan dairy products is that they can be consumed by people with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. They are still rich in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and protein.
The environmental benefits are also a major factor in the growth of plant-based dairy in the food and beverage industry. These goods amount to lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced water consumption, and less land use. This makes them a preferred choice for environmentally-conscious consumers and those who support humane food production and animal welfare.
How Businesses Use Vegan Dairy Products
Companies need to constantly adapt to changes in demand. That’s why lots of restaurants, cafes, and other food service establishments have included vegan options in their menus. Dessert and food manufacturers have also incorporated vegan dairy products into their recipes. This makes them a suitable option for lactose-intolerant buyers.
In addition to including vegan dairy products in their recipes, there are other ways businesses can benefit from this trend. For example, vegan dairy products can help a restaurant’s marketing efforts and be part of the incorporation of sustainable practices.
Plant-based dairy goods are usually more expensive compared to traditional milk products. Thus, companies can have higher profit margins when incorporating these goods into their business.
With a growing number of lactose-intolerant people and more consumers focusing on eco-friendly practices, vegan dairy products will play an increasingly important role in food service and the overall dairy industry.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vegan Dairy Products
If you’re looking for whole grain breakfast recipes to add to your restaurant’s menu or wish to know about the best dairy wholesalers, there are a lot of resources available on BlueCart’s website. Below we’ve answered some commonly asked questions regarding vegan dairy products and their role in the food industry.
Can a Product Be Vegan but Not Dairy-Free?
Yes. It’s possible for a product to be labeled as vegan but not dairy-free. That’s because there are regulations that state that for a product to be labeled as dairy-free, it needs to be manufactured in a segregated environment and without any detectable levels of dairy. That also includes proper air filtration to guarantee that contamination is not possible. Not all vegan products are produced in such facilities. That’s why vegan, lactose-free, and plant-based products might be labeled as “may contain milk”. In practice, vegan products don’t use animal products, including milk and other dairy products.
What Are Popular Recipes with Dairy-Free Alternatives?
Hundreds of recipes can also be made with plant-based milk instead of traditional dairy. From vegan pancakes to delicious pasta, there are many dishes to try at home or add to your restaurant’s menu. In fact, even non-vegan dishes often use dairy-free alternatives like almond or coconut milk to add additional flavor. Here are a few popular vegan recipes without dairy.
- Chia seed pudding;
- Vegan pancakes;
- Mocktails with coconut milk;
- Chickpea curry;
- Vegan chocolate cake;
- Vegan pasta.
How Big is the Dairy-Free Industry?
According to estimates, the size of the global dairy alternatives market is around 30 billion dollars. It grows by roughly 12% annually. This makes it one of the fastest-growing markets in the overall food sector. The biggest growth drivers for this niche market are the increasing number of lactose-intolerant people and the focus on sustainability by many consumers. The United States and other developed countries are the biggest contributors to the global vegan dairy sector. The Asia-Pacific region also shows large growth. There is a large potential for entrepreneurs and business owners to benefit from the trends in the plant-based dairy sector.
BlueCart: The Wholesale Ordering Platform for All Types of Food
Whether you want to find suppliers that specialize in vegan and dairy-free goods or you’re looking for broadline distributors, BlueCart’s marketplace is the place for you. Our platform connects suppliers with businesses that buy wholesale. Distributors can easily make eCommerce catalogs, increase their B2B sales, and automate various business processes. Buyers can use BlueCart’s platform to compare prices and goods offered by different suppliers. Schedule a demo now and see how our wholesale ordering software helps distributors and their clients.