U.S. Nut-Based Milk Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2033

U.S. Nut-Based Milk Market Size

• The U.S. nut-based milk market size was valued at USD 15.89 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 35.73 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 10.66% during the forecast period
• The market growth is largely fueled by rising health consciousness, expanding vegan and flexitarian populations, and a shift toward non‑dairy beverages as consumers seek lactose‑free and nutritionally rich alternatives to conventional dairy. Nut‑based milks are increasingly featured in retail and foodservice channels across the U.S., supporting growing household penetration and category visibility
• Furthermore, increasing disposable incomes and broadened product applications from direct consumption to use in baking, cooking, and coffee beverages are driving demand. These converging factors are accelerating the adoption of nut‑based milk solutions across both mainstream and specialty channels, thereby significantly boosting the industry’s growth potential and solidifying nut‑based milks as a key segment within the broader plant‑based milk market

U.S. Nut-Based Milk Market Analysis

• Nut-based milks, including almond, cashew, and other varieties, are increasingly recognized as essential plant-based alternatives to traditional dairy, offering consumers lactose-free, nutrient-rich, and sustainable beverage options that align with modern health and lifestyle trends
• The rising demand for nut-based milk is primarily driven by growing health consciousness, expanding vegan and flexitarian populations, and a shift toward sustainable and plant-based diets, alongside increasing awareness of the environmental impact of dairy production
• The U.S. market is supported by strong retail and e-commerce penetration, widespread consumer awareness of plant-based alternatives, and the presence of leading domestic and international brands offering innovative flavors, fortified variants, and premium products. Growth is also fueled by collaborations between foodservice chains and plant-based milk producers to incorporate nut-based milk in beverages and recipes
• Increasing product innovation is shaping the U.S. nut-based milk market, with new formulations targeting enhanced nutrition, extended shelf life, and functional benefits such as protein enrichment and calcium fortification, catering to health-conscious consumers
• The almond milk segment dominated the U.S. nut-based milk market in 2025, with the largest market share of 62.5%, due to its widespread consumer acceptance, versatility in beverages and recipes, and strong retail availability across supermarkets, specialty stores, and online platforms

Report Scope and U.S. Nut-Based Milk Market Segmentation

U.S. Nut-Based Milk Market Trends

“Innovation in Flavored and Functional Nut-Based Milks”

• A significant and accelerating trend in the U.S. nut-based milk market is the development of flavored, fortified, and functional nut-based beverages, enhancing both taste and nutritional benefits for health-conscious consumers
• For instance, Silk has introduced protein-fortified almond milk with vanilla and chocolate variants to appeal to fitness-focused and on-the-go consumers. Similarly, Califia Farms offers a line of oat-almond blends enriched with calcium and vitamin D
• Functional formulations allow nut-based milks to target specific health benefits, such as digestive wellness, bone health, or immune support, while maintaining plant-based and lactose-free positioning. For instance, Blue Diamond’s almond milk with added protein and prebiotics addresses both taste and functionality for active adults
• Retailers and foodservice providers are increasingly featuring nut-based milk options in ready-to-drink beverages, coffee, smoothies, and culinary recipes, boosting visibility and consumption. Through strategic placement and bundling, these products become more accessible to mainstream consumers
• This trend toward taste-driven, functional, and nutritionally enhanced products is shaping consumer expectations for plant-based dairy alternatives. Consequently, companies such as Elmhurst are innovating with barista blends and high-protein nut-based milks to meet evolving preferences
• The demand for innovative nut-based milk options is growing rapidly across urban and suburban U.S. markets, as consumers increasingly prioritize convenience, flavor variety, and health benefits in their plant-based beverage choices

U.S. Nut-Based Milk Market Dynamics

Driver

“Rising Health Consciousness and Plant-Based Diet Adoption”

• The growing awareness of health, nutrition, and lactose intolerance among U.S. consumers, coupled with the increasing adoption of plant-based diets, is a key driver for the heightened demand for nut-based milks
• For instance, in March 2025, Blue Diamond launched a high-protein almond milk targeting fitness enthusiasts, highlighting nutritional advantages and supporting muscle recovery, driving market adoption
• Nut-based milks offer advantages such as lower cholesterol, lactose-free content, and fortified vitamins and minerals, appealing to health-conscious families and individuals seeking functional beverages
• In addition, the popularity of vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian lifestyles is contributing to steady growth in nut-based milk consumption, with households increasingly substituting dairy with plant-based alternatives
• Convenience factors such as ready-to-drink formats, long shelf-life packaging, and easy availability in retail and online channels are propelling the adoption of nut-based milks across various consumer segments
•  Rising awareness of the environmental impact of dairy production is motivating consumers to switch to nut-based milks, which have lower water usage and carbon footprint compared to conventional milk
• Promotional campaigns and influencer marketing highlighting the health and ethical benefits of nut-based milks are driving brand visibility and encouraging trial among younger, urban consumers
• Collaborations with coffee chains, restaurants, and foodservice providers to incorporate nut-based milks in beverages and recipes further support widespread acceptance and market expansion

Restraint/Challenge

“High Cost and Consumer Perception Issues”

• The relatively higher price of nut-based milks compared to conventional dairy products can limit adoption among price-sensitive consumers in the U.S., particularly for premium or fortified variants
• For instance, high-priced barista blends from Califia Farms and Elmhurst may be inaccessible to budget-conscious buyers despite offering functional benefits and flavor innovations
• Some consumers perceive plant-based milks as less satisfying in taste or texture compared to dairy milk, creating a barrier to repeat purchase despite health advantages
• While pricing has gradually become more competitive with mass-market almond milk brands such as Silk, premium variants with added nutrients or specialty flavors often retain a cost premium
• Overcoming these challenges requires targeted marketing, education on health and environmental benefits, and the introduction of more affordable fortified and flavored options to appeal to a broader consumer base
• Limited consumer knowledge regarding nutritional differences among nut-based milk types (almond, cashew, hazelnut) may reduce informed purchasing decisions and affect market penetration
• Supply chain constraints and fluctuations in nut raw material prices, due to weather or import issues, can impact production costs and pricing stability, posing a challenge for manufacturers
• Ensuring consistent taste, texture, and nutritional value while balancing pricing remains critical for sustained growth and widespread adoption of nut-based milks in the U.S.

U.S. Nut-Based Milk Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of category, nut milk type, packaging, packaging size, flavours, formulation, end user, and distribution channel.

•  By Category

On the basis of category, the U.S. nut-based milk market is segmented into organic and inorganic. The organic segment dominated the market with the largest market share in 2025, driven by increasing consumer preference for natural, additive-free, and ethically sourced products. Organic nut milks appeal to health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers who prioritize sustainable farming practices and non-GMO ingredients. Leading brands are heavily marketing organic variants through both retail and online channels, emphasizing certifications and clean label benefits. Organic nut milks also tend to command premium pricing, reflecting perceived quality and safety. The segment benefits from growing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional dairy production and consumer interest in plant-based diets.

The inorganic segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period due to its affordability and accessibility in mass-market retail channels. Many consumers opt for inorganic nut milks as cost-effective alternatives to organic offerings, particularly in convenience stores and supermarket chains. Manufacturers are expanding production of fortified and flavored inorganic variants to attract younger and budget-conscious consumers. E-commerce platforms are also facilitating faster growth by offering bulk and subscription options. Promotions and discounts on inorganic nut milks are boosting trial and repeat purchases. The segment’s scalability and wider availability make it increasingly popular across urban and suburban regions.

• By Nut Milk Type

On the basis of type, the market is segmented into almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk, walnut milk, hazelnut milk, and others. The almond milk segment dominated the U.S. market in 2025, accounting for the largest share of 62.5% due to its established consumer preference, versatility in beverages, and strong retail penetration. Almond milk is widely used in coffee, smoothies, baking, and cooking, making it a staple in both households and foodservice outlets. Brand innovation, including flavored and protein-fortified options, further fuels demand. Almond milk is often perceived as a low-calorie, heart-healthy alternative to dairy, appealing to health-conscious consumers. Its availability across mainstream supermarkets, specialty stores, and online platforms ensures widespread accessibility. Strong marketing campaigns highlighting sustainability and nutrition also support its dominance.

The cashew milk segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period due to increasing awareness of its creamy texture, rich flavor, and nutritional benefits. Cashew milk is gaining traction among gourmet consumers, cafes, and premium foodservice establishments. Product innovations such as unsweetened, high-protein, and flavored cashew milks are driving adoption. Its versatility in coffee beverages, desserts, and cooking applications enhances its appeal. Social media and influencer promotion of cashew-based plant milks are boosting consumer trial. The segment’s growth is also supported by rising interest in alternative milk types beyond almond and coconut.

• By Packaging

On the basis of packaging, the market is segmented into sachets, tetra pak, bottles, and others. The tetra pak segment dominated the U.S. market in 2025 due to its extended shelf life, convenience, and widespread distribution across supermarkets and convenience stores. Tetra pak packaging ensures product safety, maintains freshness without preservatives, and supports environmentally friendly recycling initiatives. Many brands favor tetra pak for retail and e-commerce channels because of its stability during transportation. Its convenience for on-the-go consumption further enhances consumer preference. The packaging supports portioning, branding, and easy stacking on shelves. Tetra pak formats are also popular for flavored and fortified variants, increasing market adoption.

The bottle segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period as it caters to urban consumers seeking convenience and premium packaging. Bottled nut milks are ideal for single-serve, ready-to-drink formats and are heavily used in cafes and foodservice outlets. Clear or branded bottles enhance product visibility and marketing appeal. Glass and BPA-free plastic bottles are increasingly preferred for sustainability-conscious consumers. Bottled nut milks also facilitate innovative flavors and functional formulations, boosting trial. E-commerce and subscription models are accelerating growth for bottled products in the U.S.

• By Packaging Size

On the basis of packaging size, the market is segmented into above 1000 ML, 501 to 1000 ML, 250 to 500 ML, 110 to 250 ML, and others. The 501 to 1000 ML segment dominated in 2025 due to its optimal balance of affordability, usability, and household consumption patterns. This size is convenient for daily use, minimizes waste, and is preferred for storage in domestic refrigerators. It is widely available in retail stores and online platforms. Many brands offer both plain and flavored varieties in this size, supporting repeat purchases. Its practicality for families and regular consumers reinforces market leadership. Packaging innovations, such as easy-pour spouts, further improve consumer convenience.

The 110 to 250 ML segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period owing to increasing demand for on-the-go, single-serve nut-based milk options. This size is popular in cafes, vending machines, and office canteens. Ready-to-drink flavored nut milks in small packaging are attracting young, urban, and health-conscious consumers. Portion control and portability enhance convenience for active lifestyles. Social media marketing targeting millennials and Gen Z boosts adoption. Subscription services and multipacks in this size range further accelerate growth.

• By Flavours

On the basis of flavours, the market is segmented into original, vanilla, chocolate, honey, coffee, and others. The original flavour segment dominated in 2025 due to its universal acceptability and suitability for various applications such as beverages, cooking, and baking. Consumers perceive the original variant as versatile, neutral, and closest to traditional dairy milk in taste. It is widely used in households, cafes, and restaurants, supporting high demand. Original nut milks are available in both sweetened and unsweetened formulations, catering to a broad consumer base. Strong retail penetration and extensive e-commerce availability further contribute to dominance. Brands emphasize purity and clean-label benefits, reinforcing consumer trust in the original flavour segment.

The vanilla flavour segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period owing to increasing consumer preference for indulgent and flavored plant-based milk beverages. Vanilla-flavored nut milks are popular in coffee chains, smoothies, and ready-to-drink formulations. Product innovation, including fortified and protein-enriched variants, enhances appeal. Social media campaigns and influencer promotions drive trial and adoption among younger demographics. The subtle, versatile flavor complements various recipes and drinks, boosting repeat consumption. Premium positioning of vanilla variants in cafes and specialty stores accelerates growth.

• By Formulation

On the basis of formulation, the market is segmented into sweetened and unsweetened. The unsweetened segment dominated the U.S. market in 2025 due to increasing health consciousness and demand for low-calorie, low-sugar beverages. Consumers prefer unsweetened nut milks for smoothies, coffee, and cooking to control sugar intake. This segment aligns with vegan, keto, and diabetic-friendly dietary preferences. Major brands emphasize clean labeling and nutritional transparency to promote unsweetened variants. Strong presence in retail and online channels ensures accessibility. Its versatility across household and foodservice applications contributes to widespread adoption.

The sweetened segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period as flavored and indulgent plant-based milk products gain popularity. Sweetened nut milks cater to children, young adults, and coffee shop consumers seeking taste-driven options. Innovations in chocolate, honey, and vanilla flavors further stimulate demand. Ready-to-drink sweetened beverages are increasingly offered in convenient packaging sizes for on-the-go consumption. Promotions and sampling programs accelerate consumer trial. The segment benefits from pairing with specialty beverages, desserts, and bakery applications, boosting growth.

• By End User

On the basis of end user, the market is segmented into restaurants, hotels and bars, cafés, catering, and household. The household segment dominated the U.S. market in 2025 due to high consumption for daily beverages, cooking, and baking. Households increasingly adopt nut-based milk for health, dietary, and lifestyle reasons. Availability across retail stores and e-commerce platforms facilitates accessibility. Strong brand awareness and repeat purchase behavior reinforce the segment’s dominance. Households prefer both original and flavored variants in multiple packaging sizes. Home consumption trends drive innovation in functional and fortified nut milks to meet family nutrition needs.

The cafés segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period owing to rising demand for plant-based milk alternatives in coffee, smoothies, and specialty beverages. Coffee shops increasingly offer almond, oat, and cashew milks to cater to vegan, lactose-intolerant, and health-conscious consumers. Product innovation and barista-friendly formulations support consistent foam and taste. Partnerships with nut milk brands ensure supply and branding. Consumer preference for premium and flavored beverages accelerates segment growth. Cafés and foodservice outlets also promote trial, boosting overall adoption rates.

• By Distribution Channel

On the basis of distribution channel, the market is segmented into store-based retailing and online or e-commerce. The store-based retailing segment dominated in 2025 due to strong presence of supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty health stores. Consumers prefer in-store purchases for freshness, immediate availability, and the ability to compare multiple brands. Promotional activities, product sampling, and loyalty programs in retail stores drive repeat purchase. Shelf visibility and placement in high-traffic areas enhance brand recognition. Both organic and inorganic variants are widely accessible in retail channels. Major brands focus on retail partnerships for nationwide distribution coverage.

The online or e-commerce segment is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period owing to increasing consumer preference for convenience, home delivery, and subscription-based purchases. E-commerce platforms offer a wide variety of nut-based milk types, flavors, and packaging sizes, enabling comparison and bulk buying. Subscription models and direct-to-consumer deliveries support repeat purchases and brand loyalty. Online marketing, social media promotions, and influencer campaigns drive awareness and trial. Urban consumers increasingly rely on e-commerce for niche or premium variants. The growth of online grocery platforms accelerates market adoption across the U.S.

U.S. Nut-Based Milk Market Share

The U.S. Nut-Based Milk industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• Blue Diamond Growers (U.S.)
• Elmhurst 1925 (U.S.)
• Forager Project (U.S.)
• Califia Farms (U.S.)
• Ripple Foods (U.S.)
• Good Karma Foods, Inc. (U.S.)
• Oatly (U.S.)
• MALK Organics (U.S.)
• Nutpods (U.S.)
• Elmhurst Milked, LLC (U.S.)
• Plantable Foods (U.S.)
• Three Trees (U.S.)
• Silk Almondmilk (U.S.)
• So Delicious Dairy Free (U.S.)
• 365 by Whole Foods Market (U.S.)
• Organic Valley (U.S.)
• Elmwood Chocolate & Almond Milk Collaborative (U.S.)
• Better Than Milk brand (U.S.)
• Earth’s Own Foods, Inc. (U.S.)

What are the Recent Developments in U.S. Nut-Based Milk Market?

• In July 2025, MALK Organics also introduced a new shelf‑stable Vanilla Almond milk SKU that expands its organic range and boosts availability for consumers seeking convenient, clean‑ingredient nut milks. This product complements existing refrigerated and shelf‑stable offerings, helping MALK compete across broader shelf space and distribution channels
• In June 2025, Mooala a leading U.S. organic plant‑based milk brand announced its Simple Almond Milk won two major awards, including the Good Housekeeping 2025 Snack Award for Best Almond Milk and the SELF 2025 Pantry Award for Best Almond Milk. The recognition highlights consumer and industry appreciation for clean‑ingredient, simple‑formulation nut milks that prioritize minimal, recognizable ingredients
• In March 2025, Dunkin’ announced it would eliminate the upcharge for plant‑based milk alternatives, including almond, soy, oat, and coconut milk, across all beverages at U.S. stores starting March 5, 2025. This policy change makes plant‑based milks price‑equivalent to dairy milk, improving affordability and inclusivity for consumers choosing dairy‑free options due to health, dietary, or ethical reasons, and reflects broader industry pressure to support nondairy choices
• In February 2025, MALK Organics launched two new unsweetened plant‑based milks Organic Coconut and Organic Soy expanding its clean‑label, minimal‑ingredient portfolio beyond nut‑based variants. These products, featuring only 3–4 organic ingredients and no gums or artificial additives, cater to rising consumer demand for healthier, transparent, and low‑sugar nut/plant milk alternatives in mainstream retail
• In May 2024, MALK Organics expanded beyond nut milks by launching a line of ‘cleaner’ plant‑based creamers, marking a strategic move into adjacent dairy‑alternative segments and offering consumers simple‑ingredient options for coffee and tea that align with growing plant‑based and clean‑label preferences

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