The dairy industry has witnessed a lot of changes in the last decade and is expected to witness numerous opportunities and challenges at different levels in the coming years as well. The rise in popularity of plant-based dairy alternatives, low sugar foods, and increase in whey protein has led to a wave of innovation forcing dairy brands to stay relevant among consumers who now have plenty of options. Products such as ultra-filtered milk, Greek yogurt, and low-calorie dessert have become mainstream and are compelling companies to think outside the box to stand out. Here are the key dairy food trends that will be driving the industry in 2019.

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Top Dairy Food Trends 2019

Dairy food trends 2019 #1: Increase in protein consumption

Growth in the consumption of protein has driven innovations in the dairy industry. Companies use protein-rich whey in shakes, smoothies and other beverages for an extra dose of protein. The market seems to flourish in the coming time as protein-rich whey makes its way into dishes likes cakes, sauces, and condiments. Moreover, their functionality as a health ingredient makes it one of the most important dairy food trends driving the growth of the industry.   

Dairy food trends 2019 #2: Evolving consumer base 

The interest of consumers in ethical sourcing and sustainability continues, evolving the complete supply chains. Consumers look for products in the dairy food group that have sustainable logos and are willing to pay a premium for sustainable materials and social responsibility claims. This concern about sustainability will compel companies to integrate environmental thinking into supply-chain management.

Dairy food trends 2019 #3: Reduction in high-sugar products

Companies in the dairy industry need to address the demands of increasingly health-conscious consumers. They require products from the dairy food group that can deliver maximum taste without containing much sugar. Top companies have started taking steps in this direction and are producing low sugar foods for the dairy desserts markets. The trend is expected to rise as many other companies are competing fiercely with low-calorie ice creams and foods. 

Dairy food trends 2019 #4: Clinical nutrition

This is one of the major dairy food trends that is expected to drive the growth of the dairy industry. Ingredients such as casein and whey proteins are used widely used in medicines for treating malnutrition. Clinical nutrition is an area of medicine that seeks to identify and treat medical disorders in humans resulting from an improper or inadequate diet, or from diseases that make the body unable to handle the nutrients delivered to it in the normal diet. To know more about dairy food trends 2019, request more information here!

Dairy food trends 2019 #5: Rise in the aging population

The aging population of the world is showing interest in dairy-based nutrition products to prevent loss of muscle mass. This ‘healthy aging” category offers numerous opportunities to dairy companies, making them a potentially lucrative segment. Although cracking this market won’t be an easy task for companies, but nutrition manufacturers are reacting to these trends by launching new products, especially in high-income countries. 

Dairy food trends 2019 #6: New alternatives

The search for dairy alternatives is expected to dominate retail launches. Options such as almond, cashew, soy, peanut, rice in place of ‘milk’ can expand beyond beverages. Other plant-based alternatives for products such as cheese, butter also possess the potential to drive the growth of companies in the dairy industry.