When it comes to calcium, protein, vitamins, and minerals, no single beverage can beat the all-natural goodness of a cold glass of fresh milk. Yet, while milk production is up, dairy milk consumption is down by 4%, while the consumption of non-dairy milk rose by 5%.

Nontraditional “milks” and mixed blends climb the ladder of success, with plant-based milk segment claiming 10% of volume of all fluid milk sales.

Dairy alternatives have exploded in popularity in the past few years. Despite their rising status, the global consumption of real dairy products remains strong, according to new research from Minneapolis-based Cargill.

The market for dairy alternative drinks is growing, fueled by its increasing popularity in the West, where it is moving out of the specialist heath food arena and into the mainstream.