Flax Milk Market Report 2024 (Global Edition)

Market Dynamics of the Flax Milk Market 

Key Drivers of the Flax Milk Market

• The health-related benefits associated with flax milk are driving the market growth.

Flaxseed milk is a plant-based milk substitute that is continuously coming to the preference list of health-conscious people, especially youngsters. It is produced by blending flaxseeds with water and has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. Flaxseed-based milk is termed a great dairy-free alternative that is low in calories, high in nutrients, and provides many health benefits.

Flaxseed milk is a great source of nutrients. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health, brain function, and overall well-being. Also, it is a good source of protein, fiber, calcium, iron, and vitamin B12. All these nutrients are essential for building strong bones, boosting the immune system, and supporting overall health. 

Moreover, flax milk is a perfect choice for people trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. The characteristics of consisting less calories and fat make it an ideal choice for people trying to reduce their calorie intake. Consumption of flax seeds can be helpful to stick to desired weight management goals by avoiding overeating as it is high in fiber which helps to feel full and satisfied for longer periods.

All these benefits of flaxseed milk make it a healthy option for people and raise the demand resulting in market growth.

• The rising vegan and lactose intolerant population is one of the main driving factors for the increase in the demand for flax milk.

Being vegan or veganism is the practice of only eating food that doesn’t include animal products. Animal products here include not only meat but also milk, eggs, and other food products that are derived, in whole or in part, from the bodies of animals. The rising global vegan population is growing the demand for plant-based milk substitutes such as flax milk. For instance, a 2023 U.S. survey revealed that around 4% of Americans are vegans. 
(Source: https://sentientmedia.org/increase-in-veganism/) 

Furthermore, the growing lactose intolerance incidence is driving people to look out for alternative sources to consume proteins and nutrients. Lactose intolerance is a condition that makes it difficult to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and several other dairy/animal-based products Approximately 65% of the human population has a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy. An alternative to “milk” like almond milk, flax milk is finely milled flaxseed mixed with filtered water and other minor compounds. Since flax milk also contains proteins and nutrients, it is an excellent alternative to dairy milk as it is lactose-free. It is suitable for people allergic to soy, nuts, and gluten, and it contains more health benefits than almond milk.

Key Restraints in the Flax Milk Market

• The prevalence of highly competitive plant-based milk substitutes can restrict the market growth for flax seed milk.

Animal-based milk has long been known as a rich source of protein and calcium; however, with the growing concerns regarding the side effects of milk consumption, there has been a gradual shift towards milk alternatives. The rising prevalence of lactose intolerance and milk allergies has brought new life to the dairy-substitute segment. 

The consumption of plant-based milk substitutes has spread rapidly around the world due to its numerous positive health effects on the human body. Individuals with cow’s milk allergy, lactose intolerance, and hypocholesterolemia prefer such dairy substitutes. This rapid shift has given an opportunity and space for non-dairy milk substitutes to grow and hence, now there is a wide range of substitutes prevailing in the market. The plant-based milk substitutes include almond, cashew, coconut, hazelnut, peanut, sesame, soy, tiger nut, oat, rice, hemp, and walnut. This long list of milk substitutes with their varied benefits is somewhere creating competitiveness among themselves. For instance, among all these plant-based milk substitutes, almond milk and oat milk are generally the most popular as almonds have a sharper, sweeter flavor. Similarly, all other substitutes hold a different benefit to offer, leading to a rise in the competition which can restrict the market growth

Key Opportunities in the Flax Milk Market

• Product innovation and extension in the product applicability can be an opportunity for the market players.

The increasing awareness of the benefits of plant-based milk substitutes among consumers is allowing the scope and space for the key players and new emergent in the market to think out of the box and bring product development and innovation. Plant-based dairy alternatives are the better health options for people who avoid animal products or suffer from lactose intolerance; however, there is still a gap between the taste and health components compared to animal-based products. The dairy market is diverse with derivatives like paneer, curd, ghee, butter, yogurt, ice cream, and cheese, all of which are large segments themselves, adding to the endless range of milk-based desserts and beverages prepared at homes, sweet shops, and food outlets. The market players have a sea of opportunities available to explore with options in plant-based alternatives.

Also, plant-based milk products tend to capture the consumer base who either follow veganism or suffer from lactose intolerance; however, capturing the whole market space for the product can be called an opportunity for companies, Companies need to work on the product lines, the taste, the ingredients or components, and especially the promotion for the same as it makes a whole lot of difference in placing an image of the product among the consumers. Many companies have already been working on the innovation part and creating more product lines using flax milk to offer more to consumers. For instance, in 2021, Good Karma Foods launched Plantmilk, a new plant-based milk alternative made with a blend of flax, oats, and peas.
(Source: https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/18679-slideshow-new-products-from-good-karma-organic-valley-maple-hill) 

How did the COVID-19 Impact the Flax Milk Market?

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the plant-based beverages market significantly on a global level. The prevalence of COVID-19 for a longer period has disrupted the supply and demand chain due to the difficulty in supplying the ingredients for the production of the products including milk. The restrictions in movement, de-globalization, loss in income, import-export restrictions, and supply disruption are the major reasons for the decline in market growth during the pandemic phase. Moreover, the imposition of lockdowns worldwide resulted in halted many manufacturing units, disruption of the supply chains for the products necessary for the production of plant-based milk, and fluctuations in the prices of plant-based products and beverages. Overall, it can be said that like every other beverage industry, the plant-based milk market also witnessed a negative impact due to COVID-19.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has also thrown light on incidences of lack of immunity amongst people around the globe, which pushed people to a healthier diet to gain back their immunity level. This resulted in the rise in demand for non-dairy beverage products. Initially, the demand and supply of non-dairy beverage products declined due to the movement restrictions, but the market witnessed slow growth supported by the change in lifestyle and the change in consumption patterns of consumers around the globe. 

For instance, according to China Daily, in 2020, plant-based milk sales in convenience store chain Bianlifeng increased by 10 to 30% in various locations. 
(Source: https://investinchina.chinadaily.com.cn/s/202012/14/WS5fd70378498eaba5051bd92f/plant-based-milk-spawns-niche-market-in-china.html) 

Furthermore, the growing awareness and rising social media vegan trends have influenced the global population, thereby increasing the growth of non-dairy milk substitutes. Thus, the pandemic has had a positive impact on the demand, and there is a major transition in consumer choice from animal-based milk beverages to plant-based beverages in many regions around the globe.

Recent Developments

•    21st May 2021: Good Karma Foods launched Plantmilk, a new plant-based milk alternative made with a blend of flax, oat, and peas. 
(Source: https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/18679-slideshow-new-products-from-good-karma-organic-valley-maple-hill) 
•    29th August 2020: Good Karma, a leading producer of plant-based milk and dairy alternatives, best known for its flax milk and yogurts announced the repurchasing of majority ownership held by Dean Foods, as well as secured significant new investment from Valor Siren Ventures (VSV), a fund established to act as an innovation engine and market maker in early-stage food, food technology, and retail technology.
(Source: https://www.newhope.com/investments/good-karma-foods-announces-new-investment-and-buyout-of-majority-ownership) 

With the help of the above study about the Flax Milk Market, it can be concluded that the market for Flax Milk worldwide is expected to develop significantly shortly. From the report, one can understand and infer the market dynamics, segmentations, status and trends, and key players in the market. It provides data regarding various topics such as market dimensions, prevailing trends, competitive landscape, and the outlook for prospective expansion. This allows the reader to understand and access reliable data about the market and industry.

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