After years of mixed performance, the dairy category is showing signs of renewed growth – particularly in segments that tap into evolving consumer priorities around health, taste and innovation.
Dairy’s resurgence
Dairy milk is experiencing a resurgence in both unit and dollar sales – the first sustained lift in decades.
Consumers are embracing both indulgent and functional dairy experiences, specifically increased protein, digestive health support and enhanced nutrition per serving. Further, these attributes are driving consumers to seek better bang for their buck with products that offer tangible benefits, not just indulgence.
For retailers and manufacturers alike, the message is clear: Today’s dairy shopper expects more – and brands that deliver on taste, function and differentiation are best positioned to win.
Listen to episode here: What is the uptick in milk consumption and dairy sales more broadly?
Dairy innovations
Ultra-filtered milk on the rise
Ultra-filtered milk is emerging as a high-potential subcategory, as brands leverage filtration technology to boost protein content, reduce sugar and extend shelf life. Companies in this field are using processing innovation to differentiate in a category where conventional milk continues to face headwinds.
Quest Nutrition, known for its protein-forward snacking products, has entered the space with ultra-filtered milk tailored to fitness-minded consumers.
Nurri is targeting younger families with milk fortified with omega-3s, DHA and choline to support cognitive development.
Pioneer Pastures, meanwhile, is carving out a niche with grass-fed, A2A2 ultra-filtered milk aimed at ingredient-conscious shoppers.
Read full story here: Ultra-filtered milk is redefining dairy: Inside the strategies of Quest, Nurri and Pioneer Pastures
Social media & internet searches for cheese highlight consumer preferences for health, indulgence and flavors
Cheese, traditionally a strong performer in the dairy case, also is evolving to meet shifting consumer expectations. Google searches and TikTok posts indicate that cheese generates an average of 371.8 million monthly searches, per Spate data. Consumer preferences show a rising interest in health, indulgence and global flavors.
Top searches for subtypes include Swiss cheese, mascarpone and feta, according to Spate.
Brands also are dialing up functional messaging – highlighting protein and probiotic content – and introducing snackable, resealable formats to meet demand for portability and portion control.
Read full story here: Cheese is down by not out: Functional wellness and global flavors drive interest
