Top consumer trends in dairy for 2025
We look at the major trends likely to shape NPD in 2025: from protein to healthy ageing
Retail & shopper insights
Quarter of Americans don’t know how much protein they need
Market research by dairy company Chobani spotlights dietary misconceptions around protein intake
UPF: How can industry improve consumer perceptions?
Ultra-processed foods have received a barrage of bad press in recent years, resulting in a sharp decline in consumer acceptance. But ultra-processing methods are going nowhere fast. So, what can the industry do to improve opinions?
Stilton, we have a problem - or, do we?
Young consumers supposedly shun it and fewer producers make it. But is Stilton really under threat?
Dairy innovation trends: From weight management to protein
We narrow down the most important market and consumer trends that could influence dairy product innovation in 2025.
What’s driving dairy product innovation in California?
From snacking cheese to collagen-enhanced RTD drinks, here are the key NPD trend drivers from one of the largest dairy-producing US states.
Would consumers pay more for animal welfare?
A study of Swiss consumers of milk and butter explored whether they would accept increased prices if it meant better lives for dairy cows.
Dairy NPD trend drivers: what do consumers want?
From supporting weight loss to boosting protein intake, how can dairy brands respond to the latest consumer trends?
More ice cream, less wine: How is climate impacting in-home consumption?
As Europe’s climate warms up, some consumers are eating more ice cream and swapping red wine for beer, new market research has found.
Which cheeses still use animal rennet?
Animal rennet is still prevalent in many of Europe’s cheeses, despite a shift towards vegetarian rennet. Geographical indicators are a key reason why.
The new term open-omnivore and what it means
New names and phrases used to describe consumer bases are regularly coined by the food and drink sector, and open-omnivore is the latest to emerge. But what does it mean?
From boba ice cream to pumpkin spice yogurt: What’s new in dairy?
We round up some of the latest releases to hit the shelves in the US . . .
Summer Fancy Food Show
Protein takes centerstage across categories to meet insatiable demand: From frozen dessert to chips
Even though most Americans consume enough protein, they continue to want more and companies at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City are delivering with increasing innovation and sophistication across categories and occasions, including snacks,...
Snack smart: The surge in nutritious nibbles
Health-conscious consumers are devouring more snacks and demanding more from their choices. And manufacturers are stepping up to the plate with ever more nutritious nibbles.
Co-op the latest UK supermarket to support greener farming
Co-op has unveiled plans to support its British farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices to boost sustainability and address future environmental issues.
New product releases: From plant-based cheese spray to Nestlé’s spicy evaporated milk
We round-up some of the most notable new product releases in the dairy and dairy alternatives space to come out this month . . .
Is the flexitarian trend waning in Europe?
Fewer consumers plan to cut meat and dairy from their diet.
Consumers don't want cheap plant-based meat and dairy
Conventional wisdom would suggest if a product is priced lower, consumers would be more willing to purchase it. But when it comes to plant-based, Europeans are bucking the trend.
Which label claims and product traits drive dairy purchasing?
From organic to pasture-grazed, a new study examined the product attributes that resonate most with dairy and meat consumers.
Affordability still major barrier to plant-based adoption
When it comes to promoting a plant-based diet, one consumer belief is proving tough to break.
Does it matter that consumers don’t understand the term ‘ultra-processed’?
Consumers have consistently been shown not to understand what the term ‘ultra-processed’ means. But how much does this matter?
Do consumers believe ‘better-for-you’ marketing on snacks?
The wellness industry is booming, with health and fitness trends becoming popular amongst consumers and profitable for brands. But do consumers trust the ‘better-for-you’ marketing printed on the products they buy?
Does the Mediterranean diet really improve longevity?
The Mediterranean diet has long been hailed as the path to longevity. But is this really true or just a myth handed down through the generations?
Hybrid working is fuelling demand for cheese toasties
British consumers persisted with dairy purchases during a turbulent 2023 despite price rises across many of the core categories, with cheese in particular remaining a dinner staple.
Top drivers of out of home ice cream consumption
From social occasions to demand for personalized options, what are the major factors driving an increase in out of home (OOH) ice cream purchases?
Has the plant-based trend peaked?
The plant-based trend has been on the up and up in recent years. But has it finally peaked and, if yes, can the plant-based industry do anything to prevent a decline?
Consumers are ‘overwhelmed’ by ‘confusing’ gut health marketing, Danone finds
The maker of Activia tells us what matters most when it comes to effectively communicating information about gut well-being to consumers.
From vanilla to hot fudge: America’s favorite ice cream flavors and toppings, ranked
Plus: What are the main ice cream purchase drivers, Gen Zers’ favorite flavors, and does cake trump brownie as America’s favorite confection?
From Cardi B’s whipped cream to cheese puffs: What’s new in dairy?
We round up some of the new dairy product launches to hit the shelves in the US, including from Bel, Kraft, Saputo, and Hiland Dairy.
The next dairy 'superfood' could be... fortified buffalo yogurt
A nutritional powerhouse that packs more protein and less cholesterol than cow's milk yogurt, buffalo yogurt is ripe for functional innovation, a study suggests.
Adding intention to impulse: How can dairy survive a slump in impulse buying?
With most CPG categories experiencing volume declines, a perfect storm of macro dynamics may be putting pressure on impulse buying. We chat to MMR Research’s Andrew Wardlaw to find out which dairy categories could be in trouble.
Dairy trends unwrapped: Consumers seek added value, scrutinize claims
The majority of shoppers are ‘unwilling to sacrifice quality’ even if that means paying a higher price, new research suggests. Plus: opportunities in dairy desserts, ice cream, label claims and pack sizes.
Which plant-based alternatives are healthier than animal products?
Are plant-based meat and dairy substitutes healthier? Well, yes. And no. It depends. A new study investigates which substitutes do best, and worst, when pitted against animal products.
Consumers trade down to save on meat, plant-based still struggles on taste, texture, 84.51˚ reports
Consumers are buying less expensive cuts of meat and buying more meat on sale as food prices driven up by inflation remain high, market research firm 84.51˚ shared in its latest consumer report, which also detailed shopper trends for plant-based...
How pricier, better-for-you brands can foster consumer loyalty amid the inflationary environment
The post-pandemic cost-of-living crisis is far from over, which is hampering consumer desire to follow a dedicated health and wellbeing journey. But just how much is it being impacted and what can brands do to ensure repeat purchases?
Natural Products Expo West
Plant-based products’ long-term success may hinge on sharing the plate with animal products, SPINS data suggests
Sales of plant-based products are “where they are supposed to be” despite a post-pandemic slowdown, but to reinvigorate growth and expand appeal “beyond the hardcore” consumers, stakeholders should adopt a more flexible “piece of the plate” approach and...
High prices dampen dairy volumes, but consumers remain loyal to the category, seek innovation & health benefits
Consumers continue to consistently buy dairy despite steep price hikes due to inflation, but many are trading down to private label or buying less to stretch their budgets – elevating the need for promotions, innovation and clear communication to drive...
Gut health business is booming: What's next for this unstoppable health trend?
The gut health trend is one of the single biggest changes to hit the food and drinks industry in recent decades. So what are gut-loving consumers buying and what gut-friendly products will we see next?
Plant-based: Why some consumers make the switch and others steer clear
Plant-based diets have grown in popularity in recent years, so what’s encouraging the increased interest in plant-based alternatives and why might others avoid them?
Gut health: Why this consumer trend is here to stay
Consumer appetite for gut-health friendly foods shows no signs of abating as understanding of its impact on overall health continues to grow. But how will this trend evolve and grow in the future?
'A relationship turned sour’: How Yoplait plans to reverse a declining yoghurt trend
The UK kids’ yoghurt category is in long-term decline. Having researched the root causes, dairy major Yoplait now wants to reverse the trend.
Consumers want better animal welfare, but are they willing to pay for it?
Fresh research suggests consumers back legislation to improve farm animal welfare, but if reflected in product price, will they vote with their wallets?
Foodies are falling for luxury butters in a big way
Whether you’re spreading it (generously) on a crumpet, making pastry for a pie or baking a cake, butter is a kitchen essential that’s loved by many. But this humble ingredient is having something of a luxury makeover and food lovers are flocking.
Egg prices drag down dairy again, prepared meats remain strong in deli, Circana reports
After a challenging year, dairy and deli markets are starting 2024 with unit growth, as egg prices rise once again as a result of avian flu, Jonna Parker, principal of fresh foods team lead at Circana, shared during an International Dairy Deli Bakery...
Hybrid dairy: How can innovators unlock a new category’s potential?
Hybrid dairy, whereby conventional dairy is blended with plant-based ingredients, holds ‘considerable appeal’ as a category, according to Mintel, but innovation is rare. What can industry do to win new consumers?
From lactose-free milk to low-calorie cheese: Bord Bia research highlights consumer attitudes and dairy innovation opportunities
The Irish Food Board (Bord Bia) recently released the results of a dairy consumer attitudes survey that sheds light into shoppers’ perceptions, desires, and preferences.
High-protein dairy is booming, but how 'healthy' is it?
Danone has become the latest manufacturer to release a range of high-protein dairy products in the UK. But can high-protein yogurts - that typically contain thickeners, starches and sweeteners - really be considered ‘healthy’?
‘Do you know if you have milk…right now?’ The Super Bowl 2024 ads (so far) that feature dairy
The countdown to Super Bowl LVIII is on, and here are some of the commercials featuring dairy and alt dairy products that are set to make an appearance during the Big Game.
How keen are consumers on animal-free dairy? Not so much, research finds
An experimental study on consumer perceptions found that European shoppers have little appetite for animal-free dairy alternatives, though positive associations with the products’ perceived environmental benefits can enable manufacturers and retailers to...
From branded collaborations to texture combinations: What’s new in dairy?
We look at some of the dairy-based products landing on supermarket shelves and beyond – from ice cream to confectionery.