With a growing list of dairy-free milks, it’s essential to be able to choose the one that best suits your customers’ needs. Many dietary conditions restrict people’s milk intake, some of which mean no-dairy, but everything else is on the table, while some limit even the dairy-free options. Additionally, understanding what each dairy-free variant can provide for your customer will help you to open the dairy-free conversation, fostering positive interaction and return business.
Some of the most important factors to think about when choosing dairy-free milk include the sugar content, the calcium content, additives, and of course, dietary concerns.
Sugar content is critical to keep in mind, as while allergies may limit non-dairy milk drinkers, some choose dairy-free options for health benefits. Making sure that you are selecting a dairy-free milk with lower sugar content will ensure that the customer is happy and that the dairy-free milk is more ‘natural’—flavoured ones or ones that are high in sugar tend to contain extra, and unwanted ingredients.
The calcium content is something to consider given that regular milk is so calcium-rich. Dairy-free milks are often fortified with calcium, something that contributes to healthy bones and teeth. It is crucial to choose a non-dairy milk that has a high level of calcium—at least 120mg per 100ml, if possible—so that your customer is receiving their dose of happy bone health.
Non-dairy milk tends to include additives. Whether this is in the fortification of minerals and vitamins to increase the nutritional benefit, or whether it is in the form of thickening agents and texture modifiers. Vitamins such as B12 are found naturally in animal products, something that people need to maintain a healthy brain and immune system. If your customers lean towards an animal-free diet, it is a good idea to supply dairy-free milk that is fortified with high levels of vitamin B12. Furthermore, although thickening agents like carrageenan and vegetable gums aren’t necessarily unhealthy, certain people prefer to stick away from ingredients like this.
Finally, dietary needs are often diverse, and covering a wide range of options ensures that even the most specific diets can be catered to. Nut milks are great for lactose intolerant customers, but not ideal for those with nut allergies. Additionally, gluten-free and soy-free diets are among the most common restrictive diets, and should definitely be catered to if you are to ensure service to all.
The non-dairy milk industry is growing, and so too is interest in these products. Some consumers prefer drinking and using dairy-free milks purely for taste, for example. Customers choose to forgo cow’s milk for many reasons, including ethical, dietary and allergy-related reasons. Catering to a range of these restrictive diets is easier than ever before, with large amounts of quality dairy-free products flooding the market. While there isn’t one particular milk that is best for every person, a base amount of non-dairy milks is essential in this day and age.
