Global Pea Milk Market Outlook to 2028

Global Pea Milk Market Overview

The Global Pea Milk Market is valued at USD 15.5 billion, driven by increasing consumer demand for plant-based milk alternatives. The rise in lactose intolerance, the growing vegan population, and heightened environmental consciousness are key factors pushing this market forward. Pea milk is particularly valued for its nutritional content, including protein, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a competitive choice against traditional dairy and other plant-based alternatives such as almond and soy milk. The market is expected to see sustained growth due to its positioning as a healthy and sustainable alternative.

Countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom dominate the pea milk market due to their advanced dairy-alternative sectors, well-established distribution networks, and consumer readiness to adopt plant-based products. These regions benefit from strong marketing campaigns highlighting environmental benefits and consumer health. Moreover, the presence of key industry players and high levels of consumer awareness regarding sustainability further strengthens their market positions.

Pea milk manufacturers are being encouraged to adopt more sustainable production practices, driven by global emissions regulations. The European Commission’s Green Deal, launched in 2020, includes specific targets for reducing carbon emissions in food manufacturing, pushing companies to adopt eco-friendly practices. In 2023, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced new guidelines for food producers to lower their emissions footprint, impacting plant-based milk manufacturers. These regulations are accelerating the shift towards more sustainable production methods within the plant-based milk industry, with several companies committing to net-zero emissions by 2030.

Global Pea Milk Market Segmentation

By Packaging Type: The pea milk market is also segmented by packaging type into bottles and cartons. Cartons have a dominant market share due to their longer shelf life and eco-friendly packaging, which aligns with the environmental values of plant-based consumers. Cartons also allow for better branding and shelf presence, making them a preferred choice for both manufacturers and retailers. The ease of transportation and storage also adds to the dominance of cartons in the market.

By Product Type: The global pea milk market is segmented by product type into unsweetened pea milk, sweetened pea milk, and flavoured pea milk. Unsweetened pea milk holds a dominant market share due to growing consumer interest in low-calorie and sugar-free beverages. Health-conscious consumers, especially in developed markets, prefer unsweetened options as part of a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, unsweetened pea milk is marketed as a versatile ingredient that can be added to a variety of foods and beverages, further increasing its popularity in the market.

By Region: The market is segmented by region into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America holds the largest market share, driven by high consumer awareness and the presence of major market players. The demand for plant-based alternatives in this region is also fueled by increasing lactose intolerance cases and the trend towards sustainable and cruelty-free products. Additionally, retail channels in the United States and Canada offer a wide range of plant-based milk options, further boosting market growth.

Global Pea Milk Market Competitive Landscape

The Global Pea Milk Market is primarily consolidated with a few dominant players. The market is characterized by investments in product innovation, branding, and marketing. Major players in the market focus on strengthening their portfolios by offering organic and fortified pea milk options, while also expanding into new geographies. The market is dominated by companies such as Ripple Foods and Nestlé, which benefit from large distribution networks, R&D investments, and strong branding. Smaller brands like Mighty Pea and Sproud are also gaining momentum, especially in regional markets where consumer demand for non-dairy alternatives is increasing rapidly.

Company Name

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Product Portfolio

R&D Investment

Sustainability Initiatives

Geographical Reach

No. of Employees

Ripple Foods

2014

USA

Nestlé

1867

Switzerland

Sproud

2018

Sweden

Mighty Pea

2018

UK

Danone (Alpro)

1919

France

Global Pea Milk Market Analysis

Global Pea Milk Market Growth Drivers

Plant-Based Diet Trend: The global rise in the vegan population is strongly driving the demand for plant-based milk alternatives, including pea milk. According to the UN FAO, the plant-based food market is benefitting from the approximately 79 million individuals who identify as vegan globally in 2023. Increasing concerns about animal welfare and environmental sustainability are also influencing consumers' shift towards plant-based diets. Countries like the USA and the UK have witnessed an uptick in demand for non-dairy beverages, with 6 million British citizens now identifying as vegan, according to a 2023 national government report.

Increasing Dairy Alternatives Demand: Lactose intolerance affects nearly 70% of the global adult population, as per the World Health Organization (WHO), making dairy alternatives like pea milk an essential option. This increasing demand for lactose-free products is more pronounced in regions such as East Asia, where over 90% of adults have lactose malabsorption. These rising health conditions, combined with the growing trend toward plant-based diets, create major growth opportunities for the pea milk market, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America regions where lactose intolerance is prevalent. The World Bank also highlighted this consumer shift in its 2023 market trends report.

Growing Consumer Health Consciousness: Health-conscious consumers are driving demand for plant-based milk alternatives due to their lower calorie content and higher protein benefits compared to dairy milk. A recent WHO report (2023) revealed that plant-based milk, including pea milk, is gaining traction in markets like the U.S., where 25% of millennials are actively seeking healthier, non-dairy alternatives. With a global increase in obesity rates, particularly in urbanized countries like Mexico, where 74% of the population is overweight or obese, pea milk’s health advantages—low cholesterol and fat—are appealing to health-conscious consumers.

Global Pea Milk Market Challenges

Limited Taste Acceptance: Despite its health benefits, pea milk faces challenges regarding consumer acceptance, particularly due to taste and texture preferences. In a 2022 USDA survey, 40% of consumers stated taste as a major deterrent to switching from traditional dairy to alternatives like pea milk. This is particularly noticeable in emerging markets where traditional dairy beverages are still widely preferred. Regions such as Africa and parts of South Asia, where dairy consumption is deeply ingrained in local food cultures, have seen slower adoption rates for pea milk as a substitute.

Cost Competitiveness: High production costs remain a major barrier to wider market penetration for pea milk. Pea milk production requires advanced processing techniques, contributing to higher retail prices compared to traditional dairy. A 2023 report from the IMF noted that plant-based milk products can cost up to 30% more than dairy milk due to the expenses involved in raw material procurement and processing. In addition, countries such as India and Brazil, where dairy milk prices remain competitively low, face slower adoption rates for pea milk due to these higher production costs.

Global Pea Milk Market Future Outlook

Over the next five years, the Global Pea Milk Market is expected to grow, driven by rising demand for dairy-free and plant-based alternatives. The increasing focus on health-conscious consumption, environmental sustainability, and product innovations will continue to propel the market forward. Companies are expected to invest heavily in flavour innovation, packaging solutions, and expanding distribution networks, both online and offline. Additionally, government support for sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly production methods will further facilitate the market's expansion. As consumer preferences shift toward plant-based diets, the pea milk industry is poised to capitalize on these trends.

Global Pea Milk Market Opportunities

Innovations in Flavor Profiles: Manufacturers are increasingly investing in research to enhance the flavour profiles of pea milk, addressing concerns about its taste and texture. Innovations in flavour, including vanilla, chocolate, and almond-flavoured pea milk, are gaining consumer attention. As per a 2023 USDA report, sales of flavoured plant-based milk grew by 15% year-on-year in the U.S. retail sector. These innovations not only improve taste but also make the product more versatile for consumers, expanding its appeal to a wider demographic, including children and those new to plant-based diets.

New Distribution Channels: The rise of e-commerce and expanded retail channels are creating new growth opportunities for pea milk. According to a 2024 report by the World Bank, online grocery sales grew by 32% globally, reflecting a significant shift in consumer buying behaviour toward digital platforms. Retail chains, particularly in North America and Europe, are also increasingly dedicating shelf space to plant-based milk, including pea milk. The global expansion of supermarket chains like Walmart and Tesco has created additional distribution networks for pea milk, facilitating market growth in urban and rural areas alike.
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