Manufacturing Plant based milk production is a fast-growing industry globally, and the industry is picking pace in India where an increasing number of people are understanding the health benefits of the same. The industry accounts for over 10% of the global milk market, and consumers are exposed to numerous choices of plant-based milk products.
The Indian dairy alternative market reached $20.9 million in 2019, and soymilk captured a major market share since 2018. Plant-based milk production in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.7%, and its estimated to reach $63.9 million in the next couple of years.
North India accounted for over 40% of the entire Indian diary alternative market, and this is due to the increase in health consciousness, focusing on the need for physical and mental fitness. Almond milk accounts for the second-most plant-based milk consumed in India.
This food sector is driven by innovations, giving way for new developments and encouraging the production of refreshing plant-based alternatives. These products are made from raw ingredients, keeping a check on preservatives, that make them wholesome and delicious to consume. The growing popularity of plant-based milk is based on health and moral grounds with environmental concerns playing a key role due to the low greenhouse gas footprint compared to typical dairy production.
The manufacturing of plant-based milk follows the growing concerns about the environment, with questionable health and ethical implications of consuming animal-based food products. Plant-based milk alternatives are created via two methods, namely: Wet & Dry.
- Oil-rich plant tissues like almonds, coconut, cashews, soy beans, and flaxseeds that include isolation techniques like soaking, grinding, enzyme treatment, centrifugation, and filtration.
- Plant-based oils like flaxseed soybean, sunflower oil, and corn are homogenized with water by including plant-based proteins like peas, legume, soy protein, polysaccharides, phospholipids, or saponins.