Plant-based beverages have gone from being a relatively small alternative to an increasingly popular option in households and supermarkets around the world. Its growth responds to a demand for healthier, more sustainable products adapted to different lifestyles.

Made from ingredients such as almonds, oats, soya, coconut or hazelnuts, plant-based drinks have conquered the market thanks to their diversity and versatility. But why are they becoming an increasingly popular choice?

Plant-based drinks, especially those made from nuts, offer both nutritional and environmental benefits that make them a preferred choice. Some of the most important benefits include:

• Lower environmental impact: compared to cow’s milk, plant-based beverages require less water resources and generate lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a more sustainable model of consumption.
• Suitable for specific diets: they are an excellent choice for people with lactose intolerance, milk protein allergies or for those following vegan and plant- based diets.
• Something for everyone: from classic options such as soy, oat, almond or hazelnut drinks to more innovative alternatives such as pea, coconut or rice. Each type offers a unique nutritional profile, allowing consumers to choose the one that best suits their needs and preferences.
• Fortified with nutrients: Many plant-based drinks are fortified with calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12, achieving a nutritional profile similar to cow’s milk.

A constantly evolving market

The COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point in the consumption of plant- based beverages. Growing health concerns and the search for more natural options drove demand for them, accelerating market diversification.

Today, we not only find drinks made from almonds, oats or soya, but also less conventional varieties such as macadamia, quinoa and peas. These innovations respond to a growing consumer demand for sugar-free, organic and non-GMO alternatives to cow’s milk.

The role of nuts in the new generation of plant-based milks

Regions such as North America are leading the global market for plant-based beverages, driven by a growing awareness of health, sustainability and animal welfare. In particular, the United States has become an epicenter of innovation, with large restaurant chains offering plant-based alternatives and companies developing new products.

This boom in plant-based beverages has put the spotlight on nuts, which have established themselves as key ingredients in the production of these beverages. At Importaco, we understand that the future of food involves quality, healthy and sustainable products.

Our experience in the nut sector allows us to offer products that not only meet today’s demands but also anticipate future trends. We are committed to a diet that takes care of both people and the planet, using ingredients that provide nutritional value and respect the environmental balance.

Plant-based drinks are here to stay. Are you ready to be a part of this healthy and sustainable trend?