The Nut Milk Obsession: Why It’s Taking Over the Dairy Section

Nut milk - a drink which comes in many forms and flavors. From almond to cashew to macadamia nuts, the nut milk section in the grocery has greatly evolved over the years since its conception. But what is the root of this nut “milk” craze?

Research says that with the rise in popularity of almond milk in the US, there was a decline in buying cereals among the market. Cereal was no longer the main American breakfast food of choice. There was also an increase in dairy- and lactose-related allergies among the populace. This created a demand for a milk alternative, which almond milk stepped in to fill a void. It’s mild flavor and low calorie properties quickly enamored a lot of consumers.

Almond milk is not the only nut-based milk alternative available in the market. In the beginning, soy milk was the #1 dairy milk alternative. However, not everyone liked the taste of soy milk. The flexible taste of almond milk enabled buyers to use it in numerous ways: from drinking it straight, to adding it to smoothies and shakes, to putting a dollop in their porridge and cereal. Regular consumers were given a viable replacement to whole milk. Now they have an array of options to choose from: coconut, macadamia, cashew, peanut, etc. Each iteration of nut milk has its own pros and cons, one of which is the development or reaction caused by tree nut allergy. This is why physicians still dissuade people from giving almond milk and other nut milk variants to infants and children as a replacement for breastmilk, as well as pregnant and nursing mothers.

The endearment towards nut milk also comes from the lower calorie and fat content they possess compared to cow’s milk. Though not all nut milk variants have the same nutritional benefits, it is a good option for vegans and vegetarians, lactose-intolerant individuals, and people who just prefer the taste of nut milk to that of cow’s milk.

This is why we love featuring Rude Health and Rebel Milk drinks in our monthly subscription boxes and e-Grocery. This brand from the UK has a range of cereals, muesli, porridge, and - you guessed it - nut milk. Head over to their website for ideas on how to incorporate their nut milk drinks in delicious and healthy recipes. Rude Health Milk Drinks and Rebel Milk Coconut Drinks will be back in stock by the week of Sep 10, so keep your eyes peeled for these delicious beverages on the Raw Bites e-Grocery.