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Fast Company
16-06-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
How the internet soured consumers on alt milk
Almond, oat, coconut, and soy milks are only a fraction of the dozens of alternative milk options lining grocery store aisles and cluttering the countertops of coffee shops. If you can make milk out of it, there's a good chance, you can find of a carton of it in a Whole Foods. That nondairy milk boom really exploded in the 2010's, which saw skyrocketing sales for brands like Almond Breeze and Oatly. There was even a great oat milk shortage of 2018. But nearly a decade later, that may be waning. The rise of social media tradwives, skyrocketing grocery prices, and a backlash against seed oils have veered consumers away from alternative milk choices and seemingly back to cows. According to Agricultural Marketing Service data, dairy milk is on the rise again with whole milk sales seeing a 1.6% increase from 2023 to 2024, and organic milk seeing a nearly 7% increase in sales. Plant-based milks, though, experienced a 4.4% decrease in sales in that same time period. Dairy milks have long been a bigger market than plant-based options—U.S. milk production grew to $59.2 billion in 2022, while alternative milks are just under $6 billion market. But that recent drop in plant-based milk sales marked the first decline for the alt-milk industry in years. With this new growth in the dairy sector, the gap between animal and plant-based milks is widening, and alternative milks may struggle to keep up. Looking at the alternative milk space, options such as almond and oat are among some of the most popular choices for consumers, with almond milk holding the top spot since 2013, and its sales alone accounting for over 50% of all alt-milk sales. Oat milk holds the trophy for second-most popular nondairy milk choice, since its popularity skyrocketed in 2020. But specific brands may be struggling in an increasingly oversaturated market. Oatly was once the top-performing brand that couldn't keep its greyish-blue cartons on grocery store shelves, but recently it has been trending in the opposite direction. The company's stock in U.S. markets is 98% below what their initial public offer was in 2021. In the first quarter of 2025, Oatly saw a 10.6% decrease in North American revenue compared to the first quarter of 2024. Protein, seed oils, and concerns about processed foods At the start of the alt-milk 'revolution,' and to this day, nondairy milk brands position themselves as healthier than cow's milk. Brands like Almond Breeze say that their almond milk has 50% more calcium than dairy milk (300 milligrams in a cup of cow's milk versus 450 in a cup of Almond Breeze). Oatly says its levels of calcium, vitamin D, and riboflavin nearly mirror that of cow's milk (levels are within a gram or two of each other). But consumer's health obsessions are changing: they care less about their daily calcium intake and more about protein. The phenomenon of putting high-protein labels on any and all food and drink products has swept the internet into a health frenzy. Misleading claims about the nutrition on TikTok have also taken a toll: In one representative video, a self-identifying nutritionist who posts high-protein recipes, listed all the reasons she doesn't drink oat milk for her gut health, including claiming that inflammation from ingredients like canola oil and sugar spikes due to amylase, an enzyme used to break down the oat's starches into sugars that aid in achieving a creamy texture. Instead, she opts for coconut or other alt-milk types that have no 'filler oils' like canola and sunflower. Others on the platform cite, without much evidence, skin concerns and blood sugar spikes, as reasons they've gone back to dairy from plant-based options. Critics call seed oils 'toxic,' and according to the Cleveland Clinic, these oils can contribute to some inflammation. But the real concern, experts say, is the fact that seed oils are mostly used in processed and ultra-processed foods, like packaged snacks and candy. In moderation, and when not heated at high temperatures, seed oils can be a part of a healthy diet. Oatly's products specifically use rapeseed oil, also known as canola oil, in varying levels for 'texture purposes.' The oil, when mixed with the oats, lends itself to a creamy texture, and, in Oatly's Barista edition, a better froth. The company even defends its 'processed' nature, stating the 'catchall term' doesn't take into account that some products need to be processed to exist at all. After all, you can't 'milk oats in your hands.' Other popularly ultra-processed foods include tofu, breakfast cereals, and cheeses. Still, the stigma surrounding over-processed and oil-filled products has spread to every corner of the internet. And this has started to prove as a major advantage for cows milk companies, particularly organic ones. Rick Simington, chief commercial officer of Organic Valley, a farmer-owned milk cooperative producing organic milk, says these trends have allowed for dairy products to 'shed the demonized tone from the 2000s'. '[Consumers] want to know where their product comes from, the benefits, and that there are clean ingredients,' Simington said. 'Those three things together are really what's allowing us to unleash our growth as well as our execution.' But alt milks aren't going away completely Despite these challenges, the nondairy industry is still expected to continue to grow. Research firm Mordor Intelligence says the plant milk industry is expected to grow 12.33% a year over the next five years, to a more than $10 billion market. Over the same time period, the U.S. dairy milk market is expected to grow by 3.5% a year. Even with dairy growing at a lower percentage rate, nondairy alternatives still have a lot of ground to cover if they're going to catch up. Some of the newer and trending alt-milk products include pistachio, a nut that is notably having its moment. Brands like Táche claim to use zero added oils and be lower in sugars, calories, and carbs than Oatly. Hemp milk is also reportedly making headway as the fastest growing alt-milk option, with a growth projection on 14% over the next four years. Generally speaking, plant-based milk choices are still considered better for the environment because they use less water and land, and produce less carbon emissions. They also appeal to those looking to avoid the hormones added to cow's milk, due to a proposed link to increased cancer risks. And some just say that cow's milk is for calves and not humans. And though dairy milks that are whole, organic, and lactose-free are doing well in current markets, non- and lower-fat milks such as skim and 1% have all fallen in consumption. Each have steadily declined since their peaks in the late 1990s, with skim milk falling more than 75% in sales from 1998 to 2024, and 1% milk declining more than 50%. In response to its recent dip in revenue and the rise in dairy-milk sales, Oatly's North American President, Helge Weitz, says he isn't concerned. He says new Oatly offerings are selling well, and that the brand is finding new ways to reach American consumers. 'Our latest creative campaign shed light on a recent study suggesting that five times more people—over 50 million Americans—might prefer Oatly in their coffee over cow's milk,' Weitz said. 'They just haven't tried it yet.'
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Chaotic tariff policy': USDA buys $16M of Oregon shrimp to help fishermen
PORTLAND, Ore. () — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has purchased millions of dollars worth of Oregon seafood to help boost the state's economy. Bruce Summers, administrator for the federal agency's Agricultural Marketing Service, of Pacific pink shrimp in a letter on May 16. Portland city workers avert strike after reaching tentative agreement 'We recognized the importance of Pacific pink shrimp to the economic health of our Nation and of the demand for high-quality, nutritious products for nutrition assistance programs,' Summers wrote in response to the request from Oregon Trawl Commission Director Yelena Nowak. This follows a letter in which seven Oregon lawmakers, including Sen. Ron Wyden, Rep. Maxine Dexter and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, 'as soon as possible' — due to tariff uncertainty. President Donald Trump revealed his plan to enforce reciprocal tariffs on several countries, including the European Union, in March. As a result, the EU announced its plan to enforce 25% tariffs on an array of U.S. exports. The union has since paused its intentions to retaliate, but Oregon legislators say the uncertainty had already prompted several buyers to cancel or suspend large orders — just as fishermen are expecting a 'significant harvest' this season. The United Kingdom has also rejected the U.S. fishing industry's request to pause 20% tariffs on Pacific pink shrimp imports, lawmakers said in the May 5 letter. Bend man convicted for hitting Yellowstone National Park worker with vehicle In a statement, that the Oregon industry moves billions of dollars worth of seafood. State leaders and stakeholders hope the recent investment helps local fishermen stay afloat. 'Chaotic tariff policy has caused economic uncertainty, putting these businesses and Oregonian's livelihoods at risk,' Rep. Suzanne Bonamici said in a release. 'I am grateful that USDA has heeded our call to support Oregon's seafood industry by purchasing millions of dollars of Oregon pink shrimp.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
USDA's $1B bird flu plan uses money intended for schools, food banks
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins' $1 billion plan for fighting bird flu will rely on money cut from programs meant to help schools and food banks support local farmers, according to two people familiar with the discussions. Rollins in February rolled out a five-step strategy to fight bird flu that includes importing eggs and researching and developing a poultry vaccine. But that raised questions about whether it would use new federal money, even as the Trump administration is generally cutting back. Instead, it will use the money previously intended for two food programs that USDA canceled earlier this year, according to the people, who were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. The move tees up a major political fight over the Trump administration's priorities, as USDA struggles to use a relatively small pot of money to help farmers facing economic headwinds, curb a deadly avian flu outbreak and address a worsening hunger crisis — all while meeting the statutory obligations of the fund. Trump's rapidly escalating trade war with China could also pressure USDA to find new money to assist farmers who may no longer have a market for their products. USDA did not respond to multiple requests for comment. On a call with Hill staffers Friday, USDA said the money to pay for the bird flu response came from funds allocated to the Agricultural Marketing Service, which is the agency that administered the local food programs. But when one participant asked specifically if the money was repurposed from those programs, USDA declined to answer, according to someone on the call who was granted anonymity to share details of a private discussion. Former President Joe Biden allocated $1 billion in funding to the local food programs as part of his effort to build a more resilient food supply chain. The programs helped schools, child care facilities and food banks purchase fresh food from local farms and helped small- and mid-sized farms expand their businesses. Their abrupt cancellation sparked swift political backlash in Congress and online, as schools scrambled to find new funding for fresh food and farmers were left with unpurchased crops. Food banks are also feeling the strain of meeting increased hunger demands as prices soar. In addition to the local food programs, the Trump administration slashed roughly $500 million in funds to an emergency assistance program that supports food banks nationwide — though USDA says it's already making additional buys to counteract those cuts. The $1 billion for food programs — and now, for bird flu response — comes from a New Deal-era fund that gives the Agriculture secretary sweeping authority to provide disaster relief, support farmers and respond to market downturns. That fund, known as the Commodity Credit Corporation, has $30 billion to spend each year, but it has dwindled to roughly $4 billion in available funds. Its annual replenishment could be in jeopardy as lawmakers vie for leverage. Lawmakers will need to decide whether to replenish or even add more money into the CCC fund, though it'll likely be a long, uphill battle. Republican budget hawks are already skeptical of just about any spending from the CCC, and a few Democrats have floated voting against the fund's upcoming replenishment to protest the Trump administration's spending freezes. The cuts to local food procurement money reflect the Trump administration's plans to reorient the CCC fund toward its priorities, and rein in what Republicans view as the Biden administration's legally-questionable use of the fund. The $500 million in funding for the emergency assistance program for food banks also came from the CCC. And the Trump administration has frozen roughly $2 billion of the $3 billion Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, a CCC-funded initiative Biden established to help farmers mitigate their carbon footprint and adapt to climate change. Some food banks are hopeful Congress will provide permanent funding for the local food programs, said Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas. Until then, her state's network of food banks will need to rely on private philanthropy to keep up at least some of their contracts with farmers. 'I know this administration is committed to reevaluating and focusing on decisions made in the past administration,' Cole said recently. 'For us it's a matter of making sure in the interim we can meet the need.'
Politico
12-04-2025
- Business
- Politico
USDA's $1B bird flu plan uses money intended for schools, food banks
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins' $1 billion plan for fighting bird flu will rely on money cut from programs meant to help schools and food banks support local farmers, according to two people familiar with the discussions. Rollins in February rolled out a five-step strategy to fight bird flu that includes importing eggs and researching and developing a poultry vaccine. But that raised questions about whether it would use new federal money, even as the Trump administration is generally cutting back. Instead, it will use the money previously intended for two food programs that USDA canceled earlier this year, according to the people, who were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. The move tees up a major political fight over the Trump administration's priorities, as USDA struggles to use a relatively small pot of money to help farmers facing economic headwinds, curb a deadly avian flu outbreak and address a worsening hunger crisis — all while meeting the statutory obligations of the fund. Trump's rapidly escalating trade war with China could also pressure USDA to find new money to assist farmers who may no longer have a market for their products. USDA did not respond to multiple requests for comment. On a call with Hill staffers Friday, USDA said the money to pay for the bird flu response came from funds allocated to the Agricultural Marketing Service, which is the agency that administered the local food programs. But when one participant asked specifically if the money was repurposed from those programs, USDA declined to answer, according to someone on the call who was granted anonymity to share details of a private discussion. Former President Joe Biden allocated $1 billion in funding to the local food programs as part of his effort to build a more resilient food supply chain. The programs helped schools, child care facilities and food banks purchase fresh food from local farms and helped small- and mid-sized farms expand their businesses. Their abrupt cancellation sparked swift political backlash in Congress and online , as schools scrambled to find new funding for fresh food and farmers were left with unpurchased crops. Food banks are also feeling the strain of meeting increased hunger demands as prices soar. In addition to the local food programs, the Trump administration slashed roughly $500 million in funds to an emergency assistance program that supports food banks nationwide — though USDA says it's already making additional buys to counteract those cuts. The $1 billion for food programs — and now, for bird flu response — comes from a New Deal-era fund that gives the Agriculture secretary sweeping authority to provide disaster relief, support farmers and respond to market downturns. That fund, known as the Commodity Credit Corporation, has $30 billion to spend each year, but it has dwindled to roughly $4 billion in available funds. Its annual replenishment could be in jeopardy as lawmakers vie for leverage. Lawmakers will need to decide whether to replenish or even add more money into the CCC fund, though it'll likely be a long, uphill battle. Republican budget hawks are already skeptical of just about any spending from the CCC, and a few Democrats have floated voting against the fund's upcoming replenishment to protest the Trump administration's spending freezes. The cuts to local food procurement money reflect the Trump administration's plans to reorient the CCC fund toward its priorities, and rein in what Republicans view as the Biden administration's legally-questionable use of the fund. The $500 million in funding for the emergency assistance program for food banks also came from the CCC. And the Trump administration has frozen roughly $2 billion of the $3 billion Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, a CCC-funded initiative Biden established to help farmers mitigate their carbon footprint and adapt to climate change. Some food banks are hopeful Congress will provide permanent funding for the local food programs, said Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas. Until then, her state's network of food banks will need to rely on private philanthropy to keep up at least some of their contracts with farmers. 'I know this administration is committed to reevaluating and focusing on decisions made in the past administration,' Cole said recently. 'For us it's a matter of making sure in the interim we can meet the need.'
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Record egg prices continue soar — here's how to find relief
It used to be the case that if you wanted an inexpensive source of protein, you'd head to the grocery store and grab a dozen eggs. That's no longer the case. Data from the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) found that over the last year, the average price for a dozen eggs went up 63%. By some metrics, that percentage is even higher; the national average price was $5.90 in February, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That's up from $3.00 from the previous February and from $1.45 in 2020. So what exactly is causing this surge, and what can you do about it? I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Americans with upside-down car loans owe more money than ever before — and drivers can't keep up. Here are 3 ways to cut your monthly costs ASAP The short answer is there are shortages in supply due to an avian flu outbreak. The longer answer is a bit more complicated. More specifically, the most recent outbreak from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has caused the deaths of around 150 million chickens and turkeys — a large percentage of them egg-laying hens. Farmers have been battling this outbreak since 2022 and have been working hard to repopulate chickens to meet the demands for eggs. Because even young egg-laying hens have been affected, this repopulation is expected to take at least six months to a year. Emily Metz, chief executive of the American Egg Board, told Wall Street Journal that farmers 'know people are frustrated and they are frustrated too by the situation,' and that 'they know they are not able to put on the volume of eggs that people want.' As the decreased supply of eggs hasn't tempered demand, prices have gone up as a result. Stores are trying to maintain a steady supply of eggs and not risk having them sell out. But the Department of Justice (DOJ) is also considering other reasons why prices are so high and has launched an investigation into the cause of the steep rise in cost of eggs. Its antitrust probe is also looking at whether the ongoing shortage is the result of collusion between producers and distributors to drive up profits. Typically, grocery stores tend to keep the price of eggs relatively low, partially as a strategy to attract customers through the doors. In other words, grocery stores only put a small markup from wholesale egg prices, knowing that consumers will likely buy other items with higher profit margins while in the store to purchase their eggs (a strategy Costco employs as well). Many commercial farms in the U.S. rely on large-scale operations because of the automated equipment used to keep up with production. This puts a greater number of birds at risk for infection, when just a single bird becomes infected. But even states like California, Nevada and Massachusetts may see prices soar even higher because of their ban on the production and sale of conventionally-raised hens; these states rely on cage-free eggs, which are also experiencing decreased supply due to avian flu as well. To help combat the egg shortage, the USDA is investing $1 billion into lowering egg prices and combating avian flu. The organization is looking at options to increase the import of eggs from countries like Canada. Plus, the USDA is also working to temporarily decrease the export of US eggs to shore up its own supplies. Read more: Are you rich enough to join the top 1%? Here's the net worth you need to rank among America's wealthiest — plus 2 ways to build that first-class portfolio Canada's approach is somewhat different, and Canadians have not seen the same steep price increases or shortages as Americans have. There are a few reasons for this, but the key difference is that egg farms in Canada are smaller — typically housing 25,000 egg-laying hens. Compare that to American farms, which see over a million egg-laying hens per large-scale farm. This means that when one farm is impacted by avian flu in Canada, it's much easier to contain the outbreak and other suppliers can continue supplying their eggs. Effectively, Americans put more of their eggs in fewer baskets compared to their northern neighbors. And while historically, this would have resulted in cheaper eggs due to scale of production, in times like these, the cost per egg is higher in the U.S. Although data shows that egg prices are indeed slowly falling, the supply won't be back at its usual levels for some time. To cope with high prices in the meantime, you can watch for local grocery store deals and seek out coupons and competitive pricing. Buying in bulk could offer some discounts per egg, but this only makes sense if you can reasonably consume this amount of eggs (or find people to split the cost with). Buying from local smaller-scale sources could also offer some savings, in addition to providing support to these farmers. Depending on what you're making, egg substitutes could be a great alternative. Liquid egg substitutes, such as aquafaba — the starchy liquid from cooked or canned chickpeas — and other vegan alternatives could be cheaper than the price of a dozen eggs (and they can be made at home). Alternate egg replacers are typically made with flax seeds, tofu, potato starch and bananas and can easily offer a substitute for eggs in baking, like cakes and cookies, so as the Easter and Passover seasons approach, there are options available to you. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Protect your retirement savings with these 5 essential money moves — most of which you can complete in just minutes This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
