Milk Producers Rally Against Labelling of Plant-Based Alternatives as ‘Milk

Traditional milk producers in the U.S. are taking a firm stance against the labelling of plant-based alternatives as “milk”. They argue that the usage of the term “milk” for these products is misleading to consumers and undermines the value of dairy milk.

This controversy comes amidst the rapid rise in popularity of plant-based alternatives, which are often marketed and sold as “milk” despite being made from sources like almonds, oats, or soy. The dairy industry contends that these alternatives do not have the same nutritional profile as dairy milk and, therefore, should not be labelled as such.

The dairy industry’s stance is part of a broader pushback against the booming plant-based food market, which some see as a threat to traditional agricultural sectors. They claim that the current labelling practices confuse consumers and lead to unfair competition.

In response, plant-based alternative producers argue that consumers are well aware of the differences between these products and dairy milk. They suggest that the term “milk” in this context is used to describe the texture and usage of the product, not its nutritional content.

The debate over labeling is not just a marketing issue—it’s a battle over consumer perception and the future of the food industry. As plant-based alternatives continue to gain market share, these conflicts are likely to intensify. The outcomes could have significant implications for food labelling laws, consumer choice, and the evolution of the food industry.