Mind the (nutrition) gap and beyond: Fortifying plant-based dairy alternatives to milk.

Take a stroll down the supermarket aisle and you’ll see plenty of evidence of the rise in plant-based diets, including an impressive selection of plant based alternatives to milk on the shelves.

But with such a vast array of products on offer, what distinguishes the crème de la crème of plant-based alternatives to milk? And how can producers of these products do close the nutrition gap, ensuring their products provide consumers with the nutrients they need? The answer lies in three key areas: taste, texture, and health. In other words, consumers are looking for dairy alternatives that taste good, feel good, and do good for people and planet.

Closing the micronutrient gap and delivering enhanced health benefits 

At dsm-firmenich, we recognize that the best way to meet consumer needs is to listen to what they’re asking for. That’s why, every two years, we conduct a Global Health Concerns Survey. In 2023, we surveyed nearly 19,500 people from 26 countries, allowing us to gain valuable insights into consumer attitudes toward health and nutrition, as well as the actions they’re taking to address their concerns. 

And the results of our most recent survey are clear. Complete protection, immunity, energy levels, and- bone health all rank highly on consumers’ list of concerns. Many consumers rely on dietary choices to prevent health issues, particularly focusing on weight management, digestion, diabetes and blood sugar control, energy levels, and heart health. Fortification of food products can offer valuable support in each of these areas, and most consumers appreciate this fact, with two thirds already consuming food and beverages enriched with added nutrients. Of these, 45% opt for alternative dairy products with added nutrients – and there are numerous opportunities for continued growth in this segment.

Although many common plant-based diets offer nutritional benefits, such as lower saturated fat and a higher antioxidant intake, many alternatives to milk still lack the critical nutrients of their dairy equivalents, such as calcium, vitamin D, B2, and B12. Around half of plant-based dairy alternatives to milk are currently fortified, and we expect this figure to keep rising in the coming years, particularly as research shows that food and beverage products with added vitamins are widely perceived as more nutritious and healthier.

At dsm-firmenich, we recognize that enrichment with vitamins, minerals, nutritional lipids, and other extracts can support a better nutritional balance – and we’ve got the expertise, together with the broad solution portfolio, to support positive change in this area. Our dynamic Fortifull™ Nutrition Tool Guide highlights the missing micronutrients in plant-based alternatives compared to their dairy counterparts, while accounting for the naturally occurring micronutrients in plant-based products. It also advises on additional health benefits, including energy levels and immunity.

Bringing progress to life for plant-based dairy alternatives to milk

Creating remarkable plant-based alternatives to milk requires a delicious taste, authentic texture, and, now more than ever, solid nutrition. And to deliver on a robust nutritional profile, plant-based alternatives need to address micronutrient gaps head-on. That’s why dsm-firmenich developed Fortifull™ – an interactive tool designed to cultivate delicious and nutritious plant-based offerings.

In a few steps, our Plant-based dairy alternatives Nutritional gathers user input on the product type, region, and base protein, highlighting any micronutrient deficiencies compared to milk. Then, equipped with a clear and detailed understanding of these nutritional gaps, producers can explore a range of innovative solutions to help fill them, and even go above and beyond with additional health benefits. What’s more, the guide includes a wealth of supportive resources, such as information on specific micronutrients, claims and consumer insights.

As your trusted partner in the realm of plant-based possibilities, we at dsm-firmenich recognize the importance of nutrition and transparency to health-conscious and eco-conscious consumers alike. By bringing together essential nutrition and desirable flavors and textures into one sustainable package, we’ll help you deliver plant-based products that are both nourishing and irresistible. Together, we’ll bring progress to life.

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