Surprising milk choices Australians are making - What types of milk is most popular?
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Milk has been an Australian kitchen staple for many generations, with lovers of the calcium-rich drink adopting the habit of always having their favourite drink in the fridge at all times.
However, gone are the days when Australia’s milk choices were limited to just the full-cream or low fat varieties…
‘Low fat, no fat, full cream, high calcium, high protein, soy, light, skim, omega 3, high calcium with vitamin D and folate, or extra dollop?’ Ring a bell? The number of options has only continued to grow.
The dairy aisle of the supermarket is rapidly expanding, with a new type of milk being introduced seemingly every couple of years. First we had skim, then soy, and then along came almond, oat and every other option under the sun (there’s even rice and macadamia milk!).
Many young Aussies — known as millennials and generation Z — are embracing vegetarianism and even veganisn lifestyles these days. While vegetarians avoid meat but embrace dairy, vegans have said goodbye to anything related to animals (eggs, dairy, meat, even leather).
According to 2022 census data, there were more than 2.5 million Australians who identified as either vegetarian or vegan at that time, which translates to an increase of 50 per cent compared to the preceding decade.
So what does this mean? Basically, cow milk is becoming less and less popular, with more and more customers option for plant ‘milk’ alternatives.
But while the trend of using plant-based milk has grown exponentially in recent years, plant-based milk products have yet to completely unseat cow's milk as the most popular dairy product in Australia.
It would be remiss of us not to note that this influx may be due to health reasons (such as an increase in the number of people diagnosed with lactose intolerance). It is estimated that roughly one in 20 Australians have some degree of lactose intolerance.
A recent Nine.com.au reader survey discovered that an overwhelming majority of Australians still remain loyal to full cream cow's milk when shopping at the supermarket.
The survey discovered that 57 per cent of voters said that full-cream milk was still their go-to choice.
Skim milk came in a distant second at 29 per cent, thanks to it containing less than 0.15g fat per 100ml.
Meanwhile, long-life milk – which is scientifically treated to have an extended shelf life – was the third most popular choice, purchased by 16 per cent of people.
In terms of plant ‘milk’ options, almond milk emerged as the most popular choice, accounting for 8 per cent of respondents. Soy milk and oat milk tied in popularity at 6 per cent of votes each.
And coming in at the least preferred choice was goat’s milk – surprisingly, only one per cent said this was their go-to during 2022.
With the sudden influx of plant-based milks on the market, many people wonder whether it’s right to even call them ‘milk’ or if the label should only be attributed to the original animal-based options.
What do you think? Do you drink plant-based milk or are you in the 57 per cent? We here at the SDC have to admit we’re partial to a soy cappuccino every once in a while (but that’s just because most of us are sadly lactose intolerant). What do you think of the call to stop calling plant-based alternatives ‘milk’?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
However, gone are the days when Australia’s milk choices were limited to just the full-cream or low fat varieties…
‘Low fat, no fat, full cream, high calcium, high protein, soy, light, skim, omega 3, high calcium with vitamin D and folate, or extra dollop?’ Ring a bell? The number of options has only continued to grow.
The dairy aisle of the supermarket is rapidly expanding, with a new type of milk being introduced seemingly every couple of years. First we had skim, then soy, and then along came almond, oat and every other option under the sun (there’s even rice and macadamia milk!).
Many young Aussies — known as millennials and generation Z — are embracing vegetarianism and even veganisn lifestyles these days. While vegetarians avoid meat but embrace dairy, vegans have said goodbye to anything related to animals (eggs, dairy, meat, even leather).
According to 2022 census data, there were more than 2.5 million Australians who identified as either vegetarian or vegan at that time, which translates to an increase of 50 per cent compared to the preceding decade.
So what does this mean? Basically, cow milk is becoming less and less popular, with more and more customers option for plant ‘milk’ alternatives.
But while the trend of using plant-based milk has grown exponentially in recent years, plant-based milk products have yet to completely unseat cow's milk as the most popular dairy product in Australia.
It would be remiss of us not to note that this influx may be due to health reasons (such as an increase in the number of people diagnosed with lactose intolerance). It is estimated that roughly one in 20 Australians have some degree of lactose intolerance.
A recent Nine.com.au reader survey discovered that an overwhelming majority of Australians still remain loyal to full cream cow's milk when shopping at the supermarket.
The survey discovered that 57 per cent of voters said that full-cream milk was still their go-to choice.
Skim milk came in a distant second at 29 per cent, thanks to it containing less than 0.15g fat per 100ml.
Meanwhile, long-life milk – which is scientifically treated to have an extended shelf life – was the third most popular choice, purchased by 16 per cent of people.
In terms of plant ‘milk’ options, almond milk emerged as the most popular choice, accounting for 8 per cent of respondents. Soy milk and oat milk tied in popularity at 6 per cent of votes each.
And coming in at the least preferred choice was goat’s milk – surprisingly, only one per cent said this was their go-to during 2022.
With the sudden influx of plant-based milks on the market, many people wonder whether it’s right to even call them ‘milk’ or if the label should only be attributed to the original animal-based options.
Key Takeaways
- Full cream milk is still the most popular dairy choice for Australians according to a recent reader survey.
- Following closely behind was skimmed milk, as well as long-life milk.
- Plant-based milks, such as almond and soy milk, are becoming increasingly popular.
What do you think? Do you drink plant-based milk or are you in the 57 per cent? We here at the SDC have to admit we’re partial to a soy cappuccino every once in a while (but that’s just because most of us are sadly lactose intolerant). What do you think of the call to stop calling plant-based alternatives ‘milk’?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!