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Middle East and Africa Dairy Alternatives Market Size, Share, Trends and Report | 2034

Middle East and Africa Dairy Alternatives Market Analysis, Demand, Growth and Outlook

Middle East and Africa Dairy Alternatives Market Outlook

The Middle East and Africa dairy alternatives market size reached a value of nearly USD 1.18 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% between 2025 and 2034, reaching approximately USD 3.27 billion by 2034. The growth of this market is largely driven by a rise in plant-based diets, an increase in lactose-intolerant populations, and greater awareness about the environmental impact of dairy farming. With a growing number of health-conscious consumers and changing dietary preferences, the demand for dairy alternatives such as plant-based milk, yoghurt, and cheese is set to rise across the region.

Middle East and Africa Dairy Alternatives Market Trends

Several key trends are shaping the growth of the Middle East and Africa dairy alternatives market:

  • Shift to Plant-Based Diets: A growing number of consumers in the MEA region are shifting to plant-based diets, driven by health benefits, ethical concerns about animal welfare, and environmental reasons. As more consumers adopt plant-based or flexitarian diets, demand for dairy alternatives such as soy, almond, and oat milk is seeing a significant surge.
  • Increasing Lactose Intolerance Awareness: Lactose intolerance is widespread in many parts of the MEA region, which is driving the demand for dairy alternatives. Consumers who are unable to digest lactose are turning to plant-based milk, yoghurts, and other dairy-free products as viable alternatives to traditional dairy products.
  • Rise in Veganism and Health-Conscious Consumption: Veganism is gaining momentum across the region, particularly among younger generations, as awareness about the health and environmental benefits of plant-based diets grows. Consumers are seeking healthier and lighter alternatives to traditional dairy products, boosting the demand for plant-based options like vegan cheeses, ice creams, and creamers.
  • Innovation in Product Offerings: The market is witnessing innovations in dairy alternatives, with brands offering more variety and taste experiences. New product launches such as oat-based ice creams, almond and soy-based yoghurts, and vegan cheeses are attracting consumers looking for familiar tastes and textures in their plant-based choices.
  • Sustainability and Ethical Practices: There is an increasing emphasis on sustainability, with many consumers prioritizing eco-friendly and ethically produced food items. Plant-based dairy alternatives are seen as more sustainable options, requiring fewer resources to produce compared to conventional dairy farming, further boosting their demand.

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Middle East and Africa Dairy Alternatives Market Growth

The MEA dairy alternatives market is poised for significant growth due to the following factors:

  • Rising Consumer Awareness: As health concerns such as obesity, cholesterol levels, and diabetes increase, consumers are becoming more aware of the benefits of reducing their dairy intake. This shift towards a healthier lifestyle is contributing to the rapid growth of dairy alternatives.
  • Product Availability and Variety: As more brands enter the dairy alternatives space, the availability and variety of products are expanding. Consumers can now access a range of dairy alternatives in supermarkets, convenience stores, and online platforms, increasing accessibility and further driving market growth.
  • Increasing Disposable Income: Rising disposable income, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is allowing consumers to invest in higher-quality, premium dairy alternatives. This trend is particularly prominent in urban centers where the availability of premium plant-based products is higher.
  • Government Initiatives and Dietary Guidelines: In some MEA countries, governments and health organizations are encouraging consumers to reduce their consumption of animal-based products and embrace healthier plant-based diets. This is leading to greater awareness and acceptance of dairy alternatives, thereby accelerating market growth.

Middle East and Africa Dairy Alternatives Market Segmentation

The MEA dairy alternatives market is segmented by source, product, distribution channel, and region. This segmentation provides a comprehensive view of the market, helping to identify key growth drivers and consumer preferences across different sectors.

Breakup by Source

  • Soy: Soy is one of the most popular sources of plant-based milk and other dairy alternatives in the MEA region. Soy milk is highly nutritious, offering protein, vitamins, and minerals that make it an attractive option for consumers looking for a dairy alternative. The increasing awareness of soy-based products in the region contributes to their widespread demand.
  • Almond: Almond milk is growing in popularity due to its mild flavor, low calorie count, and high levels of vitamin E and antioxidants. Almond-based dairy alternatives, including milk, yoghurts, and ice creams, are becoming household staples, especially in health-conscious households.
  • Rice: Rice milk is a popular option for consumers with nut allergies or those seeking a lighter alternative to soy or almond milk. It is often chosen for its smooth texture and mild flavor. As the variety of rice-based dairy alternatives grows, this segment is gaining momentum.
  • Oats: Oat milk is experiencing rapid growth due to its creamy texture, nutritional benefits, and lower environmental impact compared to other plant-based milk. Oat-based dairy alternatives, such as oat milk for coffee and oat-based ice creams, are seeing significant demand.
  • Others: Other sources for dairy alternatives, including coconut, hemp, and cashew, are gaining attention in the MEA market. These alternatives cater to specific dietary needs or preferences, such as consumers with soy or almond allergies.

Breakup by Product

  • Milk: Plant-based milk is the largest segment in the dairy alternatives market. Soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, and rice milk are the most popular types of plant-based milk consumed in the region. With advancements in flavor, texture, and nutrition, plant-based milk has become a mainstream option for many consumers.
  • Yoghurt: Non-dairy yoghurts, made from sources like soy, almond, and coconut, are growing in popularity as more consumers seek plant-based alternatives. These dairy-free yoghurts are commonly consumed by individuals who avoid dairy due to lactose intolerance or dietary preferences.
  • Cheese: Plant-based cheese products, such as those made from almonds, soy, and cashews, are increasingly available in the MEA market. These alternatives mimic the texture and taste of traditional cheese, making them highly attractive to vegan and dairy-free consumers.
  • Ice-Cream: Vegan and dairy-free ice creams are becoming more popular, with flavors made from coconut, almond, and oats. As the demand for plant-based frozen desserts rises, more brands are offering a variety of flavors and options to cater to the increasing demand.
  • Creamers: Plant-based creamers, often made from coconut, almond, or oat milk, are widely used in coffee, tea, and desserts. These dairy alternatives cater to consumers who want a vegan or lactose-free option for their beverages.
  • Others: Other dairy alternatives include butter, cream, and sour cream, all of which are increasingly available in plant-based options. These alternatives are expected to see growing demand as consumers seek to replace animal-based products with healthier, more sustainable options.

Breakup by Distribution Channel

  • Supermarkets/Hypermarkets: Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the dominant distribution channels for dairy alternatives in the MEA region. These retail outlets offer a wide range of plant-based dairy products, making them convenient and accessible for consumers.
  • Convenience Stores: Convenience stores are gaining importance as they provide quick access to dairy alternatives, especially in urban areas. Busy consumers are increasingly purchasing dairy-free milk and other plant-based products from these outlets.
  • Online: The online distribution channel is growing rapidly, driven by the convenience of shopping from home and the ability to compare prices. E-commerce platforms offer a wide selection of plant-based products, making it easy for consumers to explore and purchase dairy alternatives.
  • Others: Other distribution channels, such as health food stores, direct sales, and specialty stores, are also contributing to the growth of the dairy alternatives market. These channels cater to niche markets and offer more specialized products, such as organic or non-GMO dairy alternatives.

Breakup by Region

  • Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is one of the largest markets for dairy alternatives in the MEA region, driven by the growing health-conscious population and the increasing availability of plant-based products in supermarkets and hypermarkets.
  • United Arab Emirates: The UAE is a key market for dairy alternatives, with a growing demand for plant-based products driven by both local preferences and the increasing number of expats with dietary preferences that exclude dairy.
  • Nigeria: Nigeria is witnessing growth in the dairy alternatives market, particularly due to the rising demand for affordable, nutritious, and lactose-free options. The increasing availability of plant-based milk and other dairy alternatives is contributing to the market’s expansion.
  • South Africa: South Africa’s dairy alternatives market is expanding, particularly in urban areas where consumers are increasingly adopting plant-based diets. The growth of the vegan and health-conscious consumer base is driving demand for plant-based milk, yoghurts, and other dairy alternatives.
  • Others: Other countries in the region, including Egypt and Kenya, are also seeing growth in the dairy alternatives market, driven by rising health awareness and the availability of plant-based options in supermarkets and specialty stores.

Middle East and Africa Dairy Alternatives Market Key Players

  • Danone S.A.: Danone is a major player in the dairy alternatives market with its Alpro and Silk brands, offering a wide range of plant-based milk, yoghurt, and creamers.
  • Nestlé S.A.: Nestlé offers a variety of dairy-free products under brands like Nesquik and Nido, focusing on plant-based milk and nutritional products.
  • Blue Diamond Growers: Known for its almond-based products, Blue Diamond Growers offers almond milk and other dairy alternatives to cater to the growing demand for plant-based products.
  • Oatly AB: Oatly is a leading brand in the oat milk segment, providing a wide range of oat-based dairy alternatives, including milk, ice cream, and creamers.
  • Freakin Healthy: Freakin Healthy offers plant-based snacks and desserts, including dairy-free ice creams made from nuts and coconut milk.
  • Kite Hill: Kite Hill specializes in plant-based cheese, yoghurt, and other dairy alternatives made from almonds and other plant sources.
  • Califia Farms, LLC: Califia Farms offers a wide range of plant-based beverages, including almond milk and creamers, with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
  • BetterBody Foods: BetterBody Foods provides a range of healthy food products, including dairy alternatives made from organic, non-GMO ingredients.
  • Archer Daniels Midland Company: A major producer of plant-based ingredients, ADM offers various dairy alternative ingredients used in beverages and foods.
  • Daiya Foods Inc.: Daiya Foods specializes in dairy-free products, including cheese, yoghurt, and frozen desserts, catering to the growing vegan consumer base.
  • ButtaNutt: ButtaNutt offers a variety of plant-based products, including nut-based milks and butters, targeting health-conscious consumers.
  • Okja South Africa (Pty) Ltd.: Okja is a South African producer of plant-based dairy alternatives, offering dairy-free milk, yoghurts, and cheeses.
  • Others:

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