Cereal and nut drinks are plant-based beverages made from a variety of grains and nuts, such as rice, oats, almonds, hazelnuts, and soybeans. These drinks are often used as a substitute for dairy milk, particularly by those who follow a vegan or dairy-free diet, or who are lactose intolerant.
Cereal and nut drinks can be made by soaking the grains or nuts in water, blending them with additional water and other ingredients like sweeteners or flavorings, and then straining out any solid pieces. They can also be made through a more commercial process that involves extracting the liquid from the grains or nuts using specialized equipment.
Cereal and nut drinks come in a range of flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, and plain, and can be used in a variety of ways, such as in coffee or tea, in baking, or as a base for smoothies or other drinks. They are often fortified with vitamins and minerals to provide added nutrition and are generally lower in fat and calories than dairy milk.
The market scope for cereal and nut drinks has been growing rapidly in recent years, driven by several factors, including an increasing demand for plant-based alternatives to dairy products, a growing awareness of the health benefits of plant-based diets, and a rise in lactose intolerance and milk allergies.
According to a report by Grand View Research, the global cereal and nut drinks market size was valued at USD 15.6 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.6% from 2021 to 2028. The report also suggests that factors such as increasing health consciousness among consumers, rising demand for organic and natural products, and the availability of innovative flavors and varieties are expected to fuel the growth of the cereal and nut drinks market in the coming years.
The market for cereal and nut drinks is also segmented by type, including almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, and others. Almond milk is currently the most popular type of cereal and nut drink, followed by soy milk and oat milk.
Geographically, North America and Europe are currently the largest markets for cereal and nut drinks, but there is also significant growth potential in Asia-Pacific and other emerging markets, as more consumers in these regions adopt plant-based diets and seek out alternatives to dairy products.
The major players in the Market for cereal and nut drinks are as follows:
1. Danone S.A.
2. The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.
3. PepsiCo, Inc.
4. The Coca-Cola Company
5. Blue Diamond Growers
6. SunOpta, Inc.
7. Califia Farms, LP
8. WhiteWave Foods Company
9. Pacific Foods of Oregon, LLC
10. Oatly AB
Commercial production of cereal and nut drinks typically involves several steps:
1. Soaking the grains or nuts: The grains or nuts are soaked in water to soften them and prepare them for blending.
2. Blending the mixture: The soaked grains or nuts are blended with water and other ingredients like sweeteners and flavorings to create a smooth mixture.
3. Straining the mixture: The blended mixture is then strained to remove any solid pieces and create a smooth, creamy liquid.
4. Pasteurization: The liquid is heated to a high temperature to kill any bacteria and increase its shelf life.
5. Packaging: The pasteurized liquid is then packaged in cartons or bottles and labeled with nutritional information and ingredient lists.
Commercial production of cereal and nut drinks can be done using specialized equipment that can handle large volumes of ingredients and ensure consistency and quality in the final product. Some manufacturers also use organic or non-GMO ingredients to appeal to health-conscious consumers.
The production process for different types of cereal and nut drinks may vary slightly depending on the type of grain or nut being used, but the general steps are similar. For example, the production of almond milk involves soaking and blending almonds with water, while the production of oat milk involves soaking and blending oats with water.