The worldwide flax milk market size is expected to be valued at USD 47 million in 2024. The sector’s progress is expected to be at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2024 to 2034. By the end of the forecast period, the flax milk industry value is slated to total USD 74 million.
Non-dairy milk alternatives, including flax milk, are being preferred by a significant number of consumers. These milk alternatives provide the rich taste of milk without all the health issues that come along with traditional milk. Flax milk provides omega-3 fatty acids benefits, which endears the product to the health-conscious population.
With rising incidence of obesity and other health problems, dairy milk’s health qualities are being questioned. The fat content of standard milk is seeing a notable number of consumers turn away from the milk. In its absence, milk made from flax seeds, which is cholesterol and fat-free, is being preferred. Sports and fitness enthusiasts thus make up a significant part of the consumer base for the product.
Global Flax Milk Industry Assessment
| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Historical Size, 2023 | USD 43 million |
| Estimated Size, 2024 | USD 47 million |
| Projected Size, 2034 | USD 74 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 4.5% |
Demand for milk derived from flax seeds is compounding due to the increasing vegan population of the world. With consumers turning away from animal cruelty in droves, the dairy-free milk sector is widening by the day.
Flax-based milk has emerged as a popular vegan alternative to regular milk and thus the industry’s prospects are bright. The growing number of lactose-intolerant people globally is heralding positivity for the sector. Lactose-intolerants are driving up sales of non-dairy milk and the flax milk sector is benefitting.
Sustainability has made significant inroads in the food and beverage sector. Consumers are more knowledgeable than ever about the environmental impact of food materials. Flax-based milk is reputed to have a lesser environmental footprint as compared to traditional milk. Thus, environmentally-conscious consumers are contributing to the increased demand for the product.
The below table presents the expected CAGR for the global flax milk market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2024 to 2034. For the first half (H1) from 2023 to 2033, the sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4%. For the second half (H2), growth is predicted at a CAGR of 4.6%.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 4.4% (2023 to 2033) |
| H2 | 4.6% (2023 to 2033) |
| H1 | 4.7% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 4.7% (2024 to 2034) |
Moving forward to the subsequent period, from H1 2024 to H2 2034, the CAGR is foreseen to be 4.7% in both the first and the second half. Thus, the uptake of the industry is expected to be similar over the two halves.
Increased Advertising Contributing to Demand Speeding Up
Manufacturers are making the utmost use of branding and advertising to get their products more in the public eye. Milk made from flax seeds is still in its nascent stages when it comes to production and distribution. Thus, manufacturers think it prudent to invest heavily in advertising activities.
Stakeholders are using social media to help publicize the product. Tie-ups are being done with social media influencers and health experts to help spread the word about the milk. The advertising campaigns focus on the healthy and plant-based nature of the product and are often targeted at the younger generations.
Application in Food and Beverage Settings to Drive Demand
While the sale of flax-based milk is increasing due to its ability to be consumed raw, the food and beverage application of the product is also helping to increase revenue. As the number of vegan food service places goes up, and there is more clamor for vegan cooking at home as well, there is greater demand for plant-based ingredients like flax milk.
Smoothies, biscuits, and other baked goods are some of the food items making use of the milk. The plant-based milk is also being used as a substitute for traditional milk in coffee, tea, and cereal preparation. Flax-based milk is still emerging in culinary applications and there is significant potential for the product in kitchens.
High Cost and Lack of Awareness Limit Growth Potential
Being an emerging food product, consumers are still unaware of the product. Many other non-dairy milk varieties, such as almond milk and soy milk, are more prominent in consumers’ eyes. Thus, the product also faces the problem of stiff competition.
Being an emerging product, the production of flax milk is still in the refining process. As a result, the cost of production of the milk is high, driving prices up. Even consumers striving to be dairy-free thus hesitate to drink it. Another problem the milk faces is common with other vegan milks. The short shelf life of the milk puts a lid on the growth potential of the product.
The flax milk industry size was tipped to be USD 36 million in 2019. Throughout the historical period, the industry grew at a CAGR of 4.6%, reaching a size of USD 43 million in 2023.
The pandemic served to remind people of the importance of healthy eating. It also served to see many consumers turn away from meat and dairy products. Thus, plant-based products such as milk derived from flax seeds earned the admiration of consumers.
The sector is predicted to progress at a slightly lower rate in the forecast period as compared to the historical period. A number of factors serve to limit the growth potential of the industry over the forecast period.
Alternatives for flax-based milk are emerging at a rapid rate. Coconut milk, soya milk, oat milk, and others serve to fulfill the same function as the product, limiting its scope. Several consumers also dislike the taste of the milk, leading to a limit being placed on the scope of the consumer base.
The restraints are combated by several opportunities present for investors. The increasing number of vegan consumers gives the industry considerable growth potential. The existence of social media influencers and health experts advocating for going non-dairy also increases the potential of the product.
Tier 1 companies that have a notable presence in the landscape include Good Karma Foods, Elmhurst 1925, and Malibu Mylk. Tier 1 companies are dominant in the flax milk landscape, accounting for 60% of the revenue generated. Thus, these companies have considerable influence on industry dynamics.
Good Karma Foods prides itself on the diversity of its offerings. The company offers various flavors, such as vanilla and chocolate, in its flax-based milk. For Elmhurst 1925, milk derived from flax seeds is just another of their capabilities in the plant-based milk sector. Malibu Mylk looks to increase its brand presence by catering to environmentally conscious and health-oriented consumers.
Some tier 2 companies prominent in the sector include Mamma Chia, Veggemo, and Oatly. Though lacking in the financial resources of tier 1 companies, tier 2 companies still stand firmly on their ground. Their revenue share is put forth to be 30%.
Though known primarily for chia-based products, as the name suggests, Mamma Chia has also entered the flax milk market. Veggemo is another company that has entered the sector while being mostly known for another product, vegetable-based milk in this case. Oatly is another case where proficiency with oat milk has not shopped entry into the flax milk realm. These examples showcase the potential for new entrants in the sector.
Notable tier 3 companies include Flax USA, Joi, and Lifeway Foods. The significant production cost of the milk bars a number of smaller enterprises from entry into the sector. Nonetheless, these tier 3 companies have made a name for themselves in the industry. Tier 3 companies are estimated to account for 10% of the revenue share.
The vegan population in Europe and North America is blooming. Increasing sports and fitness culture is giving way to more demand for healthy products like milk derived from flax seeds. Although Western nations are the primary consumer bases for flax-based milk, nations in the Asia Pacific also represent significant growth potential.
| Countries | CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
|---|---|
| United States | 4.4% |
| United Kingdom | 4.6% |
| France | 5% |
| Spain | 5.2% |
| Italy | 5.3% |
The United States industry is projected to progress at a CAGR of 4.4% throughout the forecast period. The obesity issue in the United States is ballooning. As a result, initiatives are being taken, both individually and in groups, to curb the problem. These initiatives are being supported by the government.
A rising number of American consumers, especially the younger generation, are turning to healthy diets. This has meant open season for plant-based products. Plant-based product manufacturers are thus flourishing in the United States. Milk derived from flax seeds is just another one of the plant-based products that is seeing rising demand in the nation.
The sector is set to register a CAGR of 5.3% over the forecast period in Italy, making it a highly lucrative country. Italian cuisine is reputed for its richness in not only the traditional way but also for its ability to incorporate diverse ingredients.
Italian cuisine is responsive to the integration of plant-based ingredients. Thus, the groundwork is laid for the propulsion of plant-based milk, like flax milk, in the country. With rising vegan levels in the country, vegan versions of traditional Italian dishes are being sought at an increased rate. Milk derived from flax seeds is one of the ingredients being used to make these vegan versions of famous Italian dishes.
The United Kingdom industry is poised to progress at a CAGR of 4.6% over the forecast period. Cruelty-free products are all the rage among a notable section of the United Kingdom population. Thus, flax-based milk is becoming more common in the nation.
The demand for the product is also helped by the increasing number of vegan eateries in the nation. Whether it is posh restaurants offering vegan menus or cafes where the swanky youth of the nation congregate, plant-based food is becoming more prominent in the public eye. Thus, the conditions are right for industry growth in the nation.
The following section offers insights into leading segment. Unsweetened flax milk is the choice of end-users. Hypermarkets continue to reign at the top when it comes to the distribution channel.
| Segment | Unsweetened (Product Type) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 45.3% |
The unsweetened version of the product is expected to take up 45.3% of the industry share in 2024. As concerns regarding health become more prominent, added sugars’ reputation is becoming more negative.
Sugar’s fat and calorie levels are detested by health enthusiasts and a significant quantity of them are living with sugar-free diets. Thus, the unsweetened variety of the product is increasing in popularity.
Unsweetened milk has the benefit of not altering the constitution and taste of food products. Thus, flax-based milk without any sweeteners is being added to both sweet and savory dishes, providing a liquid base while not changing the flavor profile.
| Segment | Hypermarkets (Distribution Channel) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 26.7% |
Hypermarkets are anticipated to account for 26.7% of the industry share in 2024. These retail stores provide a convenient conduit through which consumers are able to shop for plant-based products. By making a variety of products available, consumers’ trust and reliance on these stores is maintained.
Hyperstores are adopting the strategy of offering discounts and other attractive schemes to entice consumers to buy non-dairy products. Packaging numerous plant-based products in one package is one such scheme through which the sale of milk derived from flax seeds is increasing. Sums spent on advertising non-dairy products also reap rewards for sale in these retail stores.
The flax milk competitive landscape is dominated by a few industry giants. The cost of production is high, while the product is also identified as a niche one. Thus, plant-based giants, who already have complementary production experience, are more likely to enter the field.
It does not mean, however, that there is no scope for smaller-scale players. Smaller-scale players focus on niche products and segments to appeal to a more concentrated crowd. For example, Pureharvest concentrates on expanding demand in its native country, Australia.
Niche brands are also carving out their own segments within the flax milk market by offering unique formulations and catering to specific dietary needs, such as allergen-free and non-GMO options. The competition is further intensified by traditional dairy companies and beverage manufacturers entering the plant-based sector, recognizing the growing consumer shift towards dairy alternatives.
Companies are making notable strides by shifting their focus on superfoods and organic ingredients to attract health-conscious consumers. These companies are actively expanding their product portfolios and enhancing their presence through innovative advertising strategies and strong online retail partnerships.
Generally, companies in this sector are also proficient in other plant-based milk production. Plant-based milk manufacturers looking to diversify are finding opportunities in the production of this particular type of milk.
Industry Updates:
Based on the product type, the flax milk market is trifurcated into unsweetened, original, and flavored.
Popular distribution channels include hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, food and specialty drinks stores, and others.
The sector has been analyzed with the following regions covered: North America, Latin America, Europe, South Asia, East Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East and Africa.
The size of the flax milk market is estimated to be USD 47 million in 2024.
The flax milk market is expected to increase at a CAGR of 4.5% over the forecast period.
The flax milk market is forecast to reach a size of USD 74 million by 2034.
Good Karma Foods and Elmhurst 1925 are prominent companies
The United States is set to register a CAGR of 4.5% over the forecast period.
Explore Similar Insights
Flax Milk Market
Thank you!
You will receive an email from our Business Development Manager. Please be sure to check your SPAM/JUNK folder too.
