Dairy-free producers mimicking their dairy counterparts can win or lose based mostly totally on the usual of their textures, an skilled inside the topic has claimed, following new consumer notion.
Over half (54%) of shoppers who drink varied dairy drinks say texture is “really important by means of choices”, whereas 48% make the similar declare for non-dairy yogurt, says Ingredion vice chairman for texture price enhancement, Dan Haley.
“If non-dairy producers must entice additional prospects inside the flexitarian market, then improved texture is crucial,” explains Haley.
Reformulating to non-dairy simply is not really easy
As inside the dairy market, prospects search creaminess and indulgence from their merchandise, with 80% citing it as a primary priority.
Whereas all meals and drinks lessons dwell and die by type and texture, the most recent information showcases how vital it is to get texture correct and set off a repeat purchase, he gives.
However, reformulating from dairy to non-dairy isn’t as simple as merely making a great-tasting product with a mouthfeel that stacks up, warned Haley.
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“It’s moreover important producers preserve true to their ethos; that the mannequin itself is recognisable – it’s not merely regarding the type and texture.”
Most prospects may be aware of price stage and parts, with 78% of shoppers requested, claiming to want pure or non-artificial parts.
”Sustainability ought to even be factored in along with properly being – healthful planet and healthful physique. So there’s a lot to deal with,“ he continues.
A divergence of plant-based merchandise
All these consumer desires will result in a divergence of plant-based merchandise that frequently search to be the “highest mimic of their dairy counterparts,” he predicts.
“If corporations must switch previous space of curiosity, they’ll have to supply points that don’t compromise on and stack up intently in opposition to their dairy variants.”
And that’s vital. There’s a rising consumer base of over 75% which will be “dissatisfied” by plant-based and over 60% of shoppers say they will reject a product if it doesn’t ship on texture, Haley warns.
“Nonetheless there’s moreover the inflationary pressures available on the market too,” explains Haley. “A lot of prospects are affected by the cost-of-living and if merchandise aren’t just about pretty much as good or are costlier, then they’re pretty merely turning away from them.”