GET ME REWRITE: Milk consumption in U.S. is down 30% since 2000

 

Stats:  Statista

Headline:  Feast and Field, 5/9/2022

Over the years, experts say the decline can’t be traced to one factor, but rather a perfect storm of shifts in the market and population. The rocket-like growth of soy, almond, oat and other plant-based milk alternatives certainly cut into dairy milk sales; plant-based milk purchases were replacing dairy milk one-for-one. But given just how much cow’s milk consumers were still buying compared to alternatives, the impact was relatively small, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

The stunning amount of other beverages pouring into the market in since the 80s and people’s changing tastes likely also played a role. Previously, when water, milk, tea, coffee and soft drinks were pretty much your only drink choices, most kids as well as many adults (hi, mom!), drank milk with meals. That changed; sales of non-alcoholic beverages began its steady climb as milk consumption — and consumption during lunch and dinner specifically — fell. Soda, juices, sports drinks and other beverages were not competing for your glass.