DSM, The Netherlands, released its third report in its Global Insight Series, focusing on sugar reduction in flavored milk. Based on an international consumer survey, the report reveals that flavored milk consumption is increasing and is not limited to children alone, as adults are also embracing the dairy beverages. Better taste and more flavor varieties are important in further stimulating demand, as well as addressing concerns on the sugar content, the survey indicates. 

DSM’s survey, conducted in the United States, China, Brazil, Spain and Germany, shows that nearly a quarter of adults (24%) and 41% of their children reported daily consumption of flavored milk. The year- on-year market growth between 2010 and 2015 is 13%, demonstrating the increased consumption of flavored milk products. Adults are embracing flavored milk types, such as chilled café latte-style drinks or post-workout dairy beverages, where taste (55%) and bone health (41%) are the main attractions of flavored milk. In China, the functional benefits are more important, as 43% of the participants see gastrointestinal health as the main driver.

The survey respondents also indicate that they would increase their consumption in the next three years, 29% of adults and 50% of their children. Six out of 10 consumers are concerned about the amount of sugar in dairy. Better taste (34%) and more flavor varieties (28%) are indicated most often as reasons to further increase consumption of sugar-reduced flavored milk beverages.

The findings support that flavored milk is an ideal vehicle for creating healthy and nutritious dairy products for all ages and different lifestyles. Innovation can be driven by creating better-tasting products and bringing more varieties to the market which are lower in sugar. 

To view the full report, visit www.dsm.com.