Dairy and plant-based beverages purchased by Canadian households between 2018 and 2020

Abstract

Canada’s food guide (CFG), updated in 2019, recommends choosing lower fat milk, fortified plant-based milk alternatives, and unsweetened beverages. This study examined trends in household purchases of dairy and plant-based beverages (PBBs), following CFG release, as well as price differences between beverage categories. NielsenIQ HomeScan data from 2018 to 2020 (∼4500 households/year) in Québec and Ontario were analyzed for annual purchases of total dairy beverages (milk, drinkable yogurt/kefir, milkshakes) and total PBBs (milk alternatives, plant-based drinkable yogurt/kefir). Product descriptions/Universal product codes (n=1451) were matched to online nutrition information. Mixed linear models examined changes in volume purchased over time, adjusting for household sociodemographic characteristics, and linear regressions examined price differences. On average, households purchased 97.0L of total dairy beverages and 8.8L of total PBBs annually, with 2% milk (45.7L) and almond beverages (4.9L) being the most purchased in these categories. Purchases of total dairy beverages, dairy beverages with added sugars, skim, 1%, and 2% milk were lower in 2019 than in 2018. However, purchases were higher in 2020 than in 2019 for total dairy beverages, 2% and whole milk, total PBBs, almond beverages, and “other” types of milk alternatives. Soy beverage purchases remained unchanged. Households with children purchased more dairy with added sugars and whole milk, and fewer PBBs. Differences by province, education, and ethnicity were also found. PBBs were slightly more expensive than dairy beverages ($0.23CAD/100ml vs $0.21CAD/100ml, p<0.01), with higher prices in Québec than Ontario. Overall, results suggest partial alignment with 2019 CFG recommendations.