India Almond Milk and Almond-Based Beverages Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecasts 2031

Key Findings

• The India Almond Milk and Almond-Based Beverages Market is growing rapidly, driven by increasing consumer preference for plant-based and lactose-free alternatives.
• Rising awareness about health, sustainability, and ethical food choices is fueling the shift from dairy to almond-derived beverages in India.
• The market is witnessing innovation in flavors, packaging, and fortification with vitamins and minerals to enhance nutritional value.
• Expanding distribution channels, including supermarkets, cafés, and e-commerce platforms, are widening product accessibility across India.
• Government support for sustainable agriculture and plant-based diets is further strengthening local production and consumption.
• Premiumization and the introduction of organic and cold-pressed variants are enhancing market value.
• Supply chain challenges related to raw almond sourcing and high production costs remain barriers for smaller producers.
• Strategic collaborations among beverage brands, retailers, and almond growers are optimizing supply stability and market expansion in India.

India Almond Milk and Almond-Based Beverages Market Size and Forecast

The India Almond Milk and Almond-Based Beverages Market is projected to grow from USD 2.9 billion in 2025 to USD 6.4 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 13.7% during the forecast period. Growth is primarily driven by increasing demand for plant-based alternatives and the expanding vegan population in India. Almond milk, known for its mild flavor, low calorie content, and nutrient profile, is replacing traditional dairy across cafés, households, and restaurants. The rise of flexitarian and lactose-intolerant consumers is reshaping the beverage landscape, driving demand for almond-based formulations including blends with oat, soy, or coconut milk. Rapid urbanization, growing middle-class income, and strong retail presence are also accelerating sales. Innovation in fortification (e.g., calcium, vitamin D, and protein) and shelf-life improvement technologies is further enhancing product adoption and export potential.

Introduction

Almond milk and almond-based beverages are plant-derived drinks made by blending almonds with water and fortifying them with essential nutrients. They serve as dairy alternatives, offering benefits such as lactose-free composition, lower cholesterol, and high vitamin E content. In India, these beverages have become popular among health-conscious consumers, vegans, and individuals seeking sustainable and ethical food options. Food and beverage manufacturers are investing in R&D to improve taste, texture, and nutritional equivalence to dairy milk. Furthermore, almond-based drinks are increasingly used in cafés, hotels, and households for coffee, smoothies, and dessert recipes. With rising concerns over dairy’s environmental impact and the growth of plant-based diets, almond beverages are gaining mainstream acceptance across diverse demographic segments.

Future Outlook

By 2031, the India Almond Milk and Almond-Based Beverages Market will evolve into a diversified segment comprising organic, flavored, and fortified variants. Companies will adopt advanced processing technologies such as high-pressure homogenization and cold pasteurization to enhance flavor retention and shelf life. The emergence of local almond farming initiatives will help reduce dependence on imports and stabilize pricing. Furthermore, the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, such as recyclable cartons and biodegradable bottles, will shape the industry’s environmental strategy. Partnerships with cafés, fitness chains, and e-commerce platforms will strengthen brand visibility and direct consumer engagement. As health awareness and veganism continue to rise, India will become a major regional hub for plant-based beverage innovation and export.

India Almond Milk and Almond-Based Beverages Market Trends

• Rising Popularity of Plant-Based and Dairy-Free Diets
  The growing prevalence of lactose intolerance and ethical consumerism is driving a major shift toward plant-based beverages in India. Consumers are seeking dairy alternatives that are environmentally sustainable and nutritionally balanced. Almond milk, with its low-fat and antioxidant properties, is emerging as a preferred option among millennials and urban populations. The proliferation of plant-based cafés and specialty stores further supports the widespread adoption of almond-based drinks.

• Product Innovation and Nutritional Fortification
  Manufacturers in India are focusing on enhancing the nutritional profile of almond milk by fortifying it with calcium, vitamin D, and protein to match the benefits of dairy milk. New product lines featuring flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, and matcha are expanding consumer appeal. Some companies are also introducing sugar-free and functional variants designed for diabetic and fitness-oriented consumers. This wave of innovation is helping brands capture a larger share of the health-conscious consumer base.

• Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing Initiatives
  With sustainability becoming a core consumer expectation, producers in India are adopting environmentally friendly practices in almond cultivation and beverage packaging. Water-efficient farming, fair-trade sourcing, and carbon-neutral production processes are key differentiators for premium brands. The introduction of recyclable and compostable packaging materials is also resonating with eco-conscious buyers, enhancing brand trust and loyalty.

• Expansion of Distribution and Retail Channels
  The expansion of modern retail, e-commerce platforms, and quick-service restaurants in India has significantly increased the accessibility of almond-based beverages. Supermarkets and online grocery stores now offer an extensive range of almond milk products, from shelf-stable cartons to refrigerated premium variants. Café partnerships and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage launches are further driving impulse purchases and convenience-driven consumption.

• Growing Use in Foodservice and Culinary Applications
  Almond milk’s versatility has made it a staple ingredient in the foodservice industry across India. Restaurants and cafés are using it as a base for coffee drinks, desserts, smoothies, and baked goods. The product’s smooth texture and neutral flavor make it ideal for replacing dairy in both sweet and savory dishes. This trend is expanding its customer base beyond vegans to include mainstream consumers seeking healthier dining options.

Market Growth Drivers

• Increasing Health Awareness and Dietary Shifts
  Consumers in India are becoming more health-conscious, with growing awareness about cholesterol levels, calorie intake, and lactose intolerance. Almond milk offers a natural, plant-based solution that supports weight management and cardiovascular health. The shift toward preventive health and wellness is fueling sustained growth in demand across supermarkets, gyms, and wellness centers.

• Rising Vegan and Flexitarian Populations
  The adoption of veganism and flexitarian diets is accelerating across India as consumers prioritize ethical eating and sustainability. Almond-based beverages cater perfectly to this demographic by offering animal-free, low-carbon alternatives. Social media trends and influencer marketing promoting plant-based lifestyles are further enhancing awareness and acceptance across younger consumers.

• Innovation in Manufacturing and Processing Technologies
  Continuous advancements in cold-pressing, emulsification, and enzyme treatment technologies are improving the flavor and stability of almond beverages. In India, manufacturers are investing in state-of-the-art processing lines that ensure superior taste, nutritional retention, and shelf life. These technological improvements are reducing production costs and broadening market reach.

• Supportive Government Policies and Organic Certification Programs
  Governments in India are promoting sustainable agriculture and plant-based product development through policy support, subsidies, and organic certification schemes. Regulatory bodies are setting standards for labeling and fortification, ensuring consumer safety and trust. Such initiatives are fostering industry growth and encouraging domestic production of high-quality almond beverages.

• Premiumization and Branding Strategies
  The rising disposable income and growing demand for premium health beverages are driving brand differentiation in India. Companies are positioning almond milk as a luxury wellness product, using organic sourcing, non-GMO ingredients, and high-protein claims. Branding efforts that emphasize sustainability, purity, and minimal processing are attracting health-conscious consumers and strengthening brand equity.

Challenges in the Market

• High Production and Raw Material Costs
  Almond cultivation requires significant water resources, making production costs relatively high compared to other plant-based beverages. In India, dependency on almond imports exposes producers to price fluctuations and supply chain risks. These cost challenges affect product affordability, particularly in price-sensitive markets.

• Competition from Other Plant-Based Alternatives
  The rapid growth of oat milk, soy milk, and coconut-based beverages is intensifying competition. Each of these alternatives has unique taste profiles and nutritional advantages. Almond milk producers must continuously innovate to maintain market share through better taste, higher nutritional value, and sustainability claims.

• Concerns Over Water Usage in Almond Farming
  Almond cultivation is often criticized for its high water footprint, posing sustainability concerns in regions facing water scarcity. In India, regulatory scrutiny and environmental activism could impact raw material supply. Companies are mitigating these risks by investing in sustainable irrigation, water recycling, and regional almond sourcing.

• Short Shelf Life and Storage Challenges
  Fresh almond milk and cold-pressed variants have shorter shelf lives compared to dairy alternatives. Maintaining quality during transport and storage remains a logistical challenge in India, especially in warmer climates. Manufacturers are adopting aseptic packaging and high-pressure processing technologies to address these issues.

• Consumer Awareness and Taste Acceptance
  While health-conscious consumers readily adopt almond-based drinks, others still prefer the taste and texture of traditional dairy. Limited awareness of nutritional benefits and higher price points can deter mass adoption. Educational marketing and taste improvement innovations will be crucial to overcoming these barriers in India.

India Almond Milk and Almond-Based Beverages Market Segmentation

By Product Type

• Sweetened Almond Milk

• Unsweetened Almond Milk

• Flavored Almond Milk

• Almond-Based Blends (with Oat, Soy, or Coconut)

By Packaging Type

• Cartons

• Bottles

• Cans

• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

• Specialty Health Stores

• Online Retail and E-Commerce

• Cafés and Foodservice Outlets

By Application

• Retail Consumption

• Foodservice and Hospitality

• Industrial (Bakery, Confectionery, and Food Processing)

Leading Key Players

• Blue Diamond Growers

• Califia Farms

• Danone S.A. (Alpro)

• The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.

• Elmhurst 1925

• Oatly Group AB

• Pacific Foods of Oregon, LLC

• Earth’s Own Food Company

• Nutriops S.L. (Ecomil)

• MALK Organics

Recent Developments

• Blue Diamond Growers launched a new range of fortified almond beverages with enhanced protein and calcium levels tailored for the India market.

• Califia Farms expanded its presence in India by introducing ready-to-drink almond coffee blends in sustainable packaging.

• Danone S.A. (Alpro) established a production facility in India to localize almond milk production and reduce import dependency.

• The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. introduced organic, cold-pressed almond milk variants enriched with probiotics for the health and wellness segment in India.

• Oatly Group AB partnered with local distributors in India to co-launch almond-oat blended beverages catering to flexitarian consumers.

This Market Report Will Answer the Following Questions

1. What is the projected market size and CAGR of the India Almond Milk and Almond-Based Beverages Market by 2031?

2. Which product types and distribution channels are driving the strongest demand in India?

3. How are technological innovations improving production efficiency and taste consistency?

4. What challenges affect supply chain sustainability and raw material sourcing in the market?

5. Who are the leading players shaping product innovation and strategic partnerships in the India Almond-Based Beverages Market?