May 12, 2025 - News
Lactose-free milk gains traction in Florida
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The rising star of the dairy aisle: lactose-free milk, which is now more popular than plant-based alternatives.
Why it matters: Health-conscious consumers — many of them lactose intolerant — are redefining what "healthy milk" means and moving away from almond and oat drinks.
- In Tampa Bay, sales of lactose-free milk (think: brands Fairlife and Lactaid) have increased by nearly 50%, per NielsenIQ data shared with Axios.
The big picture: National sales of lactose-free and lactose-reduced dairy milk grew about 14% in the past year, and have driven dairy's overall comeback.
- Meanwhile, plant-based milk sales have dropped 5% year over year — "very counter to what we've seen for many years," says Chris Costagli, NIQ VP of food insights and a dairy industry veteran.
Catch up quick: Soy milk led the alt-milk charge in the '90s, followed by almond (still the category leader despite a recent dip) and oat.