Development of Plant-Based Milk Alternatives and Its Future Trends in the Middle East

Abstract

The Middle East’s plant-based milk alternative (PBMA) market is projected to grow from $382.3 million in 2025 to $710.8 million by 2030, fueled by rising lactose intolerance (70% regional prevalence), environmental awareness, and religious dietary laws. Key drivers include halal certification demands (87% of Muslim consumers), kosher requirements in Jewish communities (prohibiting milk–meat mixing), and Eastern Orthodox Christian fasting traditions that periodically restrict dairy. Government initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and UAE’s 30% plant-based cafeteria mandate further accelerate adoption. The region leverages traditional ingredients like almonds, sesame, and dates through modern innovations: Saudi Arabia’s date-based milks, UAE’s shelf-stable technologies, and Qatar’s water-efficient aeroponic barley farming. Nutritionally, these alternatives address regional deficiencies—almond milk provides vitamin E, sesame milk offers bioavailable calcium/iron, and coconut milk delivers medium-chain triglycerides. Despite advantages, challenges include cultural dairy preferences, high costs (2× dairy prices in Saudi Arabia), and import dependence (90% of almonds). However, PBMAs show clear environmental benefits, using 90% less water and generating lower emissions than dairy. Future success depends on overcoming barriers through localized production, affordability improvements, and culturally adapted products that reconcile modern health trends with religious observance. The Middle East’s PBMA sector uniquely blends ancient food heritage with cutting-edge technology, positioning the region as a significant player in the global dairy alternatives market while addressing its distinct dietary, environmental, and religious landscape.