Walnut Milk Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Pure Walnut Milk, Mixed Walnut Milk), By Flavors (Original, Chocolate, Vanilla, Unsweetened, Others), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Convenience Stores, Online, Others), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 1.22 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	8.95%
Fastest Growing Segment	Online
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 2.04 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Walnut Milk Market will grow from USD 1.22 Billion in 2025 to USD 2.04 Billion by 2031 at a 8.95% CAGR. Walnut milk is a plant-based dairy alternative produced by blending walnuts with water to create a beverage rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants. The market’s expansion is principally supported by the rising prevalence of lactose intolerance and a structural shift in consumer preferences toward clean-label, vegan nutrition options. Furthermore, the inherent presence of Omega-3 fatty acids in the raw ingredient provides a distinct functional advantage, attracting health-conscious demographics seeking cardiovascular benefits beyond standard dietary requirements.

According to the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council, in 2024, walnuts accounted for 20% of global tree nut consumption, ensuring a substantial commercial supply chain for the processing of derivative products such as milk alternatives. However, a significant challenge impeding broader market scalability is the intense competition from established plant-based categories like almond and oat milk, which currently possess greater consumer familiarity and retail distribution dominance.

Key Market Drivers

The accelerating global adoption of plant-based and vegan diets serves as the primary catalyst for the walnut milk sector. As consumers increasingly prioritize health and ethical consumption, they are systematically replacing conventional dairy with plant-based alternatives that offer comparable versatility. This shift is no longer a niche trend but a solidified market behavior, evidenced by the category's substantial footprint in mainstream retail. According to the Good Food Institute, in 2024, plant-based milk maintained a meaningful 14% share of total milk dollar sales in United States retail markets. This sustained market penetration underscores the readiness of the consumer base to explore emerging sub-categories like walnut milk, provided that raw material supply remains consistent. To that end, according to the California Walnut Commission, in September 2024, the California walnut production was forecasted at 670,000 tons, ensuring the robust agricultural output necessary to support scalable manufacturing.

Continuous product innovation and the introduction of flavored variants constitute the second critical driver, enabling walnut milk to compete against established almond and oat beverages. Manufacturers are aggressively diversifying their portfolios with functional and barista-style options to enhance consumer appeal and overcome taste barriers. These strategic launches target specific usage occasions, such as coffee pairing, which significantly widens the addressable market. For instance, according to Dairy Foods Magazine, in March 2024, Elmhurst 1925 expanded its functional beverage line by launching a new multi-serve latte collection that specifically featured a Maple Walnut flavor. Such innovations not only highlight the adaptability of walnuts as a core ingredient but also attract experiential buyers looking for distinct flavor profiles beyond standard plain varieties.

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Key Market Challenges

The primary obstacle hindering the growth of the global walnut milk market is the entrenched position of established plant-based categories, specifically almond and oat milk. These dominant segments command significant retail shelf space and enjoy high levels of consumer familiarity, creating substantial barriers to entry for niche alternatives. Retailers frequently prioritize stocking these high-turnover products, which limits the physical availability and visibility of walnut milk in mainstream distribution channels. Consequently, walnut milk manufacturers struggle to disrupt existing consumer purchasing habits or gain the widespread trial necessary to significantly expand their user base.

According to the Plant Based Foods Association, in 2024, almond and oat milk collectively captured approximately 78% of total plant-based milk dollar sales in the United States. This high concentration of market share demonstrates that the vast majority of consumer spending is currently directed toward these two leading varieties. The overwhelming dominance held by these incumbents restricts the ability of walnut milk producers to achieve the economies of scale required to offer competitive pricing, further reinforcing the market disparity and stalling wider adoption.

Key Market Trends

The Global Walnut Milk Market is witnessing a decisive shift toward fortification with calcium, vitamin D, and plant proteins, as manufacturers seek to eliminate the nutritional deficit often associated with nut-based beverages compared to bovine milk. While early product iterations relied solely on the raw ingredient’s inherent Omega-3 profile, contemporary formulations are being aggressively enriched to achieve nutritional parity with dairy, specifically targeting health-conscious buyers who require functional density alongside plant-based ethics. This strategic formulation pivot is exemplified by recent product launches; according to FoodNavigator-USA, April 2024, in the article 'PLANTSTRONG Foods finds whitespace for fortified plant-based milk', PLANTSTRONG Foods introduced a new walnut-based milk blend specifically fortified with 310mg of calcium and 4.8mcg of vitamin D per serving. By engineering a profile that rivals the bone-health benefits of conventional dairy, brands are effectively removing the dietary compromise previously associated with transitioning to walnut-based hydration.

Simultaneously, the implementation of sustainable packaging and verified production metrics has emerged as a critical differentiator, moving beyond broad marketing claims to rigorous, quantifiable industry standards. As consumers increasingly scrutinize the environmental footprint of their grocery choices, the walnut industry is formalizing its sustainability credentials to secure retail placement and build trust with eco-conscious demographics. This institutional commitment to transparency is influencing downstream product positioning; according to Pacific Nut Producer, March 2025, in the report 'Walnut Growers: Help Tell California Walnuts' Sustainability Story', the California Walnut Commission's Sustainability Working Group finalized a new Sustainability Index in 2024, identifying four key metric areas to scientifically validate the environmental stewardship of walnut production. This development enables walnut milk manufacturers to substantiate their eco-friendly claims with verified agricultural data, thereby strengthening their appeal in a market that equates sustainability with premium quality.

Segmental Insights

The online retail segment is recognized as the fastest-growing category within the global walnut milk market. This expansion is primarily driven by increasing consumer preference for convenience and the extensive accessibility of niche plant-based beverages on e-commerce platforms. Unlike physical stores that frequently encounter shelf-space limitations, digital marketplaces offer a diverse inventory of specialized walnut milk brands. Furthermore, online channels allow shoppers to easily access detailed ingredient information and dietary certifications, appealing to health-conscious consumers. Consequently, beverage manufacturers are prioritizing direct-to-consumer strategies to align with these evolving purchasing behaviors and expand their market reach.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a leading position in the global walnut milk market, primarily driven by established consumer preferences for plant-based dairy alternatives and high disposable income levels. The United States serves as a critical production hub, leveraging vast domestic walnut cultivation to ensure a consistent raw material supply for manufacturers. Furthermore, regulatory oversight by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding food safety and labeling standards fosters consumer trust and product consistency. This alignment of strong supply chain capabilities with rising demand for lactose-free beverages solidifies the region's dominance in the sector.

Recent Developments

• In August 2024, Hebei Yangyuan Zhihui Beverage Co., Ltd., a dominant entity in the walnut beverage industry, confirmed its strategic expansion into a broader range of plant protein drinks. In its financial report for the first half of the year, the company detailed the successful development of a diversified product matrix, which now includes a dedicated plant milk series alongside its flagship walnut beverage products. This move was designed to align with evolving consumer preferences for healthy and varied plant-based options in the Chinese market. The company reported revenue of 2.942 billion yuan, reflecting the stability of its operations amidst this strategic pivot.
• In July 2024, the Australian Walnut Company expanded the availability of plant-based dairy alternatives with the launch of its Vitality Walnut Milk in Melbourne. This new shelf-stable beverage was introduced to independent grocers, health food stores, and IGA supermarkets, offering a locally produced option made from 100% Australian walnuts. The company highlighted that the product is naturally free from lactose, gluten, soy, and cholesterol, catering to consumers with specific dietary requirements. The Chairperson of the Australian Walnut Company emphasized the brand's commitment to sustainability and innovation, positioning the milk as a nutritious, eco-friendly choice for health-conscious shoppers.
• In March 2024, Elmhurst 1925 expanded its presence in the plant-based beverage sector by releasing a new line of dairy-free Multi-Serve Lattes, which included a Maple Walnut variety. This product combined the company’s signature walnut milk with premium Arabica cold brew coffee and real maple syrup, creating a ready-to-drink option for coffee enthusiasts. The launch aimed to provide a café-quality experience at home with a clean label, free from added gums, oils, or emulsifiers. This strategic addition to their portfolio addressed the growing consumer demand for convenient, lower-sugar, and functional plant-based coffee beverages.
• In February 2024, PLANTSTRONG announced the national rollout of its new collection of shelf-stable plant-based milks, featuring a unique Oat & Walnut blend. This product was introduced to Whole Foods Market locations across the United States, marking the brand's entry into the competitive alternative milk category. The Oat & Walnut variety was formulated without the use of gums, oils, or phosphates, adhering to the company’s whole-food nutritional philosophy. By fortifying the beverage with calcium and Vitamin D3, the company aimed to offer a nutrient-dense alternative that appealed to consumers seeking clean-label products with a distinct flavor profile.

Key Market Players

• Borges International Group SLU
• Grenera Nutrients Pvt Ltd
• Elmhurst Milked Direct, LLC
• Chengde Lulu Co., Ltd.
• Hebei Yangyuan Zhihui Beverage Co., Ltd.
• Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co., Ltd.
• Mariani Nut Company
• RITA Food and Drink Co. Ltd.
• Simple Foods Co. Ltd.
• The Red Honey Group

By Type	By Flavors	By Distribution Channel	By Region
Pure Walnut Milk Mixed Walnut Milk	Original Chocolate Vanilla Unsweetened Others	Supermarkets/hypermarkets Specialty Stores Convenience Stores Online Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Walnut Milk Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Walnut Milk Market, By Type:

• Pure Walnut Milk
• Mixed Walnut Milk

• Walnut Milk Market, By Flavors:

• Original
• Chocolate
• Vanilla
• Unsweetened
• Others

• Walnut Milk Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets/hypermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Convenience Stores
• Online
• Others

• Walnut Milk Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE