Ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages are emerging as one of the fastest-growing opportunities for the global dairy industry, driven by rising consumer demand for protein, convenience, gut health and premium nutrition products. According to DairyReporter, the global RTD beverage market is projected to approach nearly $1.5 trillion by the mid-2030s, representing around 67% growth from 2026 levels.
Dairy companies are increasingly expanding into RTD formats across protein shakes, cold coffee, kefir, probiotic beverages and meal replacement drinks to capture on-the-go consumption trends. Danone has strengthened its RTD portfolio through products such as Oikos Fusion protein shakes and shelf-stable offerings, while also expanding into meal replacement categories through Alpro Meal To Go and the acquisition of Huel.
In the US, ultrafiltered milk sales rose nearly 15% year-on-year in value terms, supported by strong demand for high-protein beverages such as fairlife’s Core Power range. Gut health drinks are also gaining momentum, with kefir and probiotic dairy beverages witnessing strong consumer adoption, leading to expansion by brands including Biotiful and Lifeway Foods.
RTD coffee has become another major growth segment, with companies such as Chobani expanding through its acquisition of La Colombe, while Emmi Group reported strong growth for its Emmi Caffè Latte brand across Europe and North America. Industry experts say consumers now expect RTD dairy beverages to combine convenience, indulgence, protein functionality, gut health benefits and premium taste, making the category a key driver of future dairy innovation and value-added growth.
Source: Dairynews7x7 23 May, 2026 Read full story here