June 19, 2025 – Innova Market Insights research analyzes the yogurt and yogurt alternatives market in the US and Canada. This analysis delves into various subcategories within the sector, including spoonable dairy yogurt, drinking yogurt and fermented beverages, as well as spoonable non-dairy yogurt. The findings highlight key countries in the market, their positioning, and emerging flavor trends, providing a comprehensive overview of the yogurt and yogurt alternatives market in the US and Canada.
Versatile Formats and Indulgent Textures
Offering a variety of formats and improved textures can significantly enhance the appeal of yogurt products to consumers. By providing options ranging from smooth and creamy to thick and velvety, brands can elevate the overall product experience. Additionally, diverse packaging solutions such as tubes, pouches, and tetra packs enhance convenience, making yogurt a practical choice for individuals with busy lifestyles. Examples of these diverse yogurt formats include drinkable options, strained varieties, and smoothies, which cater to different preferences and needs.
Highlighting Health Benefits of Yogurt
The focus on gut health is gaining momentum, highlighted by a 60% increase in probiotic claims for yogurt and yogurt alternatives in the US and Canada from the start of 2023 to the end of 2024. This trend aligns with one of Innova’s top F&B trends for 2025 “Flourish From Within,” which highlights the growing consumer awareness of nourishing the microbiome through beneficial ingredients like probiotics and fibers. Health-conscious consumers are also drawn to low-fat and reduced-sugar options that use natural sweeteners. Yogurts and yogurt alternatives fortified with protein and essential vitamins and minerals also cater to consumers prioritizing overall wellness.
Preserving Tradition with Local Ingredients and Mindful Sourcing
Providing diverse, ethnically inspired flavors, along with regionally sourced ingredients and traditional techniques, can create an authentic taste experience. Claims relating to tradition in yogurt and yogurt alternatives in the US and Canada have seen a year-on-year growth of 44%. Additionally, brands sourcing milk from pasture-fed cows on small farms and prioritizing animal welfare demonstrate a commitment to responsible, community-focused practices. Yogurt trends show that nearly 1 in 3 consumers in the US and Canada consider animal welfare an important nature-related aspect of food and beverage.
Clean-label and Inclusive Choices
A shifting demand toward clean ingredients is driving demand for real, recognizable, and additive-free options. 32% of consumers in the US and Canada say a product without artificial ingredients is one of the key aspects of a clean label. Brands are responding by highlighting simple and real ingredients, like Siggi’s Low Fat Skyr Strawberry Banana Yogurt, made with real fruit, simple ingredients, and no preservatives or artificial sweeteners and flavors.
Organic and GMO-free are also key claims that attract conscious consumers. The expansion of allergen-friendly choices, along with plant-based product bases like coconut and almond, reflects a broader commitment to health and inclusive lifestyle choices. Yogurt trends reveal that lactose-free claims grew by 149% last year compared to the year before.
Elevating Yogurt and Yogurt Alternatives with Flavor-Rich Ingredients
Brands can innovate with fruit-forward ingredients like berries and tropical citrus for a decadent flavor profile. Crafting creative mash-ups from sweet and sour pairings to alcohol-inspired flavors can excite consumer palates. Yogurt trends show that nearly 1 in 3 consumers in the US and Canada seek fruit/spear fruit flavors in the dairy and non-dairy yogurt categories. Berry flavor was the fastest-growing flavor in 2024, with strawberry continuing to be the top flavor.
Timeless favorites add nostalgia, striking a balance between innovation and familiarity. 1 in 2 consumers in the US and Canada say that familiar flavors influence their food and beverage choices. Haagen Dazs recently launched its Vanilla and Chocolate Cultured Cream Dessert, combining two well-loved classic flavors.
Yogurt and Alternative Yogurt NPD Trends
The United States was the top country in the US and Canada for yogurt and yogurt alternatives NPD in 2024. Danone was the leading company. The fastest-growing claim was lactose-free. Spoonable dairy yogurt was the leading subcategory.
What’s Next in Yogurt and Yogurt Alternatives in the US and Canada?
The yogurt and yogurt alternatives market in the US and Canada continues to grow. Key yogurt trends show a focus on new processing methods like cold pressing, high-pressure processing (HPP), and ultrafiltration. These methods help keep natural flavors and nutrients while appealing to health-conscious consumers who want fresh and tasty options. Brands can use these innovations to stand out. Many consumers are also interested in products that support skin health and overall wellness. Adding collagen-rich ingredients can cater to this demand.
Sustainability and ethical consumption are important in shaping the market. Methods like precision fermentation and cell culture are creating animal-free proteins that match traditional dairy in taste and nutrition. This meets the needs of consumers seeking sustainable alternatives. Brands that practice upcycling can connect with eco-friendly consumers by reducing waste and committing to responsible production. Brands responding to these trends, adapting and innovating their product lines, will thrive in the yogurt and yogurt alternatives market in the US and Canada.
This article is based on Innova’s Overview in Yogurt and Yogurt Alternatives in the US and Canada report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more
