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Rice Milk Market

The market for Rice Milk was estimated at $317 million in 2025; it is anticipated to increase to $431 million by 2030, with projections indicating growth to around $584 million by 2035.

Report ID:DS1901126
Author:Debadatta Patel - Senior Consultant
Published Date:
Datatree
Food & Beverage
Packaged & Processed F&B
Rice Milk
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Report Summary
Market Data
Methodology
Table of Contents

Global Rice Milk Market Outlook

Revenue, 2025

$317M

Forecast, 2035

$584M

CAGR, 2026 - 2035

6.3%

The Rice Milk industry revenue is expected to be around $317.2 million in 2026 and expected to showcase growth with 6.3% CAGR between 2026 and 2035. Building on this outlook, Rice Milk has evolved into a core segment of the global plant-based milk and non-dairy beverages landscape, supported by rising lactose intolerance awareness, the rapid expansion of vegan and flexitarian diets, and consumer preference for clean label, allergen-friendly products. Household and HoReCa end-users together account for 83.3% of Rice Milk consumption, highlighting its entrenched role in both at-home nutrition and out-of-home foodservice offerings. Manufacturers are leveraging advances in food processing and fortification technologies to improve taste, texture, and nutritional value, reinforcing Rice Milk as a credible dairy-free alternative in the broader plant-based dairy alternatives market. Within the product mix, the dominance of White Rice Milk form, which generated $235.37 million in sales in 2025, underscores strong consumer preference for familiar, versatile formulations that integrate easily into everyday recipes and beverages.

Rice Milk is a plant-based dairy substitute produced by blending milled rice with water and enzymes to create a naturally sweet, cholesterol-free, and lactose-free milk alternative that is often gluten-free and low in allergens. It is widely used as a ready-to-drink vegan beverage, as a base for smoothies and cereal, and as a dairy replacement in cooking, baking, and barista-style coffee applications across Household and HoReCa channels. Modern Rice Milk portfolios increasingly feature organic and fortified variants enriched with calcium and vitamins to bridge nutritional gaps versus cow’s milk while addressing demand for functional, health-oriented drinks. Recent market trends include the launch of flavored and unsweetened SKUs, innovations in shelf-stable and chilled formats, a shift toward sustainable packaging, and the rise of premium, clean label Rice Milk positioned as a gentle, eco-conscious solution within the broader plant-based milk category.

Rice Milk market outlook with forecast trends, drivers, opportunities, supply chain, and competition 2025-2035
Rice Milk Market Outlook

Market Key Insights

  • The Rice Milk market is projected to grow from $317.2 million in 2025 to $584 million in 2035. This represents a CAGR of 6.3%, reflecting rising demand across Plant-Based Beverages, Cereal Ingredient, and Baking and Confectionery.

  • Vitasoy Australia Products Pty, WhiteWave Foods, and SunOpta Inc. are among the leading players in this market, shaping its competitive landscape.

  • U.S. and China are the top markets within the Rice Milk market and are expected to observe the growth CAGR of 4.1% to 6.0% between 2025 and 2030.

  • Emerging markets including Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam are expected to observe highest growth with CAGR ranging between 7.2% to 8.7%.

  • Transition like Health Consciousness Shift has greater influence in United States and China market's value chain; and is expected to add $11 million of additional value to Rice Milk industry revenue by 2030.

  • The Rice Milk market is set to add $267 million between 2025 and 2035, with manufacturer targeting Industrial & Household Application projected to gain a larger market share.

  • With

    rising veganism, and

    Health and Wellness Trend, Rice Milk market to expand 84% between 2025 and 2035.

rice milk market size with pie charts of major and emerging country share, CAGR, trends for 2025 and 2032
Rice Milk - Country Share Analysis

Opportunities in the Rice Milk

Rising allergies and stricter EU school-nutrition standards are creating demand for lactose-, soy-, and nut-free beverages in Western European cafeterias. Rice milk is also naturally low-allergen and neutral-tasting, fitting existing chocolate and vanilla flavor profiles kids prefer. Yet penetration in institutional catering remains limited versus soy drinks. Partnerships between rice milk brands, contract caterers, and Tetra Pak-style packaging suppliers can unlock single-serve, shelf-stable formats. Liquid ambient rice milk tailored to school menus across Western Europe should see the strongest growth.

Growth Opportunities in North America and Asia-Pacific

In North America, Rice Milk growth is led by the Household end-user segment, as consumers increasingly substitute traditional dairy with plant-based milk within daily routines for health, allergen-free, and sustainability reasons, while HoReCa and Industrial channels evolve as high-potential complements rather than core volume drivers. Key regional drivers include rising lactose intolerance awareness, the maturity of dairy alternatives in retail, and strong retailer emphasis on category premiumization. Top opportunities center on positioning Rice Milk as a hypoallergenic base within the broader vegan beverages set, expanding fortified and flavored variants tailored to family and kid-friendly consumption, and strengthening e-commerce and club-store visibility. Competitive intensity is high due to well-established almond and oat offerings, so strategic differentiation should focus on clean-label formulations, clear communication of Rice Milk’s gentler taste profile, and bundling with other lactose-free drinks in cross-category promotions. For HoReCa, investment in barista-ready SKUs, foodservice partnerships, and menu integration in cafés and casual dining can unlock incremental demand, while Industrial customers can be targeted with cost-efficient, shelf-stable Rice Milk ingredients for bakery, desserts, and ready-to-drink non-dairy milk applications.
In Asia-Pacific, Rice Milk demand is structurally supported by widespread rice consumption and a high base of consumers sensitive to dairy, with the Household end-user segment again representing the most influential channel, underpinned by everyday cooking and beverage usage in urbanizing populations. Growth is driven by rapid adoption of plant-based milk within modern retail formats, increasing health consciousness among middle-income consumers, and government or institutional narratives emphasizing lower-carbon, sustainable nutrition. Top opportunities include scaling locally sourced organic rice milk positioned around purity and traceability, developing affordable single-serve packs for price-sensitive households, and tailoring sweetness and texture profiles to match regional taste preferences. Competitive dynamics are fragmented, with domestic players, regional beverage manufacturers, and private labels vying for space, creating room for brands that can command trust through quality assurance, allergen-free positioning, and consistent supply to both modern trade and traditional channels. Strategically, investments should prioritize household-focused marketing that links Rice Milk to local cuisines, while selectively cultivating HoReCa and Industrial accounts such as bubble tea chains, plant-based dessert manufacturers, and health-oriented cafés that can showcase Rice Milk as a versatile gluten-free beverage base and accelerate trial among younger, trend-sensitive consumers.

Market Dynamics and Supply Chain

01

Driver: Rising Consumer Demand for Healthier Lifestyles and Dairy‑Free Alternatives

The growth of rice milk is also powered by expanding consumer demand for healthier lifestyle choices and the rise of dairy‑free alternatives. Health‑conscious consumers increasingly seek products positioned around lower calorie counts, naturally occurring carbohydrates, and simple ingredient lists free from hormones or antibiotics. This trend dovetails with greater awareness of chronic conditions linked to excessive sugar and saturated fats, driving interest in plant‑based milks like rice milk that emphasize clean‑label and whole‑food claims. Parallel to this, dairy‑free adoption has also surged as individuals with lactose intolerance, milk allergies, or ethical concerns about animal agriculture look for substitutes that blend well with coffee, cereals, and cooking applications. Rice milk’s neutral taste, hypoallergenic nature, and compatibility with fortification technologies make it a preferred choice in vegan, gluten‑free, and allergen‑aware segments. Together these forces are also reshaping beverage aisles globally, encouraging both established food companies and agile startups to innovate new rice milk formulations and broaden distribution in mainstream retail and specialty health channels.
Innovation in plant‑based product development and functional ingredient technologies is also catalyzing rice milk market growth by enabling manufacturers to overcome traditional sensory and stability limitations. also advances in processing methods such as enzymatic treatment to reduce grit, homogenization for improved mouthfeel, and fortification with proteins or micronutrients are also elevating rice milk performance in beverages, culinary uses, and value‑added formulations. These technologies support brand efforts to deliver clean‑label products that meet evolving consumer expectations for taste, texture, and nutritional benefits, reinforcing rice milk’s role within the broader plant‑based ecosystem.
02

Restraint: High Production Costs and Price Sensitivity Restrict Consumer Adoption and Market Growth

One of the most significant restraints limiting the rice milk market is the combination of relatively high production costs and persistent price sensitivity among consumers. Rice milk’s manufacturing process involves multiple steps soaking, enzymatic breakdown, filtration, and stabilization which require specialized equipment and energy inputs, driving up costs compared with conventional dairy and some plant alternatives. As a result, retail prices often sit 40 – 60 % above traditional milk, deterring price‑conscious buyers in developing and mature markets alike. Premium pricing reduces volume sales and slows revenue growth, especially where dairy remains heavily subsidized, making rice milk less competitive against mainstream dairy and other plant milks. This dynamic is particularly acute in price‑sensitive regions where affordability drives purchase decisions, ultimately limiting rice milk’s penetration and broader market expansion.
03

Opportunity: Fortified rice milk powders for diabetic and elderly consumers in India and Plant-based barista rice milk adoption in specialty cafés across Canada

India faces rising diabetes and aging populations needing convenient, low-fat, low-cholesterol dairy alternatives. Fortified rice milk powders enriched with calcium, B12, and plant protein can be positioned for diabetic-friendly breakfasts and elderly nutrition, especially where refrigeration is limited. The powdered format offers long shelf life and low logistics costs for smaller cities and rural pharmacies. Co-development with hospitals, nutritionists, and telehealth platforms can build clinical trust. Nutritionally fortified rice milk powder for diabetic and senior consumers in India should grow fastest.
Canada’s specialty café culture is expanding rapidly, but oat and almond currently dominate plant-based coffee menus. Rice milk formulated with improved foaming, protein blending, and reduced separation can target lactose-intolerant, nut-allergic, and Asian-Canadian consumers seeking lighter, low-fat lattes. Barista-specific SKUs are still rare outside large cities, leaving second-tier chains and independent cafés underserved. Collaborations with coffee roasters and equipment makers can optimize steaming performance. Premium liquid barista rice milk in Canada’s foodservice channel is poised for the fastest growth.
04

Challenge: Nutritional Perceptions and Intense Competition from Other Plant Milks Dampen Demand

Another key challenge confronting the rice milk market stems from its inherent nutritional profile and fierce rivalry within the plant‑based segment. Rice milk naturally has low protein and limited micronutrient content compared with dairy and popular alternatives like soy, almond, or oat milks, which can deter health‑oriented consumers seeking higher protein and fiber options. This perception of inferior nutrition influences purchasing behaviour and diverts demand to competitors with stronger dietary credentials, such as oat milk’s beta‑glucan appeal and soy’s higher protein levels. Coupled with the crowded competitive landscape where oat, almond, and soy milks dominate shelf space and consumer mindshare, rice milk faces structural obstacles in scaling its market share and driving sustained revenue growth without significant reformulation or fortification.

Supply Chain Landscape

1

Rice Milk Sourcing

SunOpta Inc.Olam InternationalCargill
2

Plant-based Milling

SunOpta Inc.ADMOlam International
3

Rice Milk Processing

Vitasoy Australia Products Pty LtdWhiteWave FoodsPureharvest Pty Ltd
4

Dairy-free End-users

Retail & GroceryFoodservice & CafesFood & Beverage
Rice Milk - Supply Chain

Use Cases of Rice Milk in Plant-Based Beverages & Baking

Plant-Based Beverages : Rice milk is predominantly used in the plant‑based beverages category as a lactose‑free and vegan alternative to cow’s milk, especially in ready‑to‑drink cartons, flavored milks, smoothies, shakes, and coffee shop menus where allergen‑friendly formulations are essential. Its neutral flavor and compatibility with UHT processing make it appealing for health‑conscious consumers and people with dairy intolerance. Leading players like Pacific Foods of Oregon, Vitasoy International Holdings Ltd., and The Hain Celestial Group’s Dream brand have strong positions due to broad distribution, product diversification, and sustainability focus, while specialized brands such as Califia Farms innovate with flavored and fortified rice milk variants to capture niche segments and expand consumer appeal.
Cereal Ingredient : In breakfast cereals and related products, rice milk is valued for its mild taste, smooth consistency, and nutritional complement to grains, making it a preferred choice for health‑oriented consumers and families seeking dairy‑free options. It is typically blended with whole grain or fortified cereals to add moisture without overpowering flavor, and is often marketed to lactose‑intolerant, vegan, or gluten‑sensitive end‑users. Brands like SunOpta Inc., Nature’s Choice, and Pureharvest Pty Ltd. leverage high‑quality rice milk to enhance clean‑label positioning, while crisped rice and puffed grain producers implement it to meet rising demand for inclusive breakfast offerings in both retail and foodservice channels.
Baking and Confectionery : Rice milk is increasingly used in baking and confectionery as a dairy substitute in cakes, cookies, pastries, chocolates, and dessert fillings, offering texture and mild sweetness without lactose or gluten. Its functional properties help create light, moist baked goods that appeal to vegan and allergen‑free markets, and it supports clean‑label claims sought by artisan bakeries and large‑scale manufacturers alike. Key competitors such as Vitasoy, Pacific Foods, and Fine Japan Co. Ltd. supply rice milk ingredients optimized for heat stability and flavor neutrality, strengthening their market positions by catering to specialty and mainstream bakery product developers who prioritize versatile plant‑based components.

Recent Developments

Recent developments in the rice milk market reflect stronger consumer demand for plant‑based dairy alternatives and improved product innovation. Manufacturers are focusing on enhanced functional ingredients, such as fortified nutrients and better texture through advanced processing, to compete with soy and oat milk. A key market trend is rising adoption in ready‑to‑drink beverages and clean‑label formulations, driven by health‑conscious and allergen‑aware buyers. Sustainability efforts and efficient manufacturing technologies are also shaping the competitive landscape and long‑term growth dynamics.

December 2024 : Alpro introduced a range of fortified rice milk products, with the goal of appealing to the growing number of health conscious consumers.
October 2024 : Exciting news; Rice Dream is growing its presence in the market with the launch of new production plants, in both China and South Korea.
August 2024 : Pacific Foods is introducing eco friendly packaging, for its rice milk items showcasing its dedication to sustainability practices.

Impact of Industry Transitions on the Rice Milk Market

As a core segment of the Packaged & Processed F&B industry, the Rice Milk market develops in line with broader industry shifts. Over recent years, transitions such as Health Consciousness Shift and Technological Advancements Impacting Production have redefined priorities across the Packaged & Processed F&B sector, influencing how the Rice Milk market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics. These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.
01

Health Consciousness Shift

The accelerating health consciousness shift is reshaping the global Rice Milk market, with plant-based milk and other dairy alternatives moving from niche to mainstream as health-conscious consumers prioritize lactose-free milk, low-fat profiles, and environmental sustainability. Within this transition, Rice Milk is emerging as a preferred non-dairy milk in vegan beverages, functional foods, breakfast cereals, and plant-based desserts, increasingly substituting traditional dairy in high-volume applications. Strategically, this shift is most pronounced across the United States and China value chains, where reformulation, private-label expansion, and foodservice adoption are expected to collectively generate approximately $11 million in additional Rice Milk industry revenue by 2030, lifting category profitability and reinforcing Rice Milk’s position as a core growth platform in the wider plant-based milk ecosystem.
02

Technological Advancements Impacting Production

Technological advancements have significantly transformed rice milk production, enabling greater efficiency, consistency, and product safety. The integration of modern equipment and innovative techniques, such as high-pressure processing, enzymatic starch conversion, and advanced homogenization, has allowed manufacturers to scale operations while maintaining quality. HPP, for instance, extends shelf life and ensures microbial safety without the need for preservatives, meeting consumer demand for clean-label products. These transitions have also influenced associated industries, such as plant-based beverages and baking, by providing a stable, smooth, and versatile rice milk ingredient suitable for fortified drinks, dairy-free desserts, and gluten-free bakery products. Brands like Pacific Foods and Vitasoy have leveraged these advancements to expand retail and foodservice penetration, reinforcing rice milk’s appeal in health-conscious and vegan consumer segments while driving innovation across the broader plant-based ecosystem.