In 2023, the consumption of plain lower-fat and skim milk (1%) in the US was recorded at approximately 17.55 pounds. From 2024, a consistent downward trend is visible, beginning with 17.22 pounds and steadily decreasing to 15.95 pounds by 2028. This represents an average annual decline (CAGR) of about 1.92% over these five years. The year-on-year percentage decline reflects a relatively stable reduction in consumption, indicating changing consumer preferences or a shift towards alternative milk products.
Future trends to watch for include potential shifts in consumer preferences towards plant-based or other milk alternatives, driven by health considerations, dietary trends, or environmental factors. Monitoring the market dynamics around these alternatives, along with product innovations in the dairy industry, will be crucial in understanding and anticipating further declines in traditional milk consumption.