Global Dairy Free Shortening Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In March 2021, Cargill launched a new dairy-free shortening product for use in baking and food manufacturing, catering to the rising trend of dairy-free alternatives.

• In August 2020, Bunge Loders Croklaan introduced a range of plant-based shortenings that are dairy-free, responding to market demands for vegan ingredients​

The global dairy-free shortening market can be segmented based on nature, product type, and application. By nature, the market is divided into organic and conventional dairy-free shortening. Organic dairy-free shortening is becoming increasingly popular due to the rising demand for natural and chemical-free products, especially among health-conscious consumers. Conventional dairy-free shortening, on the other hand, is widely available and more affordable, making it a preferred choice for commercial use. The product type segment includes beverages, milk, dairy-free kefir, bakery products, and bakery & confectionery. Dairy-free shortening is a key ingredient in bakery products, including cakes, pies, pastries, and cookies, where it serves as a fat component that helps improve texture and flavor. Additionally, it is used in beverages, dairy-free milk, and kefir products to provide creaminess and consistency.

The application segment is categorized into household and commercial uses. In households, dairy-free shortening is commonly used by consumers who follow vegan or lactose-free diets, as well as those who seek to reduce their intake of animal-based products for health or ethical reasons. Commercial applications of dairy-free shortening, particularly in the foodservice and manufacturing sectors, include its use in large-scale food production for bakeries, confectioneries, and dairy-free product manufacturing. This segment is expected to grow significantly due to the rising demand for plant-based and dairy-free food options across restaurants, food chains, and packaged food producers. As awareness of the benefits of dairy-free products continues to rise, it is anticipated that both household and commercial applications will witness continued expansion in the coming years.

Global Dairy Free Shortening Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Dairy Free Shortening Market has been segmented by Nature, Product Type, Application and Geography.

Global Dairy Free Shortening Market, Segmentation by Nature

The Global Dairy Free Shortening Market has been segmented by Nature into Organic and Conventional.

Organic dairy-free shortening is made from plant-based fats and oils that are sourced from organically grown crops. These products are free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), making them highly appealing to health-conscious consumers and those seeking to avoid chemicals in their food. The demand for organic dairy-free shortening has risen significantly over the past few years due to a growing preference for clean-label products, where consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of avoiding chemicals in their diets. Organic dairy-free shortening also caters to the rising demand for vegan and sustainable products, as organic farming practices are seen as more environmentally friendly and humane compared to conventional farming.

On the other hand, conventional dairy-free shortening refers to shortening produced using standard agricultural practices. This type of shortening is often more affordable compared to organic alternatives and is widely available, making it the preferred choice for manufacturers aiming to keep costs low. While conventional dairy-free shortening is produced using plant-based fats and oils, it may be processed using chemical pesticides or fertilizers, which may not appeal to the growing segment of consumers interested in organic or all-natural products. Nevertheless, conventional dairy-free shortening serves a large portion of the market, particularly in commercial food production and applications where cost is a significant consideration.

Global Dairy Free Shortening Market, Segmentation by Product Type

The Global Dairy Free Shortening Market has been segmented by Product Type into Beverages, Milk, dairy-free kefir, Bakery products and Bakery and Confectionary.

Dairy-free shortening plays an important role in the formulation of plant-based beverages such as dairy-free milks (almond milk, soy milk, oat milk) and dairy-free creamers. Shortening is used to provide a creamy mouthfeel and to help stabilize the texture of the beverage. Dairy-free shortening is a preferred choice for these applications due to its ability to emulsify and maintain the consistency of the final product. As the demand for dairy-free beverages grows, particularly among lactose-intolerant and vegan consumers, the market for dairy-free shortening in beverages is expected to expand.

Dairy-free milk sector, products like almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, and coconut milk have seen widespread adoption in recent years. Dairy-free shortening serves as a key ingredient to enhance the texture and richness of these products, which often need a creamy consistency to replicate the sensory experience of traditional dairy milk. Dairy-free shortening also plays a role in improving the stability and shelf life of these milk alternatives.

Dairy-Free Kefir: Kefir, a fermented milk product, has gained popularity as a probiotic-rich food. Dairy-free kefir is made from plant-based milks, and dairy-free shortening helps improve its texture, making it creamier and more appealing to consumers. The use of dairy-free shortening in dairy-free kefir helps provide the smooth mouthfeel and consistency that consumers expect from this probiotic-rich beverage.

The bakery segment is one of the largest consumers of dairy-free shortening. It is commonly used in cakes, pastries, cookies, and other baked goods to provide moisture, improve texture, and enhance flavor. The solid fat content of dairy-free shortening is essential for producing light and fluffy textures in cakes and cookies. As consumer interest in plant-based diets and dairy-free baked goods rises, the demand for dairy-free shortening in the bakery industry continues to grow.

In addition to traditional bakery products, dairy-free shortening is also used in the confectionery industry, especially in products like frostings, fillings, chocolates, and candies. The ability of dairy-free shortening to create smooth, creamy textures makes it ideal for use in confectionery applications. It is often used in vegan chocolates and candies, as it helps achieve the right mouthfeel while being suitable for vegan and dairy-free diets. The growing popularity of plant-based confectionery products has led to an increase in demand for dairy-free shortening in the confectionery sector.

Global Dairy Free Shortening Market, Segmentation by Application

The Global Dairy Free Shortening Market has been segmented by Application into Household and Commercial.

Household use of dairy-free shortening is primarily driven by the increasing number of consumers adopting dairy-free, vegan, and plant-based diets. These consumers use dairy-free shortening for baking, cooking, and as a fat source in various food preparations. Household consumers are typically more concerned with the quality of ingredients, the environmental impact of their food choices, and the nutritional benefits of the products they use. Dairy-free shortening is a popular choice in households that seek to avoid dairy products due to lactose intolerance, vegan lifestyles, or other dietary restrictions. The growing awareness of health and wellness, as well as the rising trend of home cooking and baking, has led to a higher demand for dairy-free alternatives in household settings. Additionally, clean-label trends and the desire for non-GMO, organic, and cruelty-free products are shaping household purchasing decisions. The market for household use of dairy-free shortening is expected to continue growing, particularly as more consumers shift towards healthier and more sustainable diets.

In the commercial sector, dairy-free shortening is extensively used in foodservice operations, food manufacturing, and large-scale production facilities. This includes applications in the foodservice industry, such as bakeries, restaurants, cafes, and fast-food chains, which are increasingly offering dairy-free and vegan options on their menus. Additionally, dairy-free shortening is widely used in commercial food manufacturing, particularly in the production of vegan and dairy-free processed foods, such as ready-to-eat meals, packaged baked goods, dairy-free desserts, and snack products. The commercial demand for dairy-free shortening is driven by the rising consumer preference for plant-based diets and the need for manufacturers to meet this demand with suitable ingredients that replicate the texture and taste of dairy-based products. As more food manufacturers launch plant-based and dairy-free product lines, the commercial application of dairy-free shortening is expected to continue expanding. Furthermore, the growing popularity of vegan-friendly products in retail chains and supermarkets is providing additional opportunities for commercial dairy-free shortening consumption.

Global Dairy Free Shortening Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Dairy Free Shortening Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Dairy Free Shortening Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

North America dominated the market, driven by the increasing adoption of plant-based diets, the rising prevalence of lactose intolerance, and the growing demand for vegan and dairy-free food products. The market in North America benefits from a well-established trend of health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers who are looking for alternatives to traditional dairy products. The popularity of dairy-free and plant-based alternatives has led to a surge in the demand for dairy-free shortening, particularly in bakery and confectionery products, as well as beverages and dairy-free milk substitutes. Additionally, the availability of a wide range of dairy-free products in supermarkets and online retail platforms has further fueled market growth in this region.

In Europe, the dairy-free shortening market is also experiencing significant growth, bolstered by an increasing number of consumers shifting to vegan, vegetarian, and plant-based diets. European countries have seen a surge in demand for dairy-free products, particularly in the U.K., Germany, France, and the Netherlands, where plant-based and vegan trends are highly popular. Government initiatives promoting sustainable and healthy food choices, coupled with rising awareness regarding food allergies, including lactose intolerance, have led to an increased demand for dairy-free alternatives. In Asia Pacific, countries such as China and India are witnessing rapid growth in the dairy-free shortening market as a result of urbanization, increasing disposable income, and a growing health-conscious consumer base. The shift toward plant-based products is becoming more prominent in emerging economies, where traditional diets are being supplemented with more plant-based foods. In the Middle East and Africa, demand for dairy-free shortening is also rising due to increasing health concerns and the adoption of vegan diets. Latin America is expected to follow a similar trajectory, with rising demand for dairy-free alternatives driven by the increasing popularity of plant-based diets and the availability of such products across the region.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Dairy Free Shortening Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers:

• Growing Demand for Dairy-Free Products
• Rising Awareness of Health and Wellness

• Increasing Adoption of Plant-Based Diets-The increasing adoption of plant-based diets is a critical driver of the dairy-free shortening market. As more consumers embrace plant-based and vegan diets, driven by both health and ethical reasons, there is a substantial increase in the demand for plant-based ingredients. Dairy-free shortening fits well into these diets, providing a functional fat source that aligns with the preferences of those avoiding animal-based products. The shift towards plant-based diets is not limited to a specific region but is a global trend, with countries across North America, Europe, and Asia seeing significant growth in plant-based food consumption. This dietary shift has led to innovations in the food industry, with brands and food manufacturers increasingly formulating plant-based dairy alternatives that replace traditional dairy with plant-based options, such as dairy-free shortening.

  This transition toward plant-based diets is supported by various factors, including growing concerns about the environmental impact of animal farming, animal welfare issues, and the increasing awareness of the health benefits associated with plant-based eating. The rise in plant-based food consumption has spurred the development of new dairy-free alternatives, such as plant-based milks, cheeses, and shortenings, all of which serve as viable substitutes for their dairy counterparts. The expansion of plant-based food products across retail stores, restaurants, and fast-food chains has provided significant growth opportunities for dairy-free shortening, as it is a key ingredient used in many of these products. Manufacturers are continually innovating and improving the quality and texture of plant-based shortening, further driving adoption in both the household and commercial food production sectors.

Restraints:

• High Cost of Dairy-Free Shortening
• Limited Availability of Raw Materials

• Regulatory Barriers-Regulatory barriers pose a significant challenge to the growth of the dairy-free shortening market. As dairy-free shortening is a relatively new ingredient in the food industry, regulatory standards and guidelines regarding its production, labeling, and use are still evolving. In many regions, regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have stringent rules governing the use of fats and oils in food products. These regulations often require manufacturers to obtain certifications for plant-based ingredients and undergo extensive safety testing before launching products in certain markets. These regulations can lead to increased costs, longer product development timelines, and limited access to certain markets for smaller manufacturers.

  Moreover, the labeling and marketing of dairy-free shortening and related products can be subject to complex rules regarding claims such as "vegan," "lactose-free," or "organic." Mislabeling or misleading claims can result in legal challenges and a loss of consumer trust. Furthermore, international trade regulations and tariffs can impact the availability of dairy-free shortening ingredients, particularly for organic and specialty formulations. Navigating these regulatory hurdles can be particularly challenging for emerging companies, and the associated costs may deter some manufacturers from entering the dairy-free shortening market.

Opportunities:

• Expansion of Dairy-Free Product Lines
• Advancements in Product Innovation

• Rising Demand from Emerging Markets-Rising demand from emerging markets presents a significant opportunity for the dairy-free shortening market. As the global middle class expands, particularly in regions like Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East, there is a growing demand for healthier and more sustainable food options. This shift in consumer behavior has led to an increase in the consumption of plant-based and dairy-free products in emerging markets. As incomes rise and consumers become more aware of the health risks associated with dairy and animal-based fats, the demand for dairy-free alternatives, including dairy-free shortening, is expected to grow.

  In many of these regions, dietary habits are evolving as consumers seek healthier and more sustainable food choices. Additionally, increasing urbanization and the adoption of Western-style diets are influencing food preferences, with dairy-free and plant-based products gaining popularity. Manufacturers can tap into this growing demand by tailoring their products to suit the taste preferences and cultural dietary patterns of consumers in emerging markets. The growth of e-commerce and modern retail channels in these regions also provides an avenue for dairy-free shortening manufacturers to expand their reach and increase brand visibility, further fueling market growth.