Cream of the crop: Hemp milk pegged for growth in dairy-free formulation

07 Jul 2020 --- Online orders for hemp “milk” have more than doubled since the New Year, according to figures from the UK-based Tea and Coffee Company. The dairy alternative made from cannabis seeds is gaining traction in the tea and coffee sector for its creamy texture and high performance in hot drinks. With 93 percent of Brits having milk in their tea, hemp is an ingredient to watch in beverages as the rise of plant-based food and beverages continues to grow.

“Hemp milk has reached store shelves in just a few places around the world such as in Europe where it has directed a lot of interest from the customers. The market is expected to expand further into North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East in the coming years. Hemp products are expected to become most famous in the market,” says Richard Smith, Partner from the Tea and Coffee Company.

The popularity of dairy alternative drinks shows no sign of slowing down. In fact, dairy alternative drinks accounted for an average of 7 percent share of dairy NPD in North America from 2017-2019, according to Innova Market Insights data. 

The Tea and Coffee Company reports an increasing number of inquiries asking for recommendations for an alternative for milk in their beverage, particularly now as many people are adhering to vegan diets.

Hemp milk is made from crushed cannabis seeds and contains only trace amounts of THC, imparting no psychoactive effects on the user. In addition, the positive forecast for hemp milk is based on the nutritional qualities of the product. “Nutritionally, what makes hemp a great non-dairy alternative is that it naturally contains calcium – more calcium than dairy milk. It also contains minerals, high-quality plant protein and has the added benefits of omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids in the ideal 1:3 ratio that promotes brain, heart and skin health and is anti-inflammatory in the body,” adds Smith. 

In June, the Tea and Coffee Company included hemp milk in its list of top five dairy alternatives. “It has an earthy, nutty flavor and its creamy consistency is ideal for non-dairy lattes or as a milk substitute in tea and coffee,” adds Smith.

While the flavor of hemp milk is “usual in taste,” according Smith, it provides many opportunities for flavor houses. In a 2019 study in the US by CoMax flavors, 14 percent of respondents who used non-dairy flavored coffee creamers purchased hemp milk, with the leading flavors being Toasted Oats & Almond and Chocolate/Dark Chocolate.

The application benefits of hemp milk
In terms of performance, hemp boasts a number of qualities for coffee and tea applications. According to hemp milk manufacturer Good Hemp, the product doesn’t split in hot drinks, compared to other plant-based alternatives. Smith notes that it has a creamy texture that tends to be thicker than other milk alternatives. It doesn’t curdle and is an allergen- and GMO-free choice. 

Hemp milk’s creamy texture can be seen in its high level of viscosity when compared to both plant-based and bovine milk. One review of plant-based milks published in Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety in 2019 found that hemp ranked among the most viscous dairy alternatives, coming second only to coconut milk. Other types of milks compared in the study, listed from most to least viscous, are hazelnut, almond, quinoa, oat, cashew, soy, bovine, rice, macadamia and brown rice. 

Lastly, hemp’s non-GMO status and property to grow without depleting nutrients from the soil makes it easy to produce, concludes Smith. 

By Missy Green