Which Dairy Trend is Turning Heads: From Farm to Fame

🕑15 min read | Published: May 12, 2025 | By: Aadvik Foods

From the millennials to Gen-alphas, the dairy industry has witnessed a level up through the decades. There is a steady rise in incomes, population growth, and changes in lifestyles and food habits, and one dairy product is gaining global momentum- any guesses here?? Consumers are seeking nutritious but more versatile and durable options in their food preferences. Whether those are food industries or urban kitchens, a more convenient and versatile product is building its way into the homes and businesses of people globally.

But where it gets more interesting is that people prefer more non-cow-based counterparts, loaded with fats and proteins, which is creamier and tastier. This one product is making a comeback with a twist from the bustling streets of the Middle East, buzzing markets of China, and desi hearts of India. One dairy variant is becoming a trusted and adaptable staple, with high value and global appeal. Does it ring a bell here?

Global Dairy Consumption Trends- What is stirring the global dairy pot?

Global dairy demand is booming- facts don't lie, and numbers back it up. But here it is not only about the consumption of milk. It is about the shift in lifestyle towards smarter choices, better nutrition, and towards products that conveniently fit into the modern lifestyle.

Here, click your mind, who is the original boss of the dairy in the world? India wears the crown here, being the largest producer of milk in the world, with more than 25% of the milk production of the entire world. Out of this, 50% is buffalo milk. Now, this is the game changer - buffalo milk thus has a unique edge in the conversion to a more sustainable powdered form.

In Asia, China is the second largest producer of milk, but its demand for imported milk powder has seen a significant surge. There are reports that the Chinese have a better trust in the imported milk powder than in the domestic one. According to statistics, around 431 metric tonnes of milk powder were imported by China in the year 2023.

Middle Eastern countries are the OG importers of milk powder. The scorching heat and the arid conditions are a challenge to fresh milk logistics in these countries. But their love for creamy textures in their cuisines is real, which makes milk powder shine in the tourism and food service industry. Gulf countries are increasingly importing premium buffalo milk powders from India and the EU, catering to expat populations and local customers who crave authentic taste. So the creamy goodness keeps flowing from the luxurious hotels to the street joints alike.

The transition of lifestyle from rural to urban is the king, be it anywhere in the world. While the urban buyers prefer the powdered form of dairy for its shelf life, the rural buyers prefer it due to its cost-effectiveness. This is becoming a smart choice,paving its way into the lifestyles of the urban and rural population.

The global market of milk powder is valued at over USD 30 billion in 2023, and is experiencing significant growth due to its intact nutritional content, convenience of usage, and diverse applications. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5%–5.5% between 2024 and 2030, reaching approximately USD 63.24 billion by 2030 by the end of the decade. Key growth drivers include urbanization, rising processed food demand, export-driven growth, and emerging markets like Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America. As consumer interest in nutrient-rich dairy continues, full creammilk powder is expected to play a leading role in the global dairy trade.

What is full cream milk powder?- Convenient, Creamy, and Wow!

Picture this: It is a mundane Monday morning, and you are craving a café-style Latte, but you don't have the patience for that espresso machine drama. So, what’s the fix? Blend in a spoonful of full cream milk powder- and TA-DA! You have a flavorful, rich, and creamy latte, exactly like the ones you have in the cafe, yet it's effective, and you prepare it instantly.

Full-fat milk powder is whole milk with all its goodness and richness transformed into a powdered form. It is made by the pasteurization or homogenization of whole milk, yet packed with all the goodness. It is not a substitute but real shelf-stable milk in a convenient form that offers the same nourishing punch when reconstituted.

The full cream present in it makes it different from other milk powders- let's say it is a cousin of skimmed milk. While skimmed milk powder is made from milk with a maximum of its fat content removed (usually containing less than 1.5% fat), full cream milk powder typically contains around 26%–32% milk fat. It is a versatile and nutritious alternative to fresh milk, used in various products like baby formula, energy drinks, ice creams, chocolates, baked goods, and curries. It is a lifesaver during travel, in remote places, or even in regular offices. It is rich in calcium, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and essential minerals, making it a nutritional powerhouse and easy to complement diets.

Why Full Cream Milk Powder is Trending

Revolution is the key: from agriculture to industries to our kitchens, revolution has occurred in every phase. One of the important parts of this revolution is the humble but powerful ingredient: full-cream milk powder. It has got your back in so many aspects of life, be it hiking, travelling, or maybe you are too lazy to hit the grocery store.

The high amounts of nutrients present in it make it a high-value food, a nutritional powerhouse.
The higher amount of fats present gives a unique flavour and enhances the taste.
The Wingardium laviosa of technology, this powdered form has a better storage life and is a more convenient option.
Its versatility of usage makes it a go-to, from Italian pastas to traditional Indian Sweets.

Usage across various sectors: From baby formula to bakery shelves

From kitchen shelves at home to hotels, full cream milk powder is the game-changer. The ease of usage and accessibility have transformed it into an everyday staple.

It is used in baby formula owed to its nutrient content that is beneficial for growth and development. Various schemes have been implemented in the country for the provision of milk powder to lactating mothers and infants, like Balamrutham, Amrut Aahar Scheme, etc.
It is the secret to the indulgence of the processed foods industry, where flavor and consistency are non-negotiable aspects. Food manufacturers prefer it for its capacity to add structure, volume, and richness in any product, along with better storability and cost effectiveness.

The delicious taste and the melt-in-the-mouth feel of the various bakery items that tickle our taste buds are owed to the incorporation of milk powder in these recipes. Want to try a no-bake milk fudge at home? Let's try out how?

Mix 2 cups of full-fat milk powder, 1 cup sweetened (or unsweetened) condensed milk, a pinch of cardamom, and two tablespoons of ghee in a pan on low heat until a soft dough is formed. Now flatten this whole mixture in a tray greased with butter or ghee or oil, garnish with pistachios, and put this tray in the refrigerator for an hour, maybe. Cut into pieces and enjoy!

Every dish can be elevated by the addition of milk powder. It can be used to make a tasty white sauce pasta without the risk of curdling in excessive heat, or can be used to make a frothy cold coffee without the necessity of fresh milk.

Consumer Preferences

So, what do the consumers want? Consumers are smarter and more health-conscious. Along with quality and nutrition, convenience, taste, and value are on the checklist. They don’t buy milk powder alone, they buy trust as well. Creaminess, brand, and ethical sourcing are in the checklist as well.

Full cream milk powder is a versatile option providing energy and nutrition without preservatives, and does not require refrigeration
It is a fulfillment of the sensory appeals. The taste and natural sweetness, along with its texture, make it a favorite in all dishes across eateries, for enhancing customer experience.
Consumers are informed and opinionated. They favor trusted, certified milk powders for quality control, traceability, hygiene, and consistency. So when it comes to buying food items like full-fat milk powder, information and feedback are important.

Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

With a shift in the awareness pattern of the consumers, taste and nutrition are not perceived during the purchase of milk powder. People are concerned about the sourcing and sustainability of the product as well.

Sustainability is more than a buzzword now. Eco-friendly models are gaining popularity over the traditional dairy farming practices - Kudos to people doing their bit for the environment!
Preferences of the consumers are led by transparency, and labels like "Animal Welfare Approved" and "Certified Humane". With the increasing awareness among the users, the leading brands in full-fat milk powder are working with producers who prioritise ethical protocols and maintain traceability.
Organic milk powder demand is on the rise, driven by health-conscious consumers seeking non-GMO, non-GMO, and pesticide-free options. The demands of consumers are leading the production trends of dairy.

Ethical Source of full cream milk powder

Export-Import Trends: Who is Shipping and Who is Sipping?

Behind every scoop of milk powder sipped, the global story unfolding is required- trade, tariff, and demand are stirring the pot. New Zealand, India, and the European Union are major global players in exporting full-cream milk powder. New Zealand, is a key player in the dairy industry, exporting millions of tons annually, particularly to Asia and the Middle East. At present, India has expanded its efficiency of dairy production and processing and has set foot in milk powder export to Africa and Southeast Asia. The EU maintains a consistent supply of high-quality milk powder.

When discussing buffalo milk powder, it has been observed that there has been remarkable growth in its demand. It is very popular across borders, attributed to the growing demand for dairy products in emerging markets, especially in nations like China, India, and the US. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the country produced about 90 million metric tons of buffalo milk in 2020. Because of ongoing efforts to improve breeding, nutrition, and herd productivity, this amount is predicted to increase steadily. The demand is expected to grow in the European Union as well. We are all aware of the famous buffalo mozzarella cheese of Italy, so who knows, probably buffalo milk powder may make a breakthrough in Italian cuisine as well.

However, it’s worthwhile to mention that the journey of milk powder throughout the world is influenced by factors like global events, tariffs, and trade agreements. Yes, yes, taxes are a toll on the pocket, and they also influence exports. Geopolitical tensions may be a reason that can hamper trade routes. How can we forget the COVID-19 crisis and the Ukraine war that impacted freight logistics and price fluctuations?

Future Outlook for Full Milk Powder

The increasing global demand for full-fat milk powder is expected to continue, fuelled by increasing incomes, urbanization.
The revolutionary technology of the production of milk powder helps in the retention of its nutrients, flavours, and taste. We also need to thank the packaging technology here, as the evolution of new techniques are adding value to the product. It is eco-friendly, layered, and the vacuum-sealed materials lock the freshness for a long time.
Although there are some major players in the dairy industry, the most interesting angle is the emergence of the growing economies, particularly in Africa and Asia. It's like a new game with new players on the field. Full cream milk powder is being incorporated into school feeding programs in Africa due to the limited scope of refrigeration. In Asia, the evolution of the middle class along with the emergence of increased nutrition awareness are creating a market for dairy-based foods. China's preference for high-quality, traceable dairy imports drives global growth in infant formula and premium food products.

Conclusion

The future of full-cream milk powder is bright. It is a shelf-stable substitute for fresh milk, which has become a staple due to its multiple benefits. The adaptability of this variant has aided in its emergence as a global dairy hero. The entire world is embracing it for domestic consumption and industrial use. Producers are adapting to sustainability and ethical sourcing by embracing organic dairy, humane animal practices, and cleaner technologies. Emerging markets and technological advancements will further expand its market presence.

So, have you tried full-cream buffalo milk in your daily diet or cooking regime?

Let us know your favourite way of using it!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the trend in powdered milk?

The key trends include a focus on nutrition, health, and wellness, convenience of usage, greater shelf life, eco-friendly farming practices, and transparent labeling.

Why do people prefer powdered milk?

People prefer powdered milk because of the ease of usage, cost effectiveness, and convenience.

What is the trend in the dairy industry in India?

The dairy industry is growing manifold in India. India is the largest producer of milk in the world.

Why do people drink full-cream milk?

People consume full-cream milk because of its taste, nutrient composition, and health benefits.

What are the benefits of full cream milk powder?

Full cream milk powder is a good source of calcium, proteins, and vitamins A and D, and contains more fats.

What is the difference between milk powder and full cream milk powder?

Full cream milk powder contains more amount of fat (26-32%) than other milk powders (which can be between 0% - 40%).

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