Plant-based beverages and flavoured milks

• 183 plant-based beverages and flavoured milks were listed for this study
• 12 g of sugars per serving of flavoured beverages
• 4 g of sugars per serving of unflavoured beverages

The results of this follow-up study show that, overall, the category of dairy and plant-based beverages saw some improvements in nutritional composition in 2025 compared to 2022. Less than one-third of products would be required to display the nutrition label on the front of their packaging due to high levels of saturated fat and/or sugar. However, these improvements are not sufficient to significantly enhance the product offering. This can be explained primarily by the presence of dairy beverages containing more saturated fat and sugars than plant-based beverages, just as in 2022. Furthermore, these dairy beverages account for the majority of sales, despite a decline. The potential for reducing saturated fat and/or sugar in beverages may be limited, particularly in beverages with high protein content. This monitoring raises the question of the relevance of protein fortification in highly processed products if nutritional quality cannot be maintained.

To cite this report:

Guillemette D., Pomerleau S., Rhéaume C.-J. et Provencher V. (2026). Suivi du portrait des boissons laitières et végétales disponibles au Québec en 2022 et 2025. Observatoire de la qualité de l’offre alimentaire. 67 pages. [En ligne] observatoire.inaf.ulaval.ca