The study found that dairy consumers opt for dairy-based products more frequently than plant-based alternatives. Most Americans who consume dairy-based products reported eating or drinking them multiple times a week, while nearly half consume plant-based alternatives once a week or more. Dairy-based cheese, butter, ice cream, milk, yogurt, and yogurt-based drinks are preferred to their plant-based counterparts, particularly for cheese. Consumers choose yogurt based on taste and prefer products described as "natural." Yogurt consumers are also interested in health benefits, including general health and wellness as well as specific digestive and gut health benefits. Protein and calcium content are important nutritional value-related reasons to select yogurt.
