Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Protocol for Data Collection and Analysis Applied to Automated Facial Expression Analysis Technology and Temporal Analysis for Sensory Evaluation
Published on: August 26, 2016
Dairy and plant-based beverages purchased by Canadian households between 2018 and 2020
Virginie Drolet-Labelle1,2, Jennifer Lee3, Véronique Provencher1,2
1École de nutrition, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation (FSAA), Université Laval, Québecé, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada.
Abstract:
Canada's food guide (CFG), updated in 2019, recommends choosing lower fat milk, fortified plant-based milk alternatives, and unsweetened beverages. This study examined trends in household purchases of dairy and plant-based beverages (PBBs), following CFG release, as well as price differences between beverage categories. NielsenIQ HomeScan data from 2018 to 2020 (∼4500 households/year) in Québec and Ontario were analyzed for annual purchases of total dairy beverages (milk, drinkable yogurt/kefir, milkshakes) and total PBBs (milk alternatives, plant-based drinkable yogurt/kefir). Product descriptions/Universal product codes (n=1451) were matched to online nutrition information. Mixed linear models examined changes in volume purchased over time, adjusting for household sociodemographic characteristics, and linear regressions examined price differences. On average, households purchased 97.0L of total dairy beverages and 8.8L of total PBBs annually, with 2% milk (45.7L) and almond beverages (4.9L) being the most purchased in these categories. Purchases of total dairy beverages, dairy beverages with added sugars, skim, 1%, and 2% milk were lower in 2019 than in 2018. However, purchases were higher in 2020 than in 2019 for total dairy beverages, 2% and whole milk, total PBBs, almond beverages, and "other" types of milk alternatives. Soy beverage purchases remained unchanged. Households with children purchased more dairy with added sugars and whole milk, and fewer PBBs. Differences by province, education, and ethnicity were also found. PBBs were slightly more expensive than dairy beverages ($0.23CAD/100ml vs $0.21CAD/100ml, p<0.01), with higher prices in Québec than Ontario. Overall, results suggest partial alignment with 2019 CFG recommendations.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Microbes in Beverage Production
Carbohydrates: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Microorganisms in Agriculture and Food industry
Microbes in the Production of Fermented Foods
Mineral, Vitamin and Water Absorption
Sources of Food Contamination

