Plant-based milk alternatives are a fast-growing category with health & wellness focused consumers.

While cow’s milk is still the most popular according to retail sales, nondairy alternatives hit an estimated $2.95 billion last year, up 54 percent from five years earlier, according to the market research firm Mintel.

This growth can be attributed to the rise of veganism, along with an increase in awareness about the importance of protein in weight loss diets.

While plant-based milk offers benefits and advantages, especially to those who are lactose intolerant, creating the beverage does pose some challenges to manufacturers. Without a flavor modifier, the fortified (herbs, proteins, or vitamins) “milks” can impart an earthy, beany, grassy or bitter taste, undesirable mouthfeel or astringency perception.

LifeWise has conducted lab tests on plant-milk and found that SimplyRich 321 eliminated unpleasant mouthfeel, suppressed metallic notes, provided a creamier, thicker texture and enhanced sweetness.

Besides plant milk, SimplyRich 321can be used in nutrition/energy bars, nutraceutical products, supplement bars and beverages and soy beverages.

SimplyRich 321 is GMO-free, with no added MSG, HVP, gluten, soy nucleotides, yeast or other common allergenic ingredients.