Dairy and plant-based beverages purchased by Canadian households between 2018 and 2020.

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 beverages and plant-based beverages (PBB), following CFG release, as well as price differences between beverage categories. NielsenIQ HomeScan data from 2018 to 2020 (about 4500 households/year) in Québec and Ontario were analysed for annual purchases of total dairy beverages (milk, drinkable yogurt/kefir and milkshakes) and total PBB (milk alternatives and 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 97·0 litres of total dairy beverages and 8·8 litres of total PBB annually, with 2 % milk (45·7 L) and almond beverages (4·9 L) 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 PBB, almond beverages and 'other' types of milk alternatives. Soya beverage purchases remained unchanged. Households with children purchased more dairy products with added sugars and whole milk and fewer PBB. Differences by province, education and ethnicity were also found. No differences in price per 100ml were observed between PBB and dairy beverages purchased ($0·23CAD/100 ml v. $0·22CAD/100 ml, p = 0·288), and dairy beverages purchased were more expensive in Québec than Ontario. Overall, results suggest partial alignment with 2019 CFG recommendations.