Rice drink market seen reaching $3.04 billion by 2030

The Business Research Company says the global rice drink market is expanding as consumers shift toward plant-based, lactose-free alternatives. The market is projected to grow from $1.94 billion in 2025 to $3.04 billion by 2030, with North America leading and Asia-Pacific set for the fastest growth.

Why it matters: - Rice drink demand is rising as shoppers look for dairy alternatives tied to vegan, plant-based and lactose-free diets. - The market’s projected growth points to room for new products in fortified, clean-label and functional beverages. - E-commerce and sustainability trends are also expanding the category’s reach.

What happened: - The Business Research Company projected the global rice drink market will rise from $1.94 billion in 2025 to $2.12 billion in 2026. - The company forecast the market will reach $3.04 billion by 2030. - The report said the market will grow at a 9.2% CAGR during 2025-2026 and at a 9.5% CAGR through 2030. - The company released a free sample of the report here: Download a free sample. - The full report is available here: View the full report.

The details: - Rice drink is made by blending rice with water into a mildly sweet dairy alternative. - The beverage is naturally low in fat and lactose-free. - The report cites wider availability of dairy alternatives in retail channels as a growth driver. - The report also points to advances in rice processing and extraction technology. - The report highlights increasing health consciousness among urban consumers. - It identifies rising demand for sustainable, low-carbon beverages as a key driver. - It also cites innovations in functional and fortified drinks. - Emerging trends include clean-label and additive-free products. - Fortification with calcium and vitamins is gaining traction. - Barista-style rice beverages for coffee are becoming more popular. - Organic and non-GMO rice drink options are expanding. - The report covers Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East and Africa. - North America held the largest share of the rice drink market in 2025. - Asia-Pacific is expected to post the fastest growth in the coming years.

Between the lines: - The report links market growth to broader diet changes, including consumer interest in heart health and lower risk of lifestyle disease. - The UK vegan population rose to about 2.5 million people, or 4.7% of the population, in April 2024, up from 1.4 million, or 2.5%, in 2023. - The International Food Information Council said in June 2024 that 54% of Americans follow specific diets. - The same survey found interest in increasing protein intake rose from 59% in 2022 to 71% in 2024. - Those shifts suggest plant-based beverages are moving from niche demand toward mainstream grocery and foodservice use.

What's next: - The report expects e-commerce to keep lifting sales as more consumers buy plant-based beverages online. - The category is likely to keep adding fortified, organic and non-GMO options as competition intensifies. - Asia-Pacific’s growth rate could reshape the regional balance over the next several years.

The bottom line: - Rice drink is moving from a specialty dairy alternative into a broader growth category for plant-based beverages.