Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Elmhurst Dairy shut its doors but is reopening as a vegan milk company. CEO Henry Schwartz—who took over the company from his father—revealed that the 100-year-old business was failing to meet consumer demands. He noted that “milk has sort of gone out of style … [and] we are unable to continue to go on without ongoing losses.”
As people become aware of the horrible treatment of cows in the dairy industry as well as milk’s damaging effects on our health and the environment, they’re opting instead for cruelty-free foods. Companies such as Elmhurst are taking note and adjusting their business models accordingly. Evidence of this sea change can be found on store shelves everywhere you turn. Recently, we’ve seen the release of nondairy Ben & Jerry’s and Breyers ice cream as well as a vegan Baileys almond milk liqueur. Starbucks has also gotten in on the action by offering a third plant-based milk option.
Elmhurst Dairy—now simply called Elmhurst—recently debuted its range of “Milked” beverages. These nut-based milks come in almond, hazelnut, cashew, and walnut flavors and will be available in stores nationwide and online by the end of March.
Learn more about some of the innovative products that we recently tasted at Natural Products Expo West. Then check out our guide to vegan milk.
Do you want to switch to a plant-based diet but haven’t quite made the leap? Our free vegan starter kit will help you make the transition.