Oat milk cannot be sold as milk, Supreme Court rules as vegan drink maker Oatly loses long-running legal battle with dairy industry

Supreme Court Rules Oat Milk Cannot Be Labeled as Milk

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that oat milk cannot be marketed as "milk," concluding a long-standing legal dispute involving the vegan drink manufacturer Oatly and the dairy industry. This decision impacts how plant-based beverages are labeled and marketed across the country.

What happened

The Supreme Court's ruling came after Oatly challenged regulations set forth by the dairy industry, which argued that using the term "milk" for non-dairy products misleads consumers. The court's decision affirms lower court rulings that support the dairy industry's position on labeling standards.

Why this is gaining attention

This ruling has gained significant attention due to the growing popularity of plant-based alternatives and ongoing debates about food labeling practices. The decision may affect other companies producing similar products, as it sets a precedent for how non-dairy items can be marketed.

What it means

The Supreme Court's decision will require oat milk and potentially other plant-based beverages to change their labeling practices. This could lead to increased scrutiny of product names in the plant-based sector, influencing consumer perceptions and marketing strategies within the industry.

Key questions

• Q: What is the situation?
  A: The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that oat milk cannot be sold as "milk," siding with the dairy industry's labeling regulations.
• Q: Why is this important now?
  A: The ruling affects how plant-based drinks are marketed and could influence consumer choices in a rapidly growing market.