UK Supreme Court Bans “Milk” Label for Oatly’s Plant Drink

In a landmark ruling that has shaken the global plant-based beverage industry, the **UK Supreme Court has upheld a long-running legal battle that bars Swedish oat-drink maker Oatly from using the term **“milk” and slogans such as “post-milk generation” in its branding. The decision stems from objections by dairy industry bodies — particularly UK and European milk producers — who argued that terms like “milk” should be reserved for animal-derived dairy products with established legal definitions.

The court’s judgment reinforces the principle that milk terminology remains protected and linked to dairy from mammals, strengthening the legal safeguard around traditional dairy terms in food labelling. While plant-based beverages remain widely sold and consumed, the ruling limits Oatly’s ability to use “milk” in promotional contexts in the UK marketplace, a victory celebrated by dairy lobby groups and farmers’ associations.

Industry analysts say the decision could have ripple effects beyond British shores, giving dairy producers leverage in other jurisdictions facing similar debates about labelling and consumer clarity. Producers argue that language like “milk” carries specific nutritional expectations, and that protecting these definitions helps prevent consumer confusion and maintain fair competition for farmer-supplied products.

For the plant-based sector, the ruling underscores the evolving legal landscape where marketing, consumer preferences and regulatory definitions intersect. Companies producing oat, almond or soy-based drinks may need to adjust branding and packaging in markets with similar protections, even as demand for dairy alternatives continues to grow.

Source : Dairynews7x7 Feb 13th 2026 Read full story here

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