Regional Disparities in Dairy Beverage Consumption in Brazil

The consumption of dairy beverages in Brazil varies sharply across different regions and states. According to data from the 2017-2018 Family Budget Survey by IBGE, the national average consumption reached 8.986 kg per inhabitant annually. However, estimates using the 2022 Census data suggest this figure rose to approximately 10 kg per inhabitant in 2024.

The Southeast region of Brazil leads in dairy beverage consumption, with an average of 12.93 kg per inhabitant annually, significantly higher than other regions. In contrast, the Northeast and North regions report much lower consumption levels, at 4.42 kg and 4.37 kg per inhabitant annually, respectively.

Among the states, São Paulo ranks highest with a consumption of 14.87 kg per inhabitant per year, followed by Espírito Santo and Mato Grosso. On the lower end, states like Amazonas and Alagoas have much lower consumption numbers, around 2.32 kg and 2.58 kg, respectively.

These regional consumption patterns are strongly linked to socioeconomic factors. Urban households consume an average of 9.762 kg per inhabitant annually, more than double the 4.602 kg in rural areas. Income levels also influence consumption, with higher income households consuming up to 11.986 kg per year, compared to 5.056 kg in lower income groups.

Educational attainment further amplifies these disparities. Individuals with higher education consume much more, averaging 13.415 kg annually, compared to just 3.210 kg among those with no formal education.

Age is another factor affecting consumption patterns. Younger demographics, particularly those aged 0-17, consume significantly more dairy beverages, averaging 30.2 kg per year, whereas those aged 60 and above consume only 3.312 kg annually.

The study attributes these differences to a combination of socioeconomic factors, including income and education, as well as the presence of dairy industry infrastructure in certain regions.