NEW YORK, Feb 6 — Almond milk may have been the fastest growing non-dairy milk alternative in 2011, but a raft of other dairy-free beverages are also set to squeeze into the market, including sunflower and flax-based milk.

US-based Sunrich Naturals, for instance, recently launched a beverage made from sunflower kernels called Sōl, a non-dairy alternative that’s particularly rich in Vitamin E, pointed out nutrition trade site New Hope 360 last week.

One 8 oz (237 ml) serving, for example, is said to provide 50 per cent of the recommended daily allowance for Vitamin E, an antioxidant that has been shown to destroy free radicals, encourage cellular repair, reduce inflammation and slow down the signs of aging.

The beverage comes in three flavours: original, vanilla and unsweetened.

Meanwhile, Good Karma has launched a non-dairy milk alternative made from cold-pressed flax oil, a beverage rich in omega-3s, delivering 1,200 mg of the nutrient per 8 oz serving.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, depression, attention deficit disorder, joint pain and skin ailments and to play a role in cognitive function.

The Flax milk also comes in original, vanilla and unsweetened flavours.

According to the latest figures from Packaged Facts, sales of almond milk grew 79 per cent last year to become the fastest growing non-milk dairy alternative in the US, while sales of soy milk fell 15 per cent between 2008 and 2010.