North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission Backs Revolutionary Sweetpotato Milk to Reduce Waste

The North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission has partnered with Rootsii, to produce a first-of-its-kind sweetpotato ‘milk’ developed by Appalachian State University professor Dr. Brett Taubman and Fermentation Sciences Lab manager Daniel Parker. 

Made from a patent-pending process that converts surplus sweetpotatoes into a naturally sweet, nutrient-rich dairy alternative — rich in vitamins A and C, potassium and magnesium — and without added sugars, Rootsii requires a fraction of the water used to produce almond milk, making it a sustainable choice for health-conscious and allergen-sensitive consumers. 

The initiative has secured USD 1.82 million in NCInnovation grant funding to bring the product from proof of concept to store shelves within two years. 

North Carolina produces 60% of all sweetpotatoes grown in the U.S., yet approximately 63 million pounds are lost each year between field and store shelf — costing farmers an estimated USD 13.2 million annually. Rootsii directly addresses that waste while opening an entirely new market for growers. 

Michelle Grainger, Executive Director of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission, which represents sweetpotato farmers in North Carolina.

Michelle Grainger, Executive Director of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission

Michelle Grainger, Executive Director of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission:

"By creating new opportunities for underutilised sweetpotatoes and fostering collaboration across the value chain, we are excited to support continued innovation within our industry while bringing consumers another example of the versatility and value of the North Carolina sweetpotato."

"Sweetpotato ‘milk’ offers consumers a nutritious, environmentally conscious plant-based beverage while creating additional value for growers by reducing field and product waste."

With the plant-based milk market projected to nearly double to USD 40 billion globally by 2035, this innovation comes at a critical moment for North Carolina's sweetpotato industry.

Dr. Brett Taubman, Professor at Appalachian State University:

"This is 100% a North Carolina product. Rootsii offers a new pathway to revitalise demand for sweetpotatoes and stabilise the regional agricultural economy."