Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

Milk Depot at home plant milk maker

© Milk Depot

Milk Depot Launches At-Home Plant Milk Maker, Joining Growing Market for DIY Options 

Milk Depot Inc. has launched its new Milk Maker, an appliance designed to help consumers create their own plant-based milks at home. The product promises to offer a healthier and more sustainable alternative to store-bought plant milks, by allowing users to transform nuts, grains, and seeds into fresh, filtered milk in under a minute. The company has positioned the Milk Maker as a more eco-friendly option, eliminating the need for additives, preservatives, and packaging waste often associated with commercial milk products. By making milk at home, users also avoid the environmental impact of single-use cartons. The DIY appliance aims to reduce both the cost of milk as well as consumers’ environmental footprint. “The launch of our Milk Maker represents a significant step forward in our …

more

Organisations and brands:

German style sausages

Image courtesy of ProVeg International

Report: Plant-Based Meat & Milk Have Similar or Better Nutritional Profiles Than Animal Products

Research conducted by ProVeg International in 11 countries has found that plant-based meat alternatives have a better overall nutritional profile than conventional meat, while milk alternatives have similar nutritional properties to cow’s milk. The survey, the results of which have been compiled in a report, evaluated 422 meat alternatives and 251 milk alternatives in Belgium, Czechia, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Poland, South Africa, Spain, the UK, and the US. Scoring was based on internationally recognized guidelines — the WHO Nutrients Profile model (NPM), the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, and the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA’s) nutrition claim legislation. Meat alternatives were found to have less saturated fat and significantly more fibre than animal meat, while milk alternatives contained less total fat and less saturated fat …

more

Organisations and brands:

Sproud Barista Zero pea milk

© Sproud

Sproud Launches Sugar-Free Barista ZERO Pea Milk

Swedish pea milk brand Sproud has launched a new product, Barista ZERO, formulated with no sugars or added sweeteners. Designed to provide baristas with exceptional performance, the new formula is said to have a smooth, creamy texture and neutral taste, with twice as much protein as oat milk. It offers long-lasting microfoam that can be used to create latte art by professionals and home baristas alike. Made from yellow split peas, Sproud products are free of major allergens and are claimed to have the lowest climate impact of any dairy or plant-based milk on the market. Barista ZERO makes its debut today (November 11) at the European Coffee Symposium in Berlin, where Sproud is the official milk alternative sponsor. “Uncompromising product” The news comes just …

more

Organisations and brands:

POTINA banana oat drinks

© POTINA

Former Alpro Sales Director Launches POTINA Banana Oat Drinks for Kids

Entrepreneur Adam Womersley, a former Sales Director at Alpro UK&I, has developed a new range of plant-based banana oat drinks for children. Called POTINA, the clean-label drinks are free of added sugars, sweeteners, oils, and additives. They combine oats with organic bananas to provide energy and natural sweetness. Each 200ml serving includes 4g of fibre, supporting gut health. POTINA is available in two varieties — Banana Oat and Banana Cocoa Oat. Womersley says he was inspired to develop the drinks by his professional background and experiences as a father. “I’ve always been passionate about healthy eating,” he said. “After years working with top food brands and the NHS, I saw firsthand how good nutrition can change lives. Our goal with POTINA is to make nutritious, …

more

Organisations and brands:

Replacing Milk Powder with Rice Syrup Powder in Vegan Chocolate Spreads

As the demand for plant-based and dairy-free alternatives continues to grow, innovation in new ingredients has become essential to crafting products that meet consumer expectations without compromising on taste or texture. This is particularly true for chocolate spreads, where achieving a rich, creamy consistency without traditional milk powder presents unique challenges. In the quest for creating delicious vegan chocolate spreads, one of the key challenges is finding suitable alternatives to traditional milk powder. Rice syrup powder is a promising substitute, offering both functional and sensory benefits that align well with the needs of vegan consumers. What is Rice Syrup Powder? Rice syrup powder is derived from rice syrup, which is produced via our fully natural production process. The syrup is then dehydrated to form a …

more

Organisations and brands:

Starbucks

© Starbucks

Starbucks to End Non-Dairy Milk Surcharge in US and Canada

Starbucks has announced it will eliminate its additional charge for non-dairy milk at all company-owned locations in the United States and Canada. This change will take effect November 7, coinciding with the launch of the company’s seasonal holiday menu. Customers will soon be able to customize their drinks with alternatives like almond, soy, coconut, or oat milk without incurring additional fees.  According to Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol, this decision reflects a broader effort to streamline the customer experience and simplify customizations. “Core to the Starbucks Experience is the ability to customize your beverage to make it yours. By removing the extra charge for non-dairy milks we’re embracing all the ways our customers enjoy their Starbucks,” commented Niccol. Currently, switching to a non-dairy milk option is …

more

Organisations and brands:

Oatly Barista Lighter Taste

© Oatly

Oatly UK Introduces Lower-Fat ‘Barista Lighter Taste’, Targeting Trend for Lighter Roasted Coffee

Oatly UK has expanded its popular Barista oat milk range with a new variety designed for coffee lovers, Barista Lighter Taste. The product contains a lower fat level than Oatly’s original Barista Edition oat milk (2.1%  instead of 3%) and is a response to the increasing popularity of lighter-roasted coffee. It has been designed to allow more subtle flavour notes to shine through while retaining the same performance capabilities as the original Barista edition, including frothing and foaming. The new milk alternative was originally trialled at a select number of coffee outlets earlier this year to gain feedback from baristas across Europe. It has now officially launched for retail in the UK, with a new name and updated packaging. Barista strategy The new launch comes …

more

Organisations and brands:

oddlygood rude health

© Oddlygood

Oddlygood Announces Acquisition of UK Plant-Based Drinks Brand Rude Health

Oddlygood, a Finnish plant-based food and drink company, has announced the acquisition of British brand Rude Health as it seeks to expand its presence in the competitive UK and European plant-based markets. The acquisition, for an undisclosed amount, supports Oddlygood’s mission to become a leading player in the plant-based sector across the UK and Europe, and follows the company’s purchase of Nordic plant-based brand Planti in 2023, which expanded its footprint in Sweden’s spoonable snacks and Finland’s cooking product sectors. Rude Health, founded in 2005 by Camilla and Nick Barnard, started as a home-based venture and has since evolved into a recognized UK brand in plant-based drinks, cereals, and snacks. Known for its focus on high-quality ingredients, the company has expanded its distribution to major …

more

Organisations and brands:

Maya Jama invests in Sproud

© Charlie Sarsfield/Sproud

TV Presenter Maya Jama Becomes Investor & Co-Owner of Plant Milk Brand Sproud

Award-winning British television presenter and entrepreneur Maya Jama has become an investor and co-owner of Swedish pea milk brand Sproud. Jama is a two-time British Vogue cover star and the face of global campaigns for Rimmel, Dolce & Gabbana, and Self-Portrait. She is known as the host of last year’s Fashion Awards, this year’s BRIT Awards, and the popular ITV series Love Island. Additionally, Jama was recognised on this year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 List. Following the investment, she will act as a strategic advisor and brand ambassador to Sproud, becoming the face of the company. “I’m really excited to become a co-owner of Sproud,” said Jama. “There’s a lot to love — the products taste amazing, and the packaging is eye-catching, too, but ultimately …

more

Organisations and brands:

Dreamfarm Ricotta

Image courtesy of Dreamfarm

Dreamfarm Launches Vegan Ricotta Crafted from Almonds and Cashews, First Into Italy Then Beyond

Dreamfarm, a startup from Parma known for fermenting nuts to craft nutritious cheese alternatives, announces the launch of its latest product development; a creamy vegan ricotta that launches next week into Italy’s Esselunga supermarkets, a chain that operates around 180 stores across the traditionally cheese-loving country. Speaking to vegconomist today, CEO Giovanni Menozzi reveals that the ricotta, crafted from a blend of almonds and cashews, will become available throughout Italy on the 28th of October and is then set to roll out into further EU markets. The new alternative is said to deliver the authentic flavor and creamy texture of ricotta and can be enjoyed independently or used in sweet and savory recipes, “adding a creamy touch and flavor to every dish.” For the launch, …

more

Organisations and brands:

Whole Moon

© Whole Moon

3 New Plant-Based Milks from GROUNDED, Whole Moon, and Edenesque Arrive on US Market

Three new plant-based milk products have recently launched in the US, signaling continued growth and diversification in the plant-based beverage market. Despite an eight percent decline in unit sales, the plant-based milk category remains the largest in the US plant-based sector, generating $2.9 billion in annual sales, according to Statista.  The segment continues to see innovation and expansion, with these new entries from GROUNDED, Whole Moon, and Edenesque prioritizing clean ingredients, nutritional benefits, and sustainable practices, as companies compete for a growing base of health-conscious consumers seeking alternatives to traditional dairy. This diversification includes the use of new ingredients like pistachios and watermelon seeds, as well as innovations in functionality to achieve that desired froth for coffee-based drinks.  Edenesque’s chef-crafted, mission-driven plant milks Edenesque, a …

more

Organisations and brands:

Supermarket shelves with alt milk courtesy ProVeg

Image courtesy ProVeg

As Plant Milk Tax Affects Sales, Aldi and Lidl Shrink Price Gap with Dairy in Netherlands

At Aldi and Lidl, you now pay almost as much for a litre of plant milk as for a litre of cow’s milk. This is the result of a price analysis by Wakker Dier for the Netherlands. “Many consumers choose a product based on price. Aldi and Lidl are therefore helping their customers to make a better choice,” says Collin Molenaar from Wakker Dier. At the beginning of this year, the price of plant-based milk rose due to the introduction of the oat milk tax. Wakker Dier sounded the alarm when sales of plant-based milk plummeted by seven percent. In May, a litre of cow’s milk was on average 91 cents cheaper than plant-based milk. Now the difference is smaller at 76 cents. At DekaMarkt, …

more

Oatly becomes official oat milk partner for Black Sheep Coffee

© Black Sheep Coffee

Oatly Becomes Official Oat Milk Partner for Black Sheep Coffee

Oatly has announced a multi-year collaboration with British coffeehouse chain Black Sheep Coffee, becoming the company’s official oat milk partner. Oatly Barista Edition is now available at all 100 Black Sheep Coffee locations UK-wide. To celebrate, the coffee chain has launched several drinks with Oatly as the named default option, including the Berry Protein Shake, Coffee & Banana Shake, and matcha drinks in the flavours Blueberry and Strawberries & Cream. Oatly will also be available across the menu for use in coffees, teas, and other hot drinks. Black Sheep Coffee has chosen the new larger format of Oatly Barista Edition, which comes in a 1.5L carton. The product was launched in June to provide an option for cafés and coffee shops that use large quantities …

more

Organisations and brands:

Yeast Protein: The Game-Changing Innovation Revolutionizing the Protein Industry

Angel Yeast, a leading global yeast manufacturer, has introduced a groundbreaking yeast protein solution that promises to revolutionize the alternative protein market. This innovation addresses key challenges in the plant-based protein sector, offering enhanced nutrition, improved flavor, and superior functionality. Nutritional Powerhouse Yeast protein is a kind of microbial protein with over 80% protein content. According to Winston Sun, Product Manager of Angel Yeast Europe, “Yeast protein is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce on its own.” This nutritional profile sets it apart from many plant-based proteins that often lack one or more essential amino acids. Sun highlights that yeast protein’s leucine content is comparable to whey protein, making it an excellent choice for muscle repair …

more

Organisations and brands:

Watermelon seed milk in a cold drink

© Força Foods

Força Foods Launches the “World’s First” Watermelon Seed Milk

Força Foods, a food company based in San Francisco focused on sustainable ingredients and water conservation, has launched an innovative and exciting alternative to milk claimed as a world’s first: watermelon seed milk. Branded as MILKish and available in original and vanilla flavors, the product is free from soy, nuts, and sugar and contains only 50 calories per serving. Created with a base of watermelon seed and a touch of pea protein, the plant milk contains no carrageenan or artificial flavors or colors. According to Força Foods, its dairy-free alternative is smooth, creamy, and delicious and provides a healthy choice for consumers. Besides being healthy and appealing, MILKish promotes itself as a fun way to enjoy morning cereal, dairy-free baking, and drinks — from cold …

more

Organisations and brands:

Kaiser frozen snacks

© Kaiser

Kaiser Launches Oat-Based Frozen Desserts in Quebec, Plans National Rollout

Kaiser, a new brand specializing in frozen oat-based desserts, has launched across select retailers in Quebec. The brand was developed by Nathan Kaiser, a Canadian farmer with extensive experience in small-batch oat production. Kaiser’s products cater to the increasing demand for oat-based alternatives in the dessert market, offering a range of vegan and gluten-free options, with a nationwide rollout planned by 2025. The range includes family-sized tubs and chocolate-dipped bars, with flavors such as Salted Caramel, Mint Chip, and Cookies & Cream. All the offerings are vegan, the majority of which are also gluten-free. These desserts are currently available at retailers, including Maxi, Magasin Pasquier, and Les 5 Saisons in Quebec. The brand aims to expand its availability to the Greater Toronto Area by the …

more

Organisations and brands:

Powering Up Plant-Based, Planet-Friendly Protein: With Vertis™ CanolaPRO®

What if a company could take one of the world’s most plentiful crops and unlock the previously inedible protein within to help the plant-based industry create a whole new generation of healthy and sustainable products? This is precisely what dsm-firmenich has achieved – in the form of Vertis™ CanolaPRO®, produced by joint venture Olatein. Derived from the canola plant, this sustainable plant protein packs greater nutrition into everything from dairy alternatives to meat & fish alternatives to sports nutritional bars and beverages. But importantly, it does all this while maintaining an appetizing taste and texture. So how did this all come about – and what does it mean for manufacturers? Sewing the seeds of success Famous for its distinctive, vivid yellow color, the canola plant …

more

Organisations and brands:

SunOpta dream oat milk

© SunOpta

SunOpta Shares Jump Over 4% as Dream Oatmilk Barista Lands in 6,700 Locations of Certain Well-Known Chain

SunOpta Inc. has announced that it will expand the distribution of its Dream Oatmilk Barista product to an additional 6,700 locations across North America starting in January 2025. The expansion is part of a partnership with an unnamed large coffee chain. While SunOpta has not officially disclosed the partner, investment firm DA Davidson has suggested that Starbucks is likely the partner, according to a report by TipRanks. Following the announcement, SunOpta’s stock saw a 4.4% increase, rising to CAD 8.62 ($6.32 USD) at the time of writing, according to MarketWatch. The increase in distribution will take advantage of SunOpta’s existing manufacturing infrastructure, including its oat extraction facility in Modesto, California, and a production site in Midlothian, Texas. Both facilities are expected to support the larger …

more

Organisations and brands:

Kwerky powdered plant milk

© Kwerky

KWERKY Develops Powdered Plant Milk Made From Oat and Pea Protein

British brand The Good Pea Company, known for producing milk alternatives made from split peas and coconut cream, has launched an offshoot range called KWERKY. The first new product offered under the brand will be a powdered plant milk made from a blend of oat and pea protein. The powder can be shaken with water to make plant-based milk, or added directly to drinks. It is shelf-stable and contains just five ingredients, with no added sugars, sweeteners, gums, or seed oils. The new product is said to provide a more sustainable alternative to ordinary plant-based milks, as it requires 90% less water and generates less packaging waste. It is also shelf stable, helping to prevent food waste and providing a lightweight option for those who …

more

Organisations and brands:

Oatly campaign convinces Brits to try oat milk in tea

Image credit Luke Ripley

New Oatly Campaign Aims to Convince Brits to Try Oat Milk in Tea

Oatly has launched a new 360 integrated campaign with the aim of convincing Brits that oat milk works in tea. While figures indicate that over half of UK coffee drinkers opt for oat milk, new research conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Oatly suggests that Brits are much more reluctant to try oat milk in their tea. In fact, just 4% of tea drinkers said they use a plant-based alternative, while 31% said they would be surprised to see someone drink tea with plant-based milk. The “It Works in Tea” campaign will feature OOH advertisements including billboards in Brighton, London, and Manchester, along with digital and in-store promotions and PR. It will also be advertised on Twitch, Spotify, Oatly’s social media channels, and Connected TV …

more

Organisations and brands:

load more