Silk, one of North America’s leading plant-based beverage brands, is questioning breakfast loyalties with an unconventional campaign aimed at settling a long-standing debate: Is dairy milk truly the best choice for cereal? According to the company, during a recent national taste test, 7 out of 10 dairy drinkers said they preferred Silk Vanilla Almondmilk in their cereal. Now Silk is taking its case directly to skeptics in a high-profile New York City event.
“Our hope is that even more people discover the delicious taste of Silk through this experience”
The campaign, dubbed “Cereal Liar,” invites participants who claim to prefer dairy milk to take a lie detector test while sampling both Silk and dairy options with their cereal. The event, set for January 9—two days before National Milk Day—is designed not just to promote Silk’s product but to challenge perceptions about plant-based milk in a dramatic and public forum.
Kallie Goodwin, senior vice president of plant-based beverages at Danone North America, sees the campaign as an opportunity to reach untapped audiences. “Of course, we’re proud of the national taste test results that show Silk Vanilla Almondmilk is the best pairing with a bowl of cereal, but our hope is that even more people discover the delicious taste of Silk through this experience,” Goodwin notes.
The campaign comes at a pivotal moment for Silk and the plant-based beverage industry. With plant-based alternatives gaining ground in the dairy aisle, traditional milk has faced declining sales. Silk is betting that its Vanilla Almondmilk’s creamy texture and nutritional profile can appeal not only to plant-based enthusiasts but also to dairy drinkers who might otherwise dismiss non-dairy options.
“Everyone loves a good scandal”
Reality TV star Phaedra Parks will host the event, bringing her expertise in spotting deception to the breakfast table. Known for her ability to navigate scandals on-screen, Parks will guide participants through the polygraph-monitored taste test, while veteran polygraph examiner John Grogan ensures the results are accurate.
“Everyone loves a good scandal,” Parks notes, “and this time, the drama is about breakfast. We’re exposing who’s truly committed to their dairy claims—and who might be bluffing.”
Event details
Participants who successfully defend their preference for dairy milk will walk away with $50, but those who fail the polygraph will earn the title of “Cereal Liar,” a playful jab meant to highlight the credibility of Silk’s taste claims.
The “Cereal Liar” event will take place at 242 Elizabeth Street in New York City from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, where participants will have the chance to test their cereal preferences in real-time, complete with lie detector results. The event is open to the public, making it both a marketing campaign and a genuine invitation for consumers to engage with the brand.
