McDonald’s announced yesterday that from July 4 Yoplait Go-GURT Low-Fat Strawberry Yogurt will be available exclusively at stores nationwide as a side option in Happy Meals and Mighty Kids Meals.
The 2.25oz (66.5ml), 50 calorie Go-GURT yogurt contains 6g of sugar - 25% less than leading low-fat children's yogurts, including existing Go-GURT products. It is also a "good source of calcium and vitamin D," said McDonald's.
At stores, children will be given the choice of either Go-GURT or sliced apple, or can alternatively have both in place of fries. Since its addition to the Happy Meal and Mighty Kids Meal line-ups in March 2012, more than 1.1bn bags of apples slices have been served in the US.
With this in mind, the addition of Go-GURT to kids' menus stands to be lucrative for General Mills.
Speaking with DairyReporter.com, Bridget Christenson, spokesperson, General Mills, declined, however, to discuss the potential value of its contract with McDonald's.
She acknowledged, however, that it is a "great opportunity to reach a broader customer base with Go-GURT."
"No end date" for deal
Pressed on the length of the supply deal, which was not disclosed by McDonald's, Christenson said that a time limit is yet to be set.
“We are not able to provide that information,” she said. “It’s a new deal so there’s no end date.”
Yoplait's existing Go-GURT range includes a wide range of flavors, including Banana Split, Berry Blue Blast, Cool Cotton Candy, Strawberry Milkshake and Strawberry Banana Burst.
Having just secured the deal, Christenson said that currently there are "no plans at this time [for more flavors]."
McDonald's has meanwhile branded the addition of Go-GURT to its menu "the latest examples of McDonald's USA's ongoing dedication to children's nutrition and well-being."
“At McDonald’s, we’re always looking to bring fun and happiness to families and listening to our customers’ asks to have more variety and wholesome options for kids to enjoy in their Happy Meals,” said Julie Wenger, senior director of US marketing at McDonald’s.