‘Veganuary’ drives plant-based dairy-alternative launches

13-Jan-2020 - Last updated on 14-Jan-2020 at 11:32 GMT

“DHA Omega-3 helps support brain health for people of all ages and represents a simple way that consumers can make a healthy choice."

Eating healthier is a common New Year's resolution that brands like to capitalize on every year. New plant-based dairy alternatives are kicking off 2020, trying to tap into the oat, almond and coconut-based craze that’s challenging the dairy industry.

Veganuary started as a movement in the UK in 2014 to educate the public on veganism by encouraging them to cut out meat and dairy in January. But whether vegan or flexitarian, there is no doubt that plant-based alternatives have a strong share in the US market.

Silk and Blue Diamond

Silk is expanding its lineup of plant-based milk-alternative products with a DHA Omega-3 option. It is launching nationwide this month with Original and Unsweetened flavors, with a base blend of oat, almond and pea protein.

The beverages are said to have 50% more calcium than the average dairy milk, with 6g of pea protein and 32mg of DHA per serving. They will be a part of the Silk Protein beverage portfolio, which already includes Original, Vanilla and Chocolate flavors.

David Robinson, senior brand manager for Silk, said, “Silk DHA Omega-3 is the latest example of our ongoing dedication to offer a delicious and diverse array of plant-based products that each deliver their own unique benefits.

“DHA Omega-3 helps support brain health for people of all ages and represents a simple way that consumers can make a healthy choice that meets their individual needs.”

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze has a new dairy-free coffee creamer in the US. The Sweet Crème Almondmilk Creamer joins its Vanilla and Unsweetened Original vegan creamers.

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Sweet Crème is sold in 32oz bottles with 15 calories per serving. Blue Diamond has several almond-based milk alternatives, milk blends and yogurt alternatives.

Starbucks and Nesquik

Starbucks has added a few permanent drinks to its US menu featuring plant-based milk alternatives. The new Almondmilk Honey Flat White and Coconutmilk Latte will be available nationally and year round, while the Oatmilk Honey Latte is now testing regionally in the Midwest.

Raegan Powell, product developer at Starbucks, said, “We started with the coffee. Starbucks Blonde Espresso pairs well with the lighter texture of milk alternatives, especially almondmilk. It’s a little bit nuttier, so it complements the almond-based milk.

“Customers are looking for more ways to personalize their beverages. We love how the nuanced flavor you get with plant-based milks pairs with espresso, either hot or iced. It’s a new way to start your new year.”

Known for its chocolate milk products, Nestle’s Nesquik brand is branching into oat-based milk alternatives for the first time. The Chocolate GoodNes drink is set to launch later this month in multiserves.

It is said to be a blend of oat and pea protein, with 40% less sugar than chocolate almond drinks and 6g of protein per serving. This will be Nesquik’s first foray into plant-based milk-alternatives, though it has made moves recently to keep up with the health and wellness-focused consumer.

The brand’s protein forward beverages include the Protein Power line and the adjacent Jacked Rabbit products. Nesquik also reformulated its classic milks in 2015, cutting back on sugar and artificial flavors and colors.