The new solution, the first of its kind, uses Nutrilac YO-4575, a 100% natural whey protein, to give unrefrigerated yogurts a premium positioning with all-natural ingredients.
Nutrilac YO-4575 is heat stable and has texturizing properties. It keeps ambient products smooth and stable throughout shelf life without the need for additives or preservatives, the company said.
Yogurt sales are growing faster in China than anywhere else in the world, with ambient yogurt the fastest growing segment in the country’s liquid dairy market. The category, which accounted for almost 30% of China’s entire yogurt market in 2019 (Innova Database, 2020) has seen a significantly higher growth rate than either chilled yogurts or liquid milks (Mintel, 2019).
Meanwhile, Lindberg International research (Organic Foods – Customer Insights China, 2019) shows “made with real ingredients” and “no artificial flavor/colors” are the most important claims for Chinese consumers.
There is therefore clear potential for unrefrigerated yogurts with clean labels, Arla Food Ingredients said, and to help manufacturers meet this need, it has created an ambient stirred yogurt concept with 3% protein containing five all-natural ingredients.
Torben Jensen, senior category manager, FDP, at Arla Foods Ingredients, said, “Ambient yogurts with a natural label are looking more and more like a major opportunity to capture a slice of China’s growing yogurt market. But to be part of this journey, manufacturers need to offer something different.
“Clean-label products are the perfect way for brands to differentiate in the category, while tapping into demand for premium products. We’re proud to have developed the first clean label ambient yogurt. Our concept is delicious, convenient and made with all-natural ingredients. It offers a premium edge, with an ideal texture, fresh taste and great stability.”
To highlight the concept’s flavor possibilities, Arla Foods Ingredients is offering it in three varieties: vanilla, peach and green tea. In addition to flavoring, the yogurt contains skimmed milk, cream (38% fat), Nutrilac YO-4575, sugar and native tapioca starch.