What’s new in dairy? NPD round-up

Treasure Cave introduces Mild Blue Cheese

Saputo USA brand Treasure Cave has added a new blue cheese flavor that offers ‘gentler, milder offering than traditional blue cheese’, the company said.

“We've always celebrated blue cheese's unique qualities but we know those qualities can also make our beloved blue polarizing,” said Jenny Englert, Saputo USA marketing director. “With our new Mild Blue Cheese, we're now offering a wider spectrum of flavors with varying intensity so apprehensive consumers can decide for themselves exactly how adventurous they want their plates and their palates to be by dialing down the bolder flavor notes.”

Available in wedges and crumbles, the cheese has a smooth texture and buttery mouthfeel ideal for consumers that wish to expand their flavor palates but are hesitant to try blue cheese due to its traditionally bold flavor.

The cheese is available in grocery retailers across the US.

Murray’s Cheese pairs with Sarah Jessica Parker

New York City specialty cheese retailer has released three cheeses designed to pair with the wine range of actor Sarah Jessica Parker.

Young Manchego, Estate Gouda and Taleggio are available in more than 1,200 Murray’s shops within select Kroger stores. The cheeses complement well the flavors of Parker’s Invivo X, SJP Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé and Pinot Noir. Invivo X, SJP is the fastest growing Sauvignon Blanc in value in the premium $15-20 category, according to Nielsen data covering 52 weeks ending March 23, 2024.

The partnership has also yielded a fourth new product – a wine-infused cave-aged cheese, available only via Murray’s website and at the retailer’s NYC shops. Named Cobblestone in a nod to West Village’s historic winding streets, the limited-edition cheese is made from cow’s milk and blended with Invivo X, SJP Sauvignon Blanc, lending the cheese subtle hints of lime and passionfruit.

Wensleydale Creamery’s Cointreau-infused truckle

The UK’s Wensleydale Creamery has also paired cheese with alcohol for its new festive truckle.

The limited edition flavor combines zesty orange with a touch of Cointreau. There’s cranberries of course and Wensleydale’s soft yet crumbly creaminess, all wrapped up in a wax truckle.

The 200g cheese is available in Sainsbury’s, Booths (from mid-November) and independent retailers.

GoodPop returns to dairy

Frozen yogurt brand GoodPop has launched two new dairy-based SKUs for the first time

expanded its line of better-for-you ice cream brands with two new flavors – Strawberry Shortcake and Cookies ‘n’ Cream.

Available at Whole Foods Market in boxes of six, the bars are made with grass-fed organic dairy, fairtrade cocoa and organic berries.

The release is a rare dairy-based addition to GoodPop’s otherwise largely dairy-free portfolio of frozen desserts – with company founder Daniel Goetz stating that the brand had previously struggled to find ‘a dairy supplier that met our high quality standards’. “Until now,” he added in a statement to the press.

“In partnership with a group of small, family-run dairy farms, we're proud to offer our new ice cream bars made with organic, grass-fed dairy as a cleaned-up version of a favorite childhood treat.

“We already know that the majority of our customers enjoy both dairy and non-dairy treats, and for this reason have always wanted to provide them with both options.”

GoodPop's Cookies n' Cream and Strawberry Shortcake retail at $8.99 for 6 bars at Whole Foods Market stores in the US.

Sproud’s Barista Zero milk alternative

In the dairy alternatives space, Swedish company Sproud has launched a sugar-free milk alternative that’s touted to provide a neutral taste, twice as much protein than oatmilk, and long-lasting foam for coffee-making while being low-carbon and free from major allergens.

The pea-based milk alternative debuted at the European Coffee Symposium in Berlin, Germany in November 2024 and is already used by coffee chain Joe & The Juice.

Sara Berger, CEO of Sproud, said: “We’re confident that Barista ZERO not only meets the expectations of professional baristas, but also supports consumers increasingly seeking low-sugar alternatives in the plant-based category. As the newest product in our pea-based milk alternative lineup, Barista ZERO reinforces our commitment to manufacturing plant-based milk alternatives that balance health, taste, and environmental responsibility.”

Sproud's products are sold globally, including in the UK, where it is sold in supermarkets such as Waitrose and Ocado, via its own e-commerce and on Amazon, as well as in coffee shops.

Chobani and La Colombe’s Christmas line-up

Greek yogurt maker Chobani and coffee roaster La Colombe unveiled a seasonal range of dairy and dairy-free creamers, beverages and desserts.

This includes a new Chobani Apple Pue Dairy Coffee Creamer – a flavor that consumer research carried out by the company suggests will be the most sought-after this holiday season.

Chobani and La Colombe are also releasing limited-edition yogurts, oatmilk and RTD Draft Latte beverages while also bringing back Holiday Nog in both dairy and dairy-free SKUs. The latter will be offered at all La Colombe cafes on tap and in coffee drinks.