Golden Milk Overnight Oats, Strawberry Banana Bread, Protein Smoothie Bowl, Toasted Coconut Pancakes – does it get any better to start the day?
These delicious treats are proof that breakfast really can be the most important – and accessible – meal of the day. With over a third of Americans being dairy-sensitive – and a milk allergy is a big deal for almost 2% of kids – having tasty, nutritious options is more important than ever. Especially as breakfast isn’t just about fuelling up; it’s a key player in boosting memory, focus and overall performance for kids.
However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five kids skips breakfast every day for a mix of reasons: like picky eating, crazy mornings and even income inequality. And for kids in underprivileged communities, the challenges are even bigger.
That’s why Silk is teaming up with the National WIC Association and American actor Jeremy Renner’s Camp RennerVation. His camp is all about giving foster kids the chance to just be kids – building confidence, making friends and soaking up the joy of nature. It’s about normalcy and helping these kids see what’s possible when they’re supported and cared for.
And right on cue, Silk’s parent company Danone has launched something super exciting: Silk Kids. The plant-based beverage is a gamechanger, designed for kids ages 5 and up. Packed with 8g of protein per serving, half the sugar of regular milk and a creamy, kid-approved taste, it’s the right way for dairy-sensitive kids (or anyone) looking for a nutritious way to kick off their day.
For this episode of Quick Bites, we caught up with Kallie Goodwin, senior VP of Plant-Based Beverages at Danone North America, to find out how Silk is busting some of the stereotypes around plant-based products.
What sets Silk apart from other brands in the plant-based category?
As a pioneer in plant-based beverages since 1977, Silk has continuously led the category with innovative offerings that deliver on taste, nutrition and accessibility. Our portfolio includes options for all ages, with recent innovations like Silk Kids – a plant-based beverage developed with paediatricians for kids aged 5 and up. The oatmilk and peamilk blend contains 8g of protein per serving and 50% less sugar than dairy milk, making it a nutritious and delicious choice parents can trust.
How are you engaging consumers and changing the way they see plant-based foods?
We’re focused on showing people that plant-based options aren’t just nutritious – they’re easy and enjoyable, too. With our Feel Planty Good campaign, we’re making it clear how seamlessly Silk can fit into everyday life, whether it’s for breakfasts, smoothies or snacks.
For too long, the plant-based category has been weighed down by old ‘tropes’: questions about taste, whether the whole family will like it or confusion around nutritional value. We’re flipping that script by demonstrating that plant-based products can be an effortless, delicious addition to anyone’s daily routine. By emphasising the practical benefits, we’re breaking down outdated ideas that plant-based products are niche or hard to use.
It’s all about making plant-based feel natural, approachable and, most importantly, enjoyable for everyone, whether you’re dairy sensitive, looking for a lower-calorie alternative or want an eco-friendly option.
How is Silk addressing the barriers to nutritious breakfasts for children, particularly in underserved communities?
One in five children skip breakfast daily, often due to factors like income inequality or time constraints. Silk is committed to tackling these barriers by offering accessible products through diverse channels, including dollar stores, club stores and mass retailers. Our packaging ranges from the convenient on-the-go 8oz container to the everyday half gallon and even the 96oz bulk bottle, ensuring families can find a product that fits their needs.
Furthermore, more than one-third of Americans are dairy sensitive, making lactose-free alternatives a key driver of category growth. We know nearly three in four parents who buy plant-based beverages are interested in getting plant-based options for their kids. The challenge, though, has been finding a plant-based milk that balances a taste that kids love with the nutrition that parents want.
That’s where Silk Kids comes in, delivering nutrition designed to support growing bodies, a creamy flavour kids crave, at an accessible price point. One standout feature is our PlantyKids Vitamin & Mineral Bundle, which includes essential nutrients like vitamin D, potassium, riboflavin, phosphorus, chlorine and iodine – a mineral typically found in dairy but rarely in plant-based milk.
Can you elaborate on Danone North America’s partnership with the National WIC Association?
This partnership is a cornerstone of our commitment to making plant-based nutrition more accessible to everyone. Through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), we provide resources and WIC-eligible products to support healthy eating habits in low-income families. By combining education with access, we aim to nourish lives and inspire healthier communities.
Tell us about Silk’s partnership with Jeremy Renner and his Camp RennerVation.
Jeremy Renner is a long-time fan of Silk and shares our commitment to wellness and community support. After initially partnering with him for our Big Game debut in February this year, this partnership with his RennerVation Foundation allows us to also align with their mission of bringing joy and growth opportunities to foster children and at-risk youth.
This collaboration is a natural extension of Silk’s goal to empower families through education about nutrition and access to plant-based options.
What’s next for Silk?
While I can’t reveal specific launches just yet, I can say that innovation remains at the heart of what we do. We’re continually exploring new ways to deliver on consumer demands and we’re excited to expand the power of plants to more families in the near future.
Study:
Storhaug CL, Fosse SK, Fadnes LT. Country, regional, and global estimates for lactose malabsorption in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet. Gastroenterology & Hepatology. 2017;2(10):738-746.
Abrams EM, Kim H, Gerds J, et al. Milk allergy most burdensome in multi-food allergic children. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology. 2020;3 (7): 827-834.
Terry A, Wambogo E, Ansai N, Ahluwalia N. Breakfast Intake Among Children and Adolescents: United States, 2015-2018. NCHS Data Brief No. 386, October 2020.