Milo minus the milk

By Jim Cornall

- Last updated on GMT

The new Milo replaces milk powder with soy and oats.
The new Milo replaces milk powder with soy and oats.

Related tags Milo Nestlé Milk

As people are including more plant-based alternatives in their diet, Nestlé is launching plant-based versions of some of its global brands.

That now includes the world’s leading cocoa malt beverage, Milo.

Nestlé Australia is introducing a plant-based version of the powder that was first introduced in 1934.

The new Milo replaces milk powder with soy and oats. The core ingredients are the same as the original Milo – malt, barley and cocoa.

The product is also lower in sugar compared to original Milo and has a combination of vitamins and minerals to support effective energy release. The new Milo gives people a plant-based option, alongside the original, reduced-sugar and extra protein versions.

Trevor Clayton, head of the dairy business unit at Nestlé, said, "People are looking to vary their diets with more plant-based options, including to lower their environmental footprint and for health reasons.

“We already have some great plant-based products and are now adding one of our biggest global brands with Milo. We’re continuing to make good on our promise to offer consumers food that is right for them and right for the planet."

The new Milo follows other recent launches of plant-based beverages. Nestlé in Brazil introduced oat- and pea-based Ninho Forti + in December 2019 in a ready-to-drink carton with a paper straw. The US saw the launch of Nesquik GoodNes in January, based on oat and pea protein with the great chocolate milk flavor of Nesquik.

The need for plant-based dairy alternatives that taste good and offer strong nutritionals is rising, as more families are following a flexitarian diet that is lighter on meat and dairy products. Many consumers cite environmental reasons, as plant-based products are produced with lower emissions, land- and water usage.

Related topics Manufacturers Dairy Beverages Nestlé

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