Innovation in dairy and plant-based categories shows no signs of slowing, with brands doubling down on flavor trends and convenience.
From indulgent coffee creamers to protein-rich staples and barista-inspired beverages, NPD is increasingly focused on versatility, premiumization, and tapping into emerging consumer cravings.
Chobani strengthens coffee creamer line-up
Greek yogurt maker Chobani has launched three refrigerated coffee creamers.
The company is expanding its permanent portfolio with Confetti Birthday Cake – previously sold for a limited time only – and Toasted Coconut Vanilla, while also introducing Chocolate Covered Strawberry as a seasonal option.
The limited-edition Chocolate Covered Strawberry is made with Dutch cocoa and complements other Chobani products such as the Flip Chocolate Covered Strawberry and La Colombe’s Strawberry Mocha Draft Latte.
Rolling out in January in 24oz bottles, the trio join the company’s coffee creamer range that includes Sweet Cream, Vanilla, Hazelnut, Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Macchiato, Cinnamon Coffee Cake, and another limited-time flavor, Cookie Butter.
Pacific Foods’ pistachio fare for foodservice
Pacific Foods is expanding its Barista series range with a plant-based Pistachio milk alternative.
Designed for both hot and cold coffee applications and developed alongside professional baristas, the product is being introduced in response to the global pistachio flavor trend.
According to the company, demand for pistachio-flavored milk has grown 27.3% in the past year with nearly 60% increase in social media mentions. Around 13% of consumers are also keen to pay a premium for pistachio-flavored milk and 30% are more likely to visit cafés offering this option, according to market research quoted by Pacific Foods.
The product is now available through foodservice distributors in the US.
Arla launches cottage cheese
Arla has introduced a new range of cottage cheese products in the UK. Available from all major grocery retailers, Arla Cottage Cheese has been developed for everyday versatility. It can be used on toast, in bakes and sauces, or as a high-protein topping. The company says its product has a “clean, creamy taste and a lightly set, spoonable texture”.
Two flavor and format options are available – Natural and Low Fat Natural, in 500g and 300g pots.
Stuart Ibberson, Arla brand director, said: “Cottage cheese is back on shoppers’ radar for good reasons – taste, versatility and protein. With Arla Cottage Cheese, we’re bringing the reassurance and reach of the Arla masterbrand to help retailers trade the fixture up, recruit younger shoppers and unlock repeat through everyday usage.”
Oatly’s RTD iced coffee
Alt milk brand Oatly has been expanding its Barista and flavored plant-based milk options recently, including launching a foodservice-friendly version of its Barista style oatmilk.
Now, the company has ventured into RTD coffee itself.
Available from UK grocer Tesco, Oatly Barista Iced Flat White and Caramel Macchiato are the brand’s first ever RTD coffee products.
They have been formulated to combine arabica coffee and oatmilk and target on-the-go consumers.
Bryan Carroll, general manager at Oatly, told The Grocer Gen Z is “driving the surge in cold formats – a trend that continues to remain a cultural movement”.
The two products – sold in 235ml cans – can be stored at room temperature but are recommended to be served chilled.
Malk expands plant-based creamer range
US alt dairy brand Malk has introduced a new line of coconut-based creamers.
Designed for coffee and other everyday morning rituals, the line-up offers clean-label options with fewer ingredients than traditional plant-based dairy alternatives on the market.
Available in Vanilla, Sweet Cream, and Unsweetened, the new line is made with coconut milk as the base and each creamer is certified USDA Organic, non-GMO, and glyphosate residue-free.
