Dairy brands continue to tap into demand for high‑protein nutrition, functional benefits, and playful, premium formats.
The creamer space also continues to expand, with a new entry from cottage cheese and ice cream major Lactaid.
We round up some of the products hitting the shelves and note brand partnerships that are elevating the category to new consumers.
Kraft’s high-protein cheese
Kraft Natural Cheese has introduced Protein Cheese Sticks, designed for consumers seeking convenient, high‑protein snacks.
Available in Mild Cheddar and Pepper Jack, each stick provides 17g of protein per serving and contains 50% less fat than Kraft Natural Cheese. The sticks offer the familiar flavor of classic Kraft cheese in a portable format, says the company.
“Consumers want snacks that fit seamlessly into busy routines while delivering real nutritional benefits,” said Amanda Vaal, director of Brand Marketing at Lactalis Heritage Dairy. “The new sticks deliver trusted Kraft quality with a satisfying protein boost.”
Lifeway’s new partnership
Lifeway Foods has introduced Power Play shake, a high‑protein, probiotic‑rich option for post-workout recovery.
Created in partnership with Barry’s, the shake features Lifeway’s Organic Plain Whole Milk Kefir blended with blue spirulina, chia seeds, almond milk, vanilla whey protein, granola, and blueberries.
Lifeway is also launching a kefir smoothie bowl bar to Barry’s Hamptons studios this summer to offer more probiotic‑focused post‑workout options.
Münsterland releases canned milk drinks
Over in Europe, Ball Corporation has teamed up with Münsterland to release a special-edition range of flavoured milk drinks inspired by the latest SpongeBob SquarePants film.
The collaboration brings three collectible 250ml slim cans to retailers across Germany, each featuring one of the franchise’s iconic characters: SpongeBob on banana flavour, Patrick on strawberry, and Sandy Cheeks on chocolate.
Münsterland worked with Paramount Pictures to develop the limited-edition series, which combines familiar tastes with a playful sense of nostalgia.Designed using Ball’s advanced printing capabilities, the cans blend vibrant character artwork with engaging on-pack storytelling to elevate shelf presence and consumer appeal.
Lactaid enters the creamer aisle
Back in the US, Lactaid is expanding into coffee creamers, launching three classic flavors: French vanilla, caramel, and sweet cream.
Each creamer is made with only five ingredients and contains no artificial flavors or gums.
