Across cultured dairy, plant-based yogurt, cheese and ice cream, brands are responding to growing demand for probiotics, higher‑protein options and bold, distinctive taste profiles.
Here’s what some of the industry’s key players have released in the past month.
Lifeway bolsters functional dairy line-up
US cultured dairy major Lifeway Foods is launching two cultured dairy innovations to tap into the broader rise in fermented dairy and consumer interest in protein, probiotics and functional foods.
Muscle Mates is a lactose-free, ready-to-drink 8oz beverage containing 20g of protein, creatine and live probiotic cultures, aimed at consumers seeking both sports nutrition and digestive support. It will roll out nationwide across grocery, fitness centres and select retailers.
Meanwhile, the Probiotic Kefir Butter range – available Available in Unsalted, Sea Salt and Honey Butter flavors – blends traditional butter-making with kefir cultures to offer a probiotic-rich, lower-lactose spread suitable for cooking or topping.
The Laughing Cow’s new flavored wedges
The Laughing Cow has expanded its portioned cheese wedge line-up with a new Dill Pickle flavour: reflecting the rapid growth of pickle profiles across snacks and dips. Bel USA says dill pickle has become one of the fastest-growing US flavour trends, making the addition a strategically timed extension of the brand’s flavoured portfolio.
It also expands the brand’s existing line-up, which includes Original, Light, Garlic & Herb, Aged White Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Smoked Gouda, Jalapeño plus two plant-based varieties.
Each wedge offers 2g of protein and 25 calories. The range is available in the US nationwide at retailers including Publix, Albertsons, Stop & Shop, Jewel-Osco and Hy‑Vee.
Emmi modernises Bettine
Emmi Group cheese brand Bettine has introduced a new packaging design across its UK goat’s cheese range as it seeks to modernise the brand and broaden everyday usage. The new look features stronger brand blocking, clearer product navigation and bolder colour cues to help differentiate SKUs on shelf. The update coincides with continued value growth across its Goat’s Cheese Slices and Goat’s Cheese Pearls, which have risen 22% year-on-year as shoppers look for protein-rich cheeses suited to multiple mealtime applications, says the company.
Available from late February in Waitrose, Ocado and independent cheese shops, the line includes Goat’s Cheese Slices (125g) and Goat’s Cheese Pearls (100g).
Forager expands dairy-free flavored yogurt
US brand Forager Project has expanded its dairy-free Greek yogurt range to tap into growing demand from higher-protein plant-based dairy alternatives. The new products comprise four 5oz flavoured cups: Strawberry Rhubarb, Mango Passion Fruit, Vanilla Cinnamon and Summer Berry, plus a new 24oz Vanilla multipack tub.
The expanded range is made from a blend of organic cashews, coconut milk and rice protein rather than pea protein, resulting in 10g of plant-based protein per cup without oils, gums or fillers.
Each product is USDA Organic, vegan and free from dairy, gluten and soy, and contains live probiotics. The range is available nationwide at Whole Foods Market and Sprouts.
Ben & Jerry’s rolls out new Sundaes
Ben & Jerry’s has added three new Sundaes flavours on the back of strong performance of the range in 2025.
Sundaes combine traditional Ben & Jerry’s chunks and swirls with an additional whipped topping layer and extra inclusions, designed to replicate a full sundae experience straight from the freezer.
The new flavours rolling out nationwide are Straw‑Bae Shortcake (sweet cream ice cream with shortcake cookies and strawberry swirls), PB Blondie Bestie (peanut butter ice cream with blonde brownies and graham swirls) and Mocha Mood Pie (chocolate cold brew ice cream with chocolate cookies, featuring coffee from BLK & Bold).
Each includes a flavoured whipped topping with complementary toppings.
