News & Analysis on the Dairy Industry & Markets
Demand for drinks promising everything from gut health to better sleep is soaring, but brands face growing pressure to back up their claims with robust science and regulatory compliance
Will the use of whey in trending foods and beverages have a knock-on effect on essential categories?
With interest in bone health rising, manufacturers can leverage key ingredients and nutrient combinations to meet demand
As protein expands beyond sports nutrition into everyday foods, having tailored dairy proteins designed for different health outcomes is key
Researchers have developed a new process for converting whey into bioethanol, opening up a potential new market for a dairy byproduct already experiencing soaring demand
As oral GLP-1s sweep across Europe and the US, research suggests they may do far more than curb appetite
IFT FIRST
By preserving naturally occurring milk exosomes that conventional processing often destroys, biotech startup Exosomm says it can help manufacturers deliver clinically relevant bioactive benefits without compromising food safety, shelf life or scalability
Stress-relief drinks are fast becoming one of the hottest categories in functional beverages, as consumers seek products that support relaxation, mood and emotional wellbeing
Functional ingredients are shaping product launches across food and beverage
IFT FIRST
After years of optimizing protein concentration, ingredient suppliers are shifting the focus toward solutions that deliver broader benefits ranging from satiety and metabolic health to sensory performance and formulation flexibility
Whey is used widely in the food sector, but limited availability may lead manufacturers towards different options
Yili is blending traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), flavour innovation and age-friendly design to for elderly nutrition products in China’s ageing market
Pioneers
Milk already boasts an impressive nutritional profile, but can it compete with kefir, kombucha and protein shakes? Four Leaves Co’s award-winning functional milk offers one answer
Boardroom drama aside, Lifeway Foods’ diversified cultured dairy portfolio is the backbone of the entire US kefir market
Lactose-free dairy is one of the sector’s biggest growth opportunities. Here’s why…
Summer Fancy Food Show
Consumer demand for more targeted digestive benefits for different usage occasions is driving innovation across yogurt, fermented foods and traditional botanicals, while raising the stakes for education
Lactoferrin is breaking into the mainstream as precision fermentation makes the ‘miracle molecule’ scalable, animal-free and more affordable
Summer Fancy Food Show 2026
Consumers are cutting sugar with confidence and chasing protein with confusion, while generational divides over where protein belongs are reshaping the trend
Shopper satisfaction dips nine percentage points, as consumers reduce spending year over year
From WPC80 to lactoferrin, dairy companies globally are investing in premium protein capacity to capture growth in the high-end sports nutrition and functional food space
GLP‑1 adoption is scaling rapidly and the brands that win are focusing on delivering nutrition for broader appeal rather than a niche segment
The French company aims to boost APAC expansion with major new acquisition
As formulators race to stabilise creatine for RTD formats, the ingredient is moving beyond sports nutrition into mainstream wellness, yet evidence gaps and dosing challenges could shape its true potential
Winning brands balance health, indulgence and convenience
Danone, Nestlé and Lactalis have all jumped onto the ‘smart food’ bandwagon via bolt-on acquisitions. Why is the segment so strategically important?
Lifestyle nutrition has become a major CPG bet – and dairy’s richest player just took a slice
For Muscle Milk, the challenge – and opportunity – is to meet consumers’ varied needs with simplicity and nutrient density
Nutrition biotechnology company Helaina is partnering with Nestlé to combine the food and beverage giant’s expertise in early-life nutrition and product development with Helaina’s novel protein-production technology.
Opinion
With Arla and DMK merged, Europe’s whey processing power will be even more formidable
With global audiences shifting to digital and wellness on the rise, is dairy ready to compete with Big Soda for World Cup visibility?
Pioneers
Cottage cheese isn’t just disrupting the fresh aisle – it’s scooping out its own niche in frozen, too
As the company expands its ambient protein shakes range in North America, it quietly backs an emerging category. Would consumers respond?
From flavour and functionality to fun: here are the five crucial areas every functional beverage must address
Cottage cheese is being reinvented through new formats, younger consumers and rising global demand – and brands are only just getting started
The dairy giant has announced a major investment programme to accelerate growth in whey proteins.
Pioneers
Alterego is positioning itself as a bold new force in UK cottage cheese. Here’s how the female‑led brand is building momentum
Consumers want protein – but they demand drinks that taste good
Danone leads the high-protein yogurt space in the US. Now, it’s branching into new categories and formats
Protein demand has been a boon for dairy – but there’s more to GLP-1-friendly formulation than meets the eye
Infant formula was a drag on Q1 2026 sales but high-protein dairy, functional waters and medical nutrition tipped the balance into positive territory
Drinks are a new frontier for protein innovation
Functional drinks have traditionally concentrated on the body. The next frontier is exploring brain health, cognition, focus, stress-relief and mental wellbeing
Once dismissed as dull, fibre is now reshaping global food and drink innovation
Kerry has expanded its biotechnology manufacturing hub facility in Ireland, as it looks to support the next phase of growth in lactose free and reduced sugar dairy.
What are the forces shaping the functional drinks of the future?
Ultrafiltered dairy offers a rare mix of growth, margin and modern wellness appeal. Where’s the category headed?
Opinion
Danone was once in hot pursuit of a Lifeway acquisition. Now, the dairy major looks more likely to exit the business
Fibre, gut health and clean labels are driving the next wave of functional foods – and Danone explains how nutrition science and consumer expectations are converging
Gut health soda Poppi is ‘prebiotic’ in the US, but ‘high fibre’ in the UK. What is going on?
Kids and teens power next growth phase for functional foods and beverages