8 interesting dairy drinks launched in 2017

The turmeric latte was arguably the beverage hit of 2017 and dairy drinks have been enjoying time in the spotlight as a result. Mintel Global Food and Drink Analyst Julia Büch, who will present international dairy trends at next week’s Molkereiforum in Munich, has selected some of the most interesting dairy drink launches from last year.

From ‘Wellness milk’ to carbonated soft drinks with dairy, here is a collection of new dairy product launches that showcase some of the most interesting new ingredients and trends in the dairy beverage sector.

Iconic Tumeric Ginger Protein Drink – USA

This drink symbolised an evolution of last year’s big trend, golden milk. The beverage is naturally flavoured, prominently features on pack that it provides 20g of protein, only 3g of sugar and 130 calories. It claims to be made with milk from grass-fed cows and to have only lean, clean and premium ingredients. The product is free from lactose, GMOs, gluten, soy, carrageenan, BPA and artificial ingredients, which is likely to appeal to both health conscious consumers and consumers of functional products.

Lotte Milkis Yogurt Flavoured Carbonated Soft Drink – USA

Lotte Milkis Original Refreshing Milk and Yogurt Flavor Carbonated Drink contains a 0.1% yogurt base and is said to provide a new feeling for soda beverages. The combination of carbonation and dairy can create a creamy texture that is rare in carbonated drinks. Novel texture innovations are primed to be ‘the next big thing’ according to Mintel’s 2018 Global Food & Drink Trend ‘New Sensations’. This innovative drink originally from South Korea is now available in America, showcasing a growing trend.

Fairlife Smart MilkShakes Creamy Strawberry Drink with Oats and Honey – USA

This lactose-free product provides 15g of high-quality dairy protein and 40% daily value of calcium. It is made from cows’ milk not treated with rBST and contains prebiotic fibre and vitamins C and E as antioxidants. According to the manufacturer, the milk can be traced back to the family farms that produced it and flows through soft filters to concentrate its goodness such as protein and calcium, while filtering out much of the natural sugar. The company claims that they provide extraordinary animal care.

Milfina Wohlfühlmilch Matcha Guarana Traubenzucker – Austria

This Wellness Milk with Matcha, Guarana & Dextrose contains calcium, is free from lactose and boasts on the bottle that it ‘will keep you fit at lunch’. This ultra heat-treated milk mix drink is made from partially skimmed milk. This drink combines trendy matcha with an additional energy boost from other natural ingredients. 73% of German consumers say that they prefer the benefits of natural foods.

Calpis Soda Rich Carbonated Lactic Drink – Japan

This limited edition product is made with skimmed milk powder, lactic acid bacteria and whey powder. Global launches of CSDs with dairy ingredients have grown between December 2012 and November 2017 – albeit from a small base. In Pakistan, for example, brands have encouraged consumers to use citrus CSD brands such as Sprite or Pakola when making doodh soda or milk soda. This is a popular drink made at home or at on-trade venues by combining a CSD or sparkling water with milk. In addition to marketing, companies are launching products in Asia Pacific, which accounts for 86% of CSD launches with dairy ingredients launched between Dec 2016 and Nov 2017.

Adagio Iogurte Liquido de Frutos Tropicais e Jindungo – Portugal

This on-the-go drinking yogurt is said to be naturally creamy, features selected tropical fruits, such as pineapple, orange, and passionfruit, as well as peri-peri, bringing spice to the otherwise sweet recipe. Food and drink manufacturers have benefitted from growing consumer demand for more intense sensory experiences, responding with innovation around novel textures, ingredients and spices. According to Mintel research, 43% of German consumers say that they like the combination of an unusual and a more usual flavour.

Mr. Probiotic Li Zhi Shan Zhu Huo Jun Xing Ru Suan Jun Yin Liao – China

This Lychee and Mangosteen flavoured active lactobacillus drink is said to contain 100 billion LGG imported lactobacillus from Finland. This is a probiotic found in dairy that promotes intestinal functions. According to recent Mintel data, digestive health is a priority for consumers. In Germany, for example, ‘‘improving or maintaining my digestive health” is the biggest driver behind the use of functional food and drink.

Dreaming Cow Lush Peach, Ginger, Pumpkin & Carrot Grass-fed Yogurt Drink – USA

This dairy drink is made from 100% pasture raised, barn-free and grass-fed cows that are not treated with hormones. This yogurt drink contains one full serving of veggies, 20 billion probiotics including BB-12 probiotics (which have been clinically proven to help support immune and digestive health), 12g protein and wholesome nutrition. The full fat milk yogurt drink is an excellent source of calcium, riboflavin, biotin, vitamin C, vitamin A and a good source of iron, potassium and vitamin B6. The health benefits, humane treatment of cows and the interesting flavour combination are all likely to appeal to consumers. As such, this drink combines the Mintel Global Food & Drink Trends Full Disclosure, Power to the Plants, Self-Fulfilling Practices and New Sensations.