General Mills to reduce sugar in Yoplait Original by 25%, increase protein by 1g
Commenting on the reformulation in a post at the Taste of General Mills blog, the Minneapolis-based firm said: “The lower sugar recipe is also lower in calories, moving from 170 to 150 calories.”
The protein is also being increased, said General Mills, which replaced high fructose corn syrup with sugar two years ago: “The brand will now be using more milk in the Original recipe, which actually increases the protein in a 6-ounce cup of yogurt by one gram, from 5 grams to 6 grams.”
Asked how the sugar reduction had been achieved, and whether the reformulated product tasted different, Mike Siemienas, manager, brand media relations at General Mills, told FoodNavigator-USA that no high intensity sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit had been added:
"While the product does have a slightly different taste, we did extensive consumer testing to ensure that consumers still love the taste and texture of Yoplait Original yogurt.
"The number one goal was to continue to provide consumers with a great tasting yogurt while reducing the amount of sugar. As part of the reformulation, we added more milk. This addition allows us to maintain a smooth and creamy texture consumers have come to expect from Yoplait Original yogurt, and also delivers more protein.
"Here are the updated nutritionals for Yoplait Original with 25% less sugar:
- Protein increases from 5g to 6g per 6 oz. cup;
- Calories decrease from 170 calories per 6 oz. cup to 150 calories per 6 oz. cup;
- Fat increases from 1.5g to 2g per 6 oz. cup;
- Yoplait Original still contains colors, flavors and sweeteners from natural sources and no high fructose corn syrup."
Get more details HERE about the reformulated products - which hit shelves next month.
