Oolie uses less-than-perfect eggs left over from parent company HBF Foods’ production to make egg-based yogurts and dips that are sustainable, rich in protein and dairy-free.
According to SPINS Data Analyst Evonne Chan, the dips category is incredibly competitive, making market differentiation key.
“However, there is always space for innovation, from interesting flavors to clean ingredients, consumers are always looking for small ways they can change up their regular rotation,” says Chan, adding that many consumers seek simpler ingredients and avoid thickeners.
SPINS data reports that the dips category had more than $2 billion in revenue in the 52 weeks ending June 16 last year.
Supply chain nightmare solved
Eggs are a supply chain nightmare with huge price flux, so how does Oolie manage this challenge? The simple answer comes from its partnership with a network of small family-owned free-range and organic farms.
“We solve the farmer’s problem of smaller eggs. We solve the sustainability issue of food loss from cooking. Plus, we solve the dairy-free consumers’ need for high-protein clean-ingredient products,” said Faith Ferguson, VP sales & marketing at Oolie Foods. She adds that these are selling points for the target consumer who may also have an interest in animal welfare.
A USDA-graded medium egg could be organic, and free-range, but not quite aesthetically pleasing enough for retail as a hard-boiled egg. Oolie takes these eggs and puts them to good use instead of wasting them.
“These eggs are still perfectly healthy. So we partnered with some incredible culinary experts to eliminate food waste and create protein-rich, nutrient-dense, creamy, dairy-free, delicious dips and yogurts,” said Ferguson.
A solution for allergies and protein needs
Since more than 40% of Americans are lactose intolerant, these egg-based yogurts and dips have a built-in audience. While eggs remain misunderstood for what seems to be their relatively high cholesterol, they are an excellent source of protein, even guarding against malnutrition. In fact, a decade ago, the US Department of Agriculture Dietary Guidelines for Americans removed the upper limit for dietary cholesterol since eggs no longer need to be limited, as pointed out in a University of Connecticut study. A study from the University of Guelph in Canada found eggs to not only be an excellent source of protein, but to contain all of the nutrients needed by a developing human embryo. “Moreover, eggs are now understood to contain substances with biological functions beyond basic nutrition,” the study states, adding anticancer, antimicrobial, antihypertensive and other properties to the list.
“Most dairy-free yogurts contain very little protein and are simply not satiating due to their watery consistency and added fillers. Eggs are the near-perfect protein for the human body,” says Ferguson.
In addition to being protein-rich, Ferguson adds that Oolie yogurts and dips are full of nutrients and clean ingredients, while being filler-free and “creamy and delicious.” Fillers and thickeners aren’t necessary due to the natural, textural properties of cooked eggs, she explained.
A single serving of Oolie Vanilla Yogurt offers 11 grams of protein. It also contains vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium. The ingredients are straight-forward and easy to understand: pasteurized whole egg, coconut cream (coconut extract, coconut water), water, banana puree (banana, citric acid, ascorbic acid), cane sugar, corn puree, dried egg whites, vanilla extract, lactic acid, guar gum and ground vanilla beans.
In addition to Vanilla, Oolie carries Key Lime and Berry Berry Blend yogurts.
“They are great for a smoothie base, too, or as a creamy, delicious, guilt-free, indulgent dessert to end your evening,” says Ferguson.
Dips, which are also egg-based, come in a wider selection: Yellow Curry, Garlic & Herb, Mediterranean Tomato, Spicy Pepper and Red Beet Bliss.
“These protein-rich dips are perfect for snacking, adding to a charcuterie board, or even just eating with a spoon for a protein-rich meal-on-the-go,” says Ferguson. “These dips will quickly become a flavorful everyday replacement for a plain mayo or sour cream base.”
Where to find it
Currently, Oolie is available at H-E-B, a grocery store in Texas and Mexico. Ferguson states that the brand is working with retailers to make the yogurts and dips available at brick and mortar locations nationwide.
“The dips will be in either the deli dips sets or the dairy-free dips, depending on the retailer’s layout,” she says.
