Dairy Alternatives

Butter’s time to shine? The innovations churning up traditional spreads

06-Dec-2023 By Flora Southey

After decades of ‘very little’ innovation by heritage brands, is butter (and its plant-based counterparts) having a moment? FoodNavigator investigates.

Don DiMasi joins Yali Bio, focuses on scaling up designer fat ingredients

07-Nov-2023 By Deniz Ataman

As designer fat supplier Yali Bio's first senior vice president of engineering and biomanufacturing, Don DiMasi will focus on expanding the company's biomanufacturing capacity and developing new processes to economically scale up fermentation...

GUEST ARTICLE

Industry Insights from NIZO: Great flavour without compromise for plant-based food

26-Oct-2023 By René Floris, NIZO Food Research Division Manager

To successfully launch a plant-based product onto the market today, businesses have to go above and beyond in flavour to stand out. How can a new, more holistic flavour approach put an end to organoleptic compromise?

Growth Asia Summit 2023

Dairy the core base, but greater co-existence with plant-based, precision fermented proteins to come – Friesland Campina

11-Oct-2023 By Tingmin Koe

While dairy is the basis of protein nutrition, the use of plant-based and precision fermented protein is bound to increase in products such as infant formula, healthy ageing, and sports nutrition, says dairy multinational firm Friesland Campina.

Natural Products Expo East

Plant Based Foods Association launches consumer marketing initiative to fuel growth, address ‘considerable challenges’

05-Oct-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

The diversity, availability and sales of plant-based foods continue to grow, despite the high-profile struggles of meat alternatives, and as they do, the Plant Based Foods Association is preparing to lead stakeholders into the next phase of the industry’s...

‘We’re not trying to mimic milk’: Rude Health backs nutrition-forward strategy amid plant-based ‘shakedown’

21-Sep-2023 By Flora Southey

The breakfast brand’s commitment to clean label – or as clean label as functionality allows – will see it through the current plant-based ‘shakedown’, co-founder and brand director Camilla Barnard tells FoodNavigator.

Planteneers expands customer service and applications capabilities for plant-based customers

12-Sep-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Planteneers broadens its customer service and applications technology team with the launch of its Plantbaser online platform and upcoming pilot plant facility in Aurora, Illinois to better meet the demands of its plant-based customers, explained Ashley...

Pureture produces non-GMO plant-based casein, enters strategic supply agreements with dairy majors

05-Sep-2023 By Teodora Lyubomirova

The company is looking for a manufacturing partner who would develop and commercialize clean-label products that contain its plant-based protein.

Imagindairy's self-affirmed GRAS for animal-free dairy protein paves way for commercial partnerships in the US

17-Aug-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Israeli-based food-tech startup Imagindairy is ready to partner with US food and beverage companies to create animal-free dairy products after becoming the third company to secure self-affirmed GRAS status for a dairy protein made through precision fermentation....

With Novozymes' expertise, could Arla be gearing up to enter the precision-fermentation dairy space?

10-Aug-2023 By Teodora Lyubomirova

Arla Foods Ingredients' Henrik Andersen calls precision nutrition ‘a hugely exciting technology’ as the company sets sights on growing its medical nutrition portfolio, with ‘possible expansion’ into other sectors.

Dairy and plant-based organizations go head-to-head over FDA’s plant-based milk labeling guidance

03-Aug-2023 By Teodora Lyubomirova

More than 900 comments have been submitted to the FDA over its proposed labeling guidance for plant-based milk alternatives. From Danone North America to the Plant Based Foods Association, we round up some of the key arguments from both sides.

Miyoko’s Creamery’s CEO search ends, as CPG vet Stuart Kronauge takes the helm

01-Aug-2023 By Ryan Daily

Plant-based dairy Miyoko’s Creamery reveals today Stuart Kronauge, former Beyond CMO and Coca-Cola executive, will take the reins as CEO and aims to take the brand to the next level through marketing, innovation, and increased distribution.

Climax Foods partners with Benchling to discover new plant ingredients via AI

19-Jul-2023 By Deniz Ataman

Climax Foods ramps up its ingredient discovery through its partnership with Benchling, an AI-driven data platform, which scours over 300,000 edible plant varieties to determine ingredients that offer novelty, functionality and economically sound scalability...

Ice cream from algae? Sophie’s BioNutrients’ chlorella-based ice cream claims to boast more B12 than dairy

29-Jun-2023 By Teodora Lyubomirova

Microalgae cultivation as a topic may be more apt for the biofuel industry, but scientific research has shown that these microscopic organisms can also be utilized as a sustainable food source.

Alt dairy bottleneck: start-up calls for collaboration to speed non-animal casein production

27-Jun-2023 By Oliver Morrison

Dutch fermentation specialist Fooditive claims it has successfully demonstrated the feasibility of non-animal casein production at an industrial scale and is now hoping to collaborate with a ‘like-minded partners’ to navigate Novel Food approval in the...

'We've overcome the first wave of vegan and vegetarian alternatives': Protein Distillery posits brewer’s yeast-based protein as the next stage in the market

26-Jun-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

As alternative protein develops, brewer’s yeast is emerging as a strong driver of the market. Start-up ProteinDistillery has created a protein, developed from brewer’s yeast, that can not only be used for meat and dairy alternatives, but also to replace...

Innovations in plant-based milk embrace clean-label, sustainability, enhanced taste

22-Jun-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Within plant-based milks, almond may dominate sales and oat may be the fastest growing sub-segment, but an increasing variety of nut-, seed-, legume- and grain-based options are coming to market – simultaneously fragmenting and growing the overall segment.

Plant power: Could hybrid dairy offer the best of both worlds?

20-Jun-2023 By Teodora Lyubomirova

A study that compared the nutritional properties of dairy and plant-based yogurts sold in the US has found that almond- and oat-based alternatives were ‘similar or better’ than dairy yogurts - but there's room for innovation in bridging the nutritional...

Health, environment or lactose intolerance: Why do people drink plant-based milk?

05-Jun-2023 By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Plant-based milk is one of the most successful categories of alternative protein, predicted to reach a value of $47 Billion by 2030. But why is it so successful? The driving force behind any alternative protein’s success is the motives people have for...

Growing plant-based milk sales serve as ‘gateway’ for other non-dairy categories

22-May-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Despite a slight dip in plant-based dairy sales in the last three quarters – mostly due to higher prices – “there is a lot of sustained appetite for plant-based dairy, and we’re very optimistic for future growth opportunities in this category,” Bethany...

Dairy alternatives: “We have to be realistic about the growth outlook,” warns Rabobank analyst

19-May-2023 By Teodora Lyubomirova

The plant-based dairy market may be reaching maturity while the cell-based and precision fermentation dairy segments are just getting started.

How next-gen protein innovators plan to win over consumers

08-May-2023 By Flora Southey

The taste and texture of meat and dairy analogues have come a long way. But according to alternative protein experts, ‘there is still room for improvement’. How will the next generation of innovators win over consumers, and what hurdles will they need...

Food-tech company Armored Fresh explores how to elevate plant-based dairy’s nutritional profile, environmental sustainability

04-May-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Even as plant-based dairy newcomer Armored Fresh prepares to roll out is innovative Almond Milk Cubes and American Slices at select Kroger stores next month and nationwide through its recently unveiled online storefronts, the food-tech company continues...

Plant-based products that attempt to mimic the nutritional qualities of meat and dairy are ‘playing a losing game’

01-May-2023 By Oliver Morrison

It’s time plant-based manufacturers stop talking about the healthy nutrients that plants don’t have and focus on those they do have, says influential Wageningen food scientist Atze Jan van der Goot.

‘A defining moment’: Remilk’s cow-free milk protein secures Israeli approval

28-Apr-2023 By Teodora Lyubomirova

The biotech firm has become the first company to get the green light from Israeli regulators for its precision fermentation-derived milk protein, paving the way for a new breed of dairy alternatives to land on the market.

Introducing FoodNavigator-USA’s free editorial webinar: Plant-Based Dairy – From Oatmilk to Chickpea Ice Cream on May 17 at 11:30 CT

24-Apr-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Sales of plant-based dairy, including milk, cheese and yogurt, continue to grow at a rapid clip despite challenging macroeconomic and market conditions, but units in some categories are dipping slightly, according to recently released SPINS data, raising...

Closing the nutritional gap: How Royal DSM wants to improve plant-based dairy

24-Apr-2023 By Teodora Lyubomirova

As the market matures, producing dairy alternatives that are nutritiously similar to traditional dairy is no longer optional, according to the ingredients specialist.

BabyBel maker Bel Group, biotech Climax Foods partner to refine plant-based cheese with AI

12-Apr-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Iconic cheesemaker Bel Group and biotech startup Climax Foods are teaming up to create the next generation of “best in class” plant-based cheese that they say will be indistinguishable from their dairy counterparts with “zero-compromise” on taste, texture...

Meet the plant-based cheese that uses kimchi probiotics to bolster taste and nutrition

29-Mar-2023 By Teodora Lyubomirova

Armored Fresh says fermentation is a key step in developing the texture and flavor of its almond-based cheese range, which is expected to enter US nationwide distribution in summer 2023.

ProVeg: Transition to alternative protein production trumps DAIRY PRIDE Act aims

20-Mar-2023 By Lauren Nardella

Legislators should focus on assisting dairy farmers shift toward production of alternative proteins, instead of commending the DAIRY PRIDE Act, food awareness organization ProVeg International suggests.

NotCo reveals expanded plant-based, AI-created products at Expo West

13-Mar-2023 By Ryan Daily

Food-tech company NotCo unveiled at Natural Products Expo West a range of new products created with its AI-based technology that will launch this year, following the debut of its NotCo Burger at last year’s event.

Plant-based chicken maker Next Gen Foods expands into non-dairy with Mwah! acquisition

06-Mar-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Up and coming plant-based chicken manufacturer Next Gen Foods is expanding into the non-dairy segment with today’s announced acquisition of Mwah! – a startup it says is leveraging a “cutting-edge methodology” to create “creamy and delicious dairy-inspired...

Dairy alternatives: General Mills shuts down Bold Cultr, Daiya to invest in fermentation

06-Mar-2023 By Teodora Lyubomirova

We round up some of the latest news in the dairy alternatives sector.

Remilk pauses plans for ‘world’s largest’ precision fermentation plant, focuses on growth

28-Feb-2023 By Teodora Lyubomirova

The Israeli startup has put on hold the construction of what it described as the world’s largest precision fermentation plant as the company opts to ramp up production at an existing facility.

Exclusive: Miyoko’s Creamery parts ways with founder, focus is on growth, strategic innovation & brand awareness

16-Feb-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Plant-based dairy heavy-weight Miyoko’s Creamery is preparing for a new chapter without its founder and namesake at the helm after board members unanimously decided the company needs a leader with a different skillset to take the business to the next...

'These products will only take a significant portion of the global market when they can compete with conventional meat on taste, price, and convenience': alt protein sector looks for solutions amid mixed investment figures

16-Feb-2023 By Oliver Morrison

Alt protein advocates are calling for governments to ‘step up’ to build a ‘more sustainable food system’ after data showed that global investment in sustainable proteins decelerated last year and sales of meat alternatives dipped in some countries.

Misha’s CEO warns of a ‘dearth’ of smaller brands if capital challenges aren’t addressed

26-Jan-2023 By Ryan Daily

Plant-based dairy company Misha’s is attempting to do what countless independent musicians, moviemakers, and creatives have done over the last decade – crowdfund its next endeavor, including distribution at Walmart.

FrieslandCampina’s 2023 trends: from Weastern cuisine to low-fat cheese and milkfat replacers

26-Jan-2023 By Teodora Lyubomirova

The multinational dairy co-operative has outlined three global trends, with fusion cuisine, hybrid foods and plant-based alternatives taking center stage.

Oatly strikes deal with Ya YA Foods as it shifts to hybrid manufacturing model in North America

03-Jan-2023 By Elaine Watson

As part of a pivot to a more asset-light supply chain strategy, Oatly has struck a deal with Toronto-based Ya YA Foods to co-manufacture Oatly products in Utah and Texas in a bid to reduce capex and improve cash flow.

Sesame milk gains traction in evolving plant-based milk market

01-Jan-2023 By Lisa Schofield

While almond milk and oat milk dominate the plant-based milk category in the US, Hope & Sesame sesame milk – which has a creamy texture and comparable protein levels to dairy milk (with the addition of some pea protein) – is gaining traction, generating...

SPECIAL REPORT: Plant-based dairy and meat by numbers; declining trends continue, but pockets of growth remain

16-Dec-2022 By Elaine Watson

New data from IRI and SPINS shows continued steep declines in sales of refrigerated meat alternatives but pockets of growth in frozen products and some plant-based milk, cheese, and yogurt subcategories, which do not all behave in the same way (spoiler...

NotCo raises $70m to offer AI-platform to wider industry and ‘exponentially accelerate the transformation of the plant-based industry’

12-Dec-2022 By Elaine Watson

Santiago-based NotCo – a food tech company deploying a proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) platform called ‘Giuseppe’ to bring a new level of sophistication to the formulation of meat and dairy alternatives – has raised $70m in a series D1 round*...

Kroger/PBFA report: ‘Health is the primary reason shoppers consume plant-based foods’

30-Nov-2022 By Elaine Watson

New shopper data from Kroger’s partner 84.51° shows that plant-based meat and dairy products are displacing animal products, albeit on a very small scale; while consumer survey data from 84.51° and the Plant Based Foods Association shows that personal...

Alt yogurt: Chr. Hansen and CP Kelco unveil prototype ambient yogurts

29-Nov-2022 By Teodora Lyubomirova

The ‘vegurts’ can be stored outside the fridge and recipes can be tweaked to meet different formulation objectives – from low-fat and low-sugar to textures and flavors.

Oatly to cut headcount, pivot to hybrid manufacturing model: 'Strategic co packers are easier to find now'

14-Nov-2022 By Elaine Watson

Oatly has unveiled a cost-cutting plan after posting another disappointing set of results, with a $107.9m net loss on net revenues up 7% to $183m in the third quarter (+16.7% to $199.7m on a constant currency basis), with gross profit margins of just...

Nutrition: Plant-based drinks ‘not real alternatives’ to dairy milk – study

14-Nov-2022 By Teodora Lyubomirova

Nutrient quality in plant-based beverages should be considered on a par with sustainability credentials, researchers say as they assessed the quality as well as quantity of micronutrients in common plant-based drinks.

Plant-based cheese by numbers: Small declines in dollars and units overall, but big variations within category

24-Oct-2022 By Elaine Watson

SPINS data shared with FoodNavigator-USA ahead of our Futureproofing the Food System virtual summit (Nov 15-17) shows a mixed picture for US retail sales of plant-based cheese, with overall dollar sales down -2.3% to $218.94m and unit sales down -3.6%...

Danone North America to re-formulate 70% of plant-based beverages

04-Oct-2022 By Teodora Lyubomirova

The multi-national has pledged to improve the nutritional values across its plant-based drinks portfolio as part of a range of measures that will include investing US$22m in various initiatives to promote health and wellbeing.

Planet Oat solidifies #1 spot in US oatmilk category, grows retail sales 60% YoY across oatmilk, creamers, frozen desserts

15-Sep-2022 By Elaine Watson

Barely registering in the US plant-based milk category five years ago, oatmilk now occupies the #2 spot in the retail market behind almondmilk in a subsegment with offerings from deep-pocked multinational beverage and dairy companies to pure-play plant-based...

NextFerm announces production deal for yeast-derived vegan protein

09-Sep-2022 By Hank Schultz

Nextferm, an Israeli company focused on fermentation technology, has announced a production deal for one of its flagship ingredients branded as ProteVin vegan protein.