Dive Brief:
- Good Karma Foods is launching the first-ever line of flaxmilk-based non-dairy yogurts, Prepared Foods reported.
- All five flavors of the yogurt line are free of all major allergens, such as dairy, soy and tree nuts. They also offer 5 to 6 grams of plant-based protein, omega-3 fats and live cultures, also known as probiotics, in each serving.
- The plant-based yogurt industry is currently posting about 50% annual growth, which outpaces that of dairy-based yogurts by more than ten times, according to SPINS. But dissatisfying taste and texture, allergens and low nutritional value have challenged plant-based yogurt's expansion.
Dive Insight:
Good Karma continues to extend its flaxmilk-based dairy-free calling card into neighboring fast-growing categories. In April, the company launched a line of yogurt-based Probiotic Cultured Flaxmilk Beverages, which predated Chobani's launch of its own line of Greek yogurt-based drinks and dips this past summer.
Yogurt has become a focus for many major manufacturers in recent years as the ingredient has proven its versatility. With its line of dips, Chobani has demonstrated how yogurt is not only relegated to sweet flavors consumed at breakfast-time but also savory flavors consumers can enjoy as snacks or meals at any time of day. General Mills announced in July a major overhaul of its own yogurt portfolio to include more on-trend yogurt products such as organic and Greek varieties.
With ingredients like flaxseed, plant-based yogurt enables manufacturers to address consumers' increasing desire for allergen-free and vegan-friendly products, in addition to providing other nutritional benefits. And between standard yogurt cups and spin-offs like drinks and dips, yogurt has proven its flexibility within several nearby categories. This offers more sales and R&D opportunities for manufacturers focused on product and category innovation to improve top-line growth.