Danone is launching a high-protein version of its Silk brand as the food giant aims to “reignite interest” in plant-based dairy by filling what it considers to be a void in the sector.
Protein has become one of the most in-demand ingredients in the U.S., with food and beverage companies adding it into everything from water and bars to candy and popcorn. But fewer than 1% of protein-focused innovations are in the plant-based drinks segment, according to Mintel data cited by Danone, providing Silk with an untapped opportunity.
Silk Protein has 50% more protein per serving and half the sugar as conventional dairy milk. It also contains 13 grams of complete plant protein, the highest among refrigerated plant-based milk on the market, as well as 3 grams of fiber and no artificial sweeteners, according to Danone.
Wendy Nunnelley, president of plant-based for Danone North America, told Food Dive that 75% of consumers are adding more protein to their diets. At the same time, nearly two-thirds of shoppers are already consuming plant-based dairy alternatives every week. The overlap between the two areas created a “nice white space for plant-based Silk Protein to jump into,” she said.
“We really see a gap in the marketplace for a good plant-based, higher protein offering that just hasn't been there, and that consumers are demanding,” Nunnelley added. “We're seeing consumers move into protein in such a strong way.”
The drink's functional benefits, along with the lack of other options in the marketplace, should provide a meaningful boost to Silk Protein and provide a much-needed jolt to the struggling plant-based milk sector.
U.S. retail sales of plant-based milk in 2024 totaled $2.5 billion, down 5% from the prior year, mirroring the same level the category posted in 2021, according to Circana. Recent price increases have helped mask a pullback in unit sales, which have declined annually for three consecutive years.
However, price increases have helped partly mask the pullback in unit sales, which have declined for three consecutive years.
During its third-quarter earnings last month, Danone conceded that plant based “remains a work in progress” within its North American market. In a statement to Food Dive, a Danone spokesperson added that while “economic pressures and other factors have increased intensity” of challenges in the plant-based space overall, U.S. households using dairy alternatives have risen 16% from 2020 to 56%.
“Being able to directly offer what consumers are looking for is important at any time, and particularly when the macroeconomic environment might be more challenging,” Nunnelley said.
Silk Protein, which will be available in original and chocolate flavors, is launching regionally this month with a national rollout coming in early 2026.
The innovation continues an aggressive push by Danone to bring its plant and dairy portfolio deeper into protein. Earlier this year, it rolled out an Oikos yogurt drink aimed at GLP-1 users as well as high-protein shakes.
A top Danone executive recently told analysts the company is struggling to meet demand for its high-protein yogurts due to a lack of manufacturing capacity in the U.S.
