Honey Shines as Both Dairy, Dairy Alternative Ingredient

Cargill notes that there is a 4.8% increase in flavored milks, and it comes as no surprise that kids are more likely to drink milk when it’s flavored. Dairy/dairy alternative drinks sweetened with honey are becoming more popular in the new year. One such made-with-honey example is Noosa’s Strawberry Fruit Smoothie. Wildflower honey is mixed with grade A pasteurized milk, strawberry fruit puree and lemon juice concentrate for a whole milk yoghurt smoothie that kids and adults alike can take with them on the go.

According to an ADM research report, consumer preferences have shifted during COVID-19, and this shift has positively impacted the dairy and dairy alternative industry. Sensory items such as flavor and color have become more important, as has a growing awareness of sustainability (65% of consumers want to have a positive impact on the environment through everyday actions). Not surprisingly, plant-based dairy products and clean ingredient labels also are driving consumers back to the category.

We’re excited to report that the made-with-honey dairy/dairy alternative new product release lineup for this month reflects ADM’s insights into the drivers shaping the market.

In an effort to appeal to the American palate with “bright flavors," Montchevre released Honey Fresh Goat Cheese Logs as a part of a new lineup that introduces flavorful French cheese to flavors that we know and love.

Not only does Chobani’s new Strawberry Low-Fat Greek Yogurt layered with creamy peanut butter and mixed with honey have 12 grams of protein per serving, but 100% of profits from 4-packs go to Feeding America.

Finally, St. Benoit Creamery advertises its new yogurt as “minimally processed without fillers and excessive sweeteners.” Wildflower honey lightly sweetens yogurt from pasture-raised Jersey cow’s milk and is mixed with live active cultures for 5 grams of protein and 20% of the recommended daily calcium intake.

We want to hear from you! Have you tried any new made-with-honey dairy products? Which of the above products are you most interested in trying? Let us know in the comments below.