Chobani elevates dairy’s functionality with high-protein, low-sugar milk

07 Feb 2022 --- Chobani is expanding its dairy footprint with high-protein, lactose-free, ultra-filtered milk and half & half coffee creamers. The new offerings further diversify the refrigerated case, appealing to consumers with specific dietary needs and preferences. 

The yogurt giant reports that the ultra-filtered milk segment is up 17.5% and is driving growth in the estimated US$1.7 billion easy-to-digest milk segment, consisting of products such as ultra-filtered, lactose-free and A2 protein-based dairy milk.

“With our lactose-free, reduced sugar and protein-packed Chobani Ultra-Filtered Milk, we’re making dairy accessible to more people,” says Peter McGuinness, Chobani president and COO.

The options allow consumers to “trade up to a more advanced, functional and delicious product,” he adds. 

The new platforms continue the company’s expansion since its first foray outside of yogurt in 2019 with the launch of Chobani Oat Drink. 

Filtering out sugars 
Chobani Ultra-Filtered Milk is lactose-free and has 2.5 more protein than the market leader, according to the company. It also has half the sugar of traditional milk. 

Chobani Half & Half is made from locally sourced, farm-fresh milk and cream.It is made using a special filtration process to help remove lactose and reduce sugar by half. It is rich and creamy in texture and provides vitamin D, in addition to conventional milk benefits such as calcium and all nine essential amino acids. 

It is suitable for cooking, baking and blending, offering a convenient way to add more protein to recipes. 

High-protein nutrition continues to drive innovation as consumers seek clean label products to complement exercise routines and healthy lifestyles. 

The ultra-filtered milk hits US stores this month and is available in whole, reduced-fat 2%, fat-free and chocolate varieties. 

Coffee creamer expansion 
Chobani also announced the launch of Chobani Half & Half in plain and lactose-free options. 

Its half & half products are made from locally sourced, farm-fresh milk and cream, elevating the company’s current coffee creamer offerings. 

“We’ve seen incredible consumer love for our coffee creamers and they asked us to bring the same craft and quality to dairy-based half & half while offering a lactose-free option as well,” continues McGuinness.

Chobani reports that dairy-based half & half is a US$1 billion segment. 

Sustainable outlook
In 2021, Chobani announced its first paper-based yogurt cup and has continued to explore more sustainable packaging solutions across its portfolio. 

The latest launches add to Chobani’s lineup of products using recyclable, paper-based packaging widely recyclable across the US.

Products sporting sustainable packaging include its non-dairy oat milk, cold brew coffee and coffee creamer offerings.

Edited by Missy Green