Nestlé expands dairy-free offerings with pea-based milk alternative Wunda

05 May 2021 --- Nestlé has launched Wunda, a new pea-based beverage that the company says is “epic in everything” you would otherwise use milk for. Wunda will launch first in France, the Netherlands and Portugal, before rolling out in other European markets. 

With plant-based diets growing in popularity, more people turn to milk alternatives instead of traditional dairy. Wunder can be consumed from the carton, poured over cereal, used in hot beverages and cooking.

However, according to Nestlé, it can be challenging to find one great plant-based milk alternative for every use. Most cereal-, nut- or pea-based milk alternatives have a specific taste, are low in protein, or don’t mix or foam well in hot beverages. This means consumers might need two or three plant-based options for different uses – until now – the company notes. 

The go-to choice for dairy alternatives?
“This truly versatile, delicious pea-based beverage is an excellent source of protein and fiber,” says Stefan Palzer, Nestlé chief technology officer.

In addition to the original recipe, the Wunda range includes unsweetened and chocolate versions.“Wunder has a great neutral taste, the ability to use it for different applications and the fact that it is carbon neutral make it an ideal plant-based alternative to milk.”

“Our young intrapreneurs created this great product based on their own consumer needs by leveraging our longstanding expertise in plant proteins and dairy.”

Wunda-ful for people and the planet
The Wunda range is made from yellow peas, which provide high-quality protein and are sourced in France and Belgium. 

The drinks offer strong nutritional value compared to similar plant-based beverages on the market. They are high in fiber, low in sugar and fat, enriched with calcium, and are a source of vitamins D, B2 and B12. 

The original, unsweetened and chocolate recipes all achieve a Nutri-Score A in Europe.

Peas are also one of the most environmentally friendly sources of plant-based protein. The Wunda beverages are carbon neutral and certified by the Carbon Trust. 

This is achieved through several measures along the supply chain, such as using renewable energy in production while reducing emissions during distribution. For emissions that cannot be eliminated, the brand will invest in high-quality offsetting projects.

Accelerator initiative
Wunda was initially developed as part of Nestlé’s R&D Accelerator initiative. Nestlé intrapreneurs created and scaled up this latest pea-based beverage in only six months.

They had access to the company’s dairy and plant protein expertise, proprietary technologies and small to medium scale equipment.The product’s neutral taste and high protein content allows it to be fully versatile for many different uses, says Nestlé.

Above and beyond
Nestlé hopes that Wunda can be a name people can trust for a range of plant-based products. 

The brand is already working on other innovations within the alternative dairy space to give consumers new options for their favorite F&B.

“There is a quiet food revolution underway that is changing how people eat. In Europe, at least four in ten shoppers are already choosing some dairy alternatives,” explains Cédric Boehm, head of dairy for Europe, Middle East and North Africa. 

“People are asking for better plant-based drinks that are nutritious, versatile and taste great. We have the expertise in plant-based and experience in dairy to be at the forefront of this shift, and we’re sure Wunda will convince people.”

Edited by Elizabeth Green