Nestlé leverages oats and fava beans in new plant-based beverage

10 Mar 2023 --- The Swiss food and beverage giant continues its focus on plant-based products with high nutritional value with the launch of a milk alternative that combines a blend of oat and fava. 

Hailed as containing 5g of protein per serving and all the amino acids needed in the diet to ensure high-quality protein, Nestlé says Natural Bliss oat milk has a mild, nutty taste and smooth texture from the fava and oat.

It can be used for all occasions, on its own, in a smoothie or with cereal.

“As interest in plant-based beverages continues to rise, we’re thrilled to expand our natural bliss portfolio beyond the creamer aisle to introduce our first-ever ready-to-drink Oat Milk,” says Daniel Jhung, president of beverage at Nestlé USA. 

“This offering delivers with a first-to-market blend of oat and fava bean protein that offers more protein than the leading oat milk brand, less sugar than dairy milk, and can be enjoyed in several ways, at any time of day,” he says. 

The oat and fava plant-based beverages will launch nationally in grocery stores and mass retailers in the US under the natural bliss brand. They will come in two varieties - natural bliss Oat Milk Original and Unsweetened.

In recent years, Nestlé has sharpened its focus on dairy alternatives with several launches. 

It’s part of a strategy to position the company toward high-growth categories and pivot its businesses to changing market conditions while renewing Nestlé’s commitment to healthy and nutritional food.

Nestlé continues expanding its alternative dairy developments while also recently teaming with Fonterra to assess and research ways of reaching net zero carbon emissions from its traditional dairy practices.

Last month, Nestlé Professional, Wholesome Crave, and The University of Massachusetts Dining Program launched the Purpose-Driven Plant-Based Incubator, a collaboration designed to accelerate and encourage plant-based eating via a system of menus, workshops and student engagement programs. 

Edited by Gaynor Selby