Currently, several trends in the food industry are shaping the needs of consumers. Consumers are demanding new, healthy options for their daily diet and food manufacturers must comply to keep up. Surprisingly, there is a simple answer – dairy. Dairy has great nutritional value and flavour, but how does it meet the customers’ expectations?
Dairy as a healthy and nutritious snack is riding the snackification wave
Snackification has grown into one of the bigger trends in food. According to the Innova Market Insights Snacking survey (2022), majority of global consumers snack two to three times a day. Nearly 35% of consumers have increased their consumption of snacks with added health benefits, and they are always looking for healthier snack options. 50% of consumers snack on dairy products. Additionally, nearly one-third of consumers choose products that positively boost nutrition and try to actively avoid additives and preservatives.
High demands for better-for-you foods: more protein and less sugar are common claims
Protein continues to be highly valued by consumers. It’s seen as a focal point for good nutrition due to its perceived health benefits, as well as its ability to keep you full longer. More than half of global consumers say that high-protein claims make a snack seem healthy and 56% have switched from snacking on traditional snacks to alternatives that promise high-protein and low-sugar contents, states the FMCG Gurus Protein report (2021).
Dairy products make a great and nutritious snack, and protein enrichment has high consumer interest in many dairy categories. Food company Valio offers different high-protein dairy ingredients, which can be utilised in various applications such as RTD drinks, yoghurts, puddings, and even ice cream.
Avoiding sugar is a clear trend among all consumers, and they are increasingly conscious of sugar levels in different food products. They also seek naturality, which means simple, all-natural ingredients, and a short and understandable list of ingredients.
The challenge for dairy manufacturers is how to balance the customer’s need for sugar reduction, naturality, and indulgence. With Valio’s ingredients, and solutions for sugar reduction, food manufacturers can reduce sugar levels without having to use artificial sweeteners.
Dairy favourites that combine digestive wellness and good nutritional properties
One-third of global consumers are struggling with digestive issues, which creates demand for lactose free options. Many common dairy products have been off-limits for the fear of digestive issues or off-putting due to bad taste or texture.
Great-tasting, nutritious, lactose free options are needed, enabling everyone to indulge in dairy and other sweeter things, such as ice cream and puddings. Valio’s lactose free solutions offer a multitude of possibilities for manufacturers operating in different categories.
Valio Eila® lactose free milk powders contain a well-balanced combination of all milk components and with them you can make your dairy products gut-friendly, high in protein, and low in carbohydrates.
Quality, flavour, and affordability are the drivers behind dairy consumption
The healthy eating trend has made consumers pay more attention to the quality of their food as well. Consumers value natural ingredients with minimal processing and without ultra-processed ingredients. This trend is now also driving healthier and tasty dairy innovations. Valio’s ingredients work well with this requirement, helping to keep the ingredient list short and simple.
Finnish food company Valio focuses on dairy ingredients and solutions. Interested in collaborating with us?
Come meet us at trade fairs! We will be at the Gulfood Manufacturing Event in Dubai from November 7 to 9, 2023, and the FI Europe Event in Frankfurt from November 28 to 30, 2023.Contact Dennis van der Veer ([email protected]) and set up a meeting! For more information, visit https://www.valio.com/b2b
