One common complaint amongst those trying to make the switch to non-dairy milk is that some alternatives have a “plant-y” flavor; meaning, it doesn’t quite taste like cow’s milk. Some alternative milks might taste distinctively like soy, almonds, or coconut. That being said, companies like Oatly and NotCo have produced some pretty great milk alternatives that give conventional milk a run for its money.
Danone North America is the latest company to attempt to create a “dairy-like” segment of plant-based products in hopes of providing alternative milk that dairy-drinkers can enjoy. Through its two brands, Silk and So Delicious Dairy Free, it will launch Silk nextmilk™ and So Delicious Wondermilk™ in January 2022.
According to an email sent to The Spoon, the company’s scientists deconstructed the attributes of real dairy and the sensory experience, like the mouthfeel, of drinking milk. These characteristics were then recreated by blending different plant-based ingredients, including soy, coconut, and oats.
Both brands will offer a whole fat and reduced-fat version of plant-based milk. Silk Nextmilk will contain six key nutrients found in dairy (Calcium, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, B12, Riboflavin, and Phosphorus), with each serving offering 4 grams of protein.
Little information was disclosed in regards to the So Delicious Wondermilk. However, the Wondermilk line will also include frozen dessert (a vegan way to say ice cream) pints and cones.
Alternative milk, already a $2.5 billion market, is the most established category in the plant-based food space. Another company that aims to be a direct replacement for dairy is NotCo, which uses AI to develop its whole fat and 2 percent alternative milk. Other big players in the space that Danone’s brand will face competition from include Oatly, Ripple, Good Karma, and possibly Beyond Meat in the future.
When launched in grocery stores early next year, both Nextmilk and Wondermilk will retail for $4.99 per carton.
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