MILAN – Nestlé is expanding its range of dairy alternatives with the launch of a plant-based Nesquik drink in Europe. The new ready-to-drink beverage will be launched first in Spain, Portugal and Hungary and then in other European countries. It combines the goodness of oats and peas with sustainably sourced cocoa and is lower in sugar than regular milk-based Nesquik.
With 100% natural ingredients, the new Nesquik is a source of plant-based protein, naturally lactose free and certified by the Vegan Society.
Yasser AbdulMalak, head of dairy products for Europe, Middle East and North Africa at Nestlé, said: “What better way to bring more plant-based products into people’s everyday lives than with much-loved brands like Nesquik. We’re really proud of this new drink – it really hits the spot with that familiar Nesquik cocoa taste.”
The launch in Europe follows the introduction of Nesquik GoodNes in the United States this January, also based on oats and peas.
Nestlé also launched its first dairy alternative drink formulated for children this year, under its Ninho brand in Brazil. The plant-based Ninho Forti+ is a ready-to-drink beverage based on oats. It comes in strawberry & banana and apple & banana flavors with fruit pulp.
These launches all underline Nestlé’s increased focus on tasty, authentic plant-based food and beverages as consumers look at different ways to enjoy and balance their protein intake and lower the environmental footprint of their diets.
Mayank Trivedi, Head of the Dairy Strategic Business Unit at Nestlé, added: “More and more people are looking for tasty and nutritious plant-based options. That is why we are adding them to our global line-up through some of our most trusted brands such as Nesquik, Milo, and Ninho. There is more to come, so watch this space!”
Globally, Nestlé has around 300 R&D scientists, engineers and product developers dedicated to the research and development of plant-based products. Dairy and protein experts create dairy alternatives with a creamy mouthfeel, superior nutritional profile and great taste.
“We use different types of plant protein sources across our portfolio and provide people with an exciting range of products that they can use in their favorite recipes and meals,” says Swen Rabe, Head of Nestlé’s Product Technology Center for Dairy in Konolfingen, Switzerland. “Combining our long-standing protein expertise with innovative trend-based ideas, at our R&D Accelerator we have the ability to develop and test new concepts in under six months, and to bring them to market quickly.”
Nestlé has just inaugurated a new R&D Accelerator at its Konolfingen center, where start-ups, students and Nestlé scientists can leverage Nestlé’s unique dairy and plant protein expertise to quickly bring innovative products to consumers.
Nestlé already offers a variety of products made from rice, oat, soy, coconut and almonds. Examples include a vegan Carnation condensed milk alternative in the UK and other countries, Natural bliss coffee creamers and Starbucks non-dairy creamers in the U.S., a new vegan-friendly Milo in Australia and plant-based Nescafé cappuccinos and lattes in Europe and Oceania.
