Growing concerns about food waste are leading to increased interest in the use of upcycled ingredients for new products, particularly within plant-based milk categories. SunOpta, which owns alternative milk brands like Dream and West Life, has partnered with cereal manufacturer Seven Sundays to advance its sustainability goals, according to Vice President Lauren McNamara in a recent press release. “Collaborating with a like-minded local company to create nutrient-dense cereal made with our upcycled oat protein aligns perfectly with our core values and our commitment to providing healthy products for consumers,” McNamara stated.
SunOpta has highlighted the high protein and fiber content of its OatGold powder, which is versatile, features a neutral flavor, and is both non-GMO and kosher certified. This initiative follows a positive trend for SunOpta, which has experienced sales growth in recent years despite inflationary pressures. In the most recent earnings call, CEO Joe Ennen reported a 25% increase in revenue for its plant-based milk segment in the last quarter.
Having a partner like Seven Sundays, which has expertise in the breakfast market, could be advantageous for SunOpta. Originating from New Zealand, Seven Sundays produces a variety of health-focused products, including granola and sunflower-based cereals. By incorporating its oat byproduct into the cereal, SunOpta joins a growing number of companies in the upcycled foods sector that are betting on repurposing ingredients to combat the global food waste crisis and generate increased consumer interest in their offerings.
The Upcycled Food Association revealed to Food Dive last fall that over 250 brands have received its certification, with many more expected from major food and beverage consumer packaged goods (CPGs). Companies such as Anheuser-Busch and Kerry have launched products that repurpose spent grains from beer production. Simultaneously, firms like Upcycled Foods are enhancing the technology behind upcycled products and exploring new ingredients, including cacao fruit, while also focusing on innovative processes like calcium citrate to carbonate conversion. This highlights the industry’s commitment to sustainability and maximizing the potential of upcycled ingredients.