Oatly is making headlines as it introduces a new line of cream cheese to the market. This Swedish oat milk brand’s spreadable cream cheeses will begin appearing on grocery store shelves across the nation this month. Available in two flavors—Plain and Chive & Onion—the company claims these products offer “all the savory, tangy goodness of a ‘traditional’ cream cheese without any dairy.” The primary ingredient in these cream cheeses is Oatly’s oat base, the same foundation that supports its oat milk, yogurt, and ice cream products.
Mike Messersmith, President of Oatly North America, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, stating, “We’re extremely excited about the launch of our new cream cheese in the US, as it not only expands our mission to promote more plant-based consumption occasions for consumers but also demonstrates the versatility and potential of oat-based products.” Although this cream cheese is new to the U.S. market, a similar product has been available in Sweden, where legal labeling restrictions prevent it from being called “cheese.”
Oatly’s plant-based cream cheese joins a diverse array of dairy alternatives in grocery stores. Established brands like Daiya, Miyoko’s Creamery, and Kite Hill have had their offerings for years. Recently, new entrants have also started introducing their versions of cream cheese alternatives. For example, Kraft Heinz’s Philadelphia brand released a plant-based cream cheese last December, while Nature’s Fynd has expanded its dairy-free cream cheese made from Fy protein—a fungi-derived ingredient—into more stores nationwide, including all Fresh Thyme Market locations.
Oats have become a favored ingredient in the dairy alternatives market. According to data from the Plant Based Foods Association and SPINS, oat milk was the second most popular dairy alternative in the U.S. last year, generating $621 million in sales and accounting for 22.4% of the plant-based milk category. Many consumers prefer oat milk for its neutral flavor and creamy texture, making it similar to dairy milk. This unique characteristic may draw immediate attention to Oatly’s cream cheese.
While many other cream cheese alternatives are primarily coconut-based—offering similar spreadability but with a lower melting point—Oatly’s oat-based option may appeal to consumers looking for a plant-based choice that remains solid on a freshly toasted bagel.
In a related development, Kellogg is also launching a new variety of its signature canned chips this summer. The company has introduced Pringles Harvest Blends, featuring a blend of multigrain and sweet potato ingredients—an innovative first for the snack brand. The new Pringles will be available in four flavors, two of which include sweet potato: Farmhouse Cheddar, Homestyle Ranch, Sweet Potato Sea Salt, and Sweet Potato Smoky BBQ.
Mauricio Jenkins, U.S. marketing lead for Pringles, commented, “With our new Pringles Harvest Blends collection, we’re excited to offer our fans an enhanced tasting experience—one that combines the bold flavors they know and love with a unique, crunchy texture and flavorful blends of sweet potato and multigrain.” This launch comes after the brand’s introduction of Pringles Scorchin’, which offered spicier alternatives to classic flavors like BBQ and Sour Cream & Onion.
Kellogg is keen on aligning with consumer trends that favor healthier snack options, as the global market for better-for-you snacks is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.5% until 2032, potentially reaching a value of $70 billion, according to Future Market Insights. The company is heavily investing in its leading snack brands, including Pringles and Cheez-It, as it prepares to spin off its snacking division into a new entity called Kellanova, led by current Kellogg CEO Steve Cahillane. Snacks accounted for 80% of Kellogg’s total sales in 2021.
In the beverage sector, Sam Adams is launching a playful new initiative this summer with the Samuel Adams “I Can’t” Can. This novelty can, reminiscent of a Magic 8 Ball, offers humorous excuses to help beer lovers take a break from obligations. The can, modeled after Boston Beer’s Samuel Adams Summer Ale, provides excuses like “Working on a 6-pack,” “Caught an ale-ment,” and “Blew out my flip flop.”
Lauren Price, head of brand for Samuel Adams, stated, “Summer should be a time for enjoyment, not obligations. We created the ‘I CAN’t’ Can as a lighthearted way for drinkers to take a break from life’s less desirable moments and return to what they love most—cracking open a cold one.” A recent survey by Samuel Adams found that 80% of Americans feel burdened by summer obligations, with 22% struggling to find believable excuses. This inspired the limited-edition “I Can’t” Can.
The alcohol industry is known for its innovative beer-themed products, including popsicles and lollipops. Last fall, Boston Beer’s Angry Orchard collaborated with a Brooklyn pie shop to create limited-edition Boozy Baked Apple Pies made with Angry Orchard’s latest cider innovation. The company has also partnered to develop a chocolate bar inspired by the 2021 release of Samuel Adams Utopias.
In this evolving landscape of plant-based foods and innovative snacks, Oatly’s entry into cream cheese and the introduction of Kellogg’s Harvest Blends exemplify a broader trend towards healthier, more versatile options that cater to diverse consumer preferences. Additionally, with the growing interest in plant-based products, finding adequate sources of nutrients like calcium citrate 600 mg without vitamin d will be increasingly important for health-conscious consumers.