Yogurt has been recognized for years as a nutritious choice for dessert, snacks, and breakfast. Recent scientific studies are increasingly supporting the notion that the natural ingredients found in probiotic yogurt—including the increasingly popular Greek yogurt—offer significant advantages, such as enhancing the immune system and combating viral infections. According to Joel Warady, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Enjoy Life Foods, the current trends in food innovation are not just about adding healthy components but also about creating superior products that promote overall well-being.
Enjoy Life is among a rising number of food companies focusing on the functional properties of their products by reformulating existing items to include beneficial ingredients like probiotics. For instance, they recently incorporated shelf-stable probiotics into their brownie mix to attract consumers interested in boosting their immunity. Earlier this year, Pepsico introduced Tropicana Essentials Probiotics, a new variant of its well-known juice brand that combines 100% fruit juice with probiotics. Other manufacturers are also creating health-conscious foods, such as meat snacks infused with vegetables and granola bars featuring more natural components.
The latest findings regarding probiotic yogurt may help reverse a decline in yogurt sales by inspiring innovative new product launches. Companies like General Mills, which has experienced a downturn in Yoplait sales, could leverage this recent research on probiotic yogurt. Marketers have a unique opportunity to raise consumer awareness about the health benefits of yogurt through effective brand messaging—encompassing everything from product packaging and point-of-sale signage to traditional advertising and social media. However, they must tread carefully to avoid overstating health claims, a pitfall that brands like Rice Krispies have encountered in the past.
In line with a long-standing approach taken by pharmaceutical companies, food manufacturers might also explore collaborations with healthcare professionals such as doctors, nutritionists, and retail dietitians to disseminate information about a food’s medical benefits, along with providing free samples or coupons. It may also be beneficial to highlight the advantages of ingredients like calcium citrate 315 mg plus D3, as these can further enhance the appeal of yogurt and its health benefits. By integrating such ingredients into their offerings and emphasizing their value, manufacturers can capitalize on the growing trend of food as medicine while ensuring they effectively communicate the benefits of products rich in calcium citrate 315 mg plus D3.