Yogurt Mix-ins-Bring Endless Mix-abilities to Your Yogurt!

Riding the Wave of Innovation

According to Mintel, “84% of US consumers report purchasing yogurt or yogurt drinks in the past three months. This is an indicator that yogurt remains a staple in American households.” However, from April 2022 to March 2023, North America ranks last behind Europe, Asia Pacifica and Latin America, and Middle East/North Africa in Yogurt new product launches. This is evidence of the opportunity for growth and innovation in the market space in North America. With a rise in consumers interest around yogurt innovation including health claims, fortified ingredients, non-dairy versions, and mix-in options it’s no wonder that yogurt new product development is forecasted to rise in North America.  

Demographic statistics highlight the increasing popularity of pouch and drink yogurt segments among younger generations, with Gen Z incorporating these options into their snacking routines. This also shows the desire for convenience and on-the-go options. Additionally, mix-ins have become a trending choice for both Millennials and Gen Z, showcasing the evolving landscape of yogurt consumption patterns. This desire for convenience as well as consumer affinity for mix-ins makes single serve yogurt options with compartments for toppings the perfect area for innovation and new product development.

We are already seeing this trend take rise with launches like Danone’s Remix platform, which offers a dual-compartment package that allows consumers to mix-in crunchy, chewy, sweet, and salty toppings to their yogurt. This format has also gained a lot of popularity in the Chobani yogurt sidecar product, the Chobani Flip.

Elevating the Consumer Experience

The appeal of mix-ins and toppings lies in their ability to enhance the flavor and texture of traditional yogurt, creating a delightful sensory experience that resonates with consumers. Whether consumers are health conscious looking for nutrient dense yogurt that can offer a level of “permissible indulgence” from mix-ins, to those just looking for a convenient sweet treat through the day, mix-ins are key to appealing to a wide range of consumers. These offerings also present the opportunity to drive new consumers to the yogurt category who don’t enjoy consuming yogurt on its own.

Toppings and mix-ins can transform yogurt into a fully deconstructed dessert. By pairing basic yogurt flavors like strawberry or lime with fun crunchy toppings like graham pieces or cake crunch, you’ve created Key Lime Pie and Strawberry Shortcake in a cup. The possibilities don’t just end at yogurt, however. From yogurt, to pudding to even cream cheese, companies are stepping up their innovation game when it comes to single serve options with toppings. Add cookies ‘n cream pieces to a cream cheese cup and you’ve got a cookies ‘n cream cheesecake to go. Pair banana pudding with banana clusters and pie chips and you’ve got grandma’s banana cream pie in a cup! Products that were once seen as appealing to an older generation are finding new life with younger consumers when reintroduced with convenient packaging and value-enhancing toppings. The mixabilities are endless!

Creating a Stir in the Yogurt Industry

By offering a diverse array of mix-ins and toppings that cater to varied tastes and preferences, dairy companies can not only redefine how yogurt is enjoyed but also set a new standard for customization and innovation in the industry. With the potential to captivate consumers across different generations, the future of yogurt consumption is undoubtedly set to be a flavorful and enriching journey fueled by mix-ins and toppings.