USA – Califia Farms, a US-based plant-based food and beverage company, has launched a new dairy alternative line, Protein Oat as it continues to expand in the booming plant-based food and beverage market supported by the landmark US$225 million investment round the company closed in January this year.
Califia’s Protein Oat is made from pea, oat and sunflower proteins and provides all the equivalent proteins of dairy milk plus a complementary blend of omega-3, -6 and -9 along with vitamins and minerals.
According to the Califia Farms, Protein Oat also provides an excellent source of calcium (45%), vitamin D (25%) and a good source of vitamin E (25%) and potassium (10%) from top shelf ingredients.
Touted as an enhanced line of nutritious, great-tasting plant milks It is available in two flavors – Vanilla and Original – with a suggested retail price of US$5.99 at Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmers Market nationwide.
“We’re excited to introduce a versatile, delicious oat milk that outperforms traditional dairy milk across major nutritional markers,” said Greg Steltenpohl, founder and CEO.
“Protein Oat is a true gamechanger for our industry and marks one of the first times we’ve seen a plant milk formulated with this level of nutrient-rich ingredients.
“Targeted especially for families with children, this now allows us to meet the demands of a previously untapped consumer segment – one whose primary barrier has been concern for nutrition, specifically protein.”
The launch comes at a time when consumers are looking to add protein to their plate. According to the Hartman Group, 60% of consumers say they are increasing protein in their diet.
And more people than ever are experimenting with plant-centric diets, prioritizing health and wellness goals while reducing their impact on the planet. A Nieslsen survey found that nearly 40% of Americans are trying to eat more plant-based foods.
“We created a healthier alternative for cow’s milk by leveraging diverse, plant-based ingredients such as peas, oats, sunflowers and flax oil to design our great-tasting Protein Oat product,” said Nagendra Rangavajla, vice president of R&D at Califia.
“It delivers quality protein, healthier fats with significantly higher omega-3, -6 and -9 compared to dairy milk, as well as nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium and potassium that are deficient in our diets.”
Protein Oat joins Califia’s rapidly expanding portfolio of plant-based products, including its existing oat platform, which comprises: 48 oz. Oatmilk, Oat Barista Blend, Nitro Draft Oatmilk Latte, Black & White Cold Brew and Oat Creamers.
