AUSTRALIA – Nestlé Australia is introducing a plant-based version of its iconic cocoa malt beverage, Milo. The new Milo replaces milk powder with soy and oats.
Nestlé says that while the plant-based version of the product has replaced milk powder with soy and oats, the core ingredients are the same as the original Milo – malt, barley and cocoa.
The food and beverage company explained that the Milo development team worked hard to make sure it kept the same unmistakable choc-malt taste and iconic crunch.
According to the company, the product is also lower in sugar compared to original Milo and has a combination of vitamins and minerals to support effective energy release.
The new Milo gives people a plant-based option, alongside the original, reduced-sugar and extra protein versions.
Trevor Clayton, head of the Dairy business unit at Nestlé, said: “People are looking to vary their diets with more plant-based options, including to lower their environmental footprint and for health reasons.
“We already have some great plant-based products and are now adding one of our biggest global brands with Milo. We’re continuing to make good on our promise to offer consumers food that is right for them and right for the planet.”
The new Milo follows on from other recent launches of plant-based beverages. Nestlé in Brazil introduced oat- and pea-based Ninho Forti + on shelves from December 2019, in a ready-to-drink carton with a paper straw.
In the United States, the company launched the Nesquik GoodNes in January, based on oat and pea protein with the great chocolate milk flavor of Nesquik.
Like other major companies, Nestlé is also joining the plant based revolution and is banking on its around 300 R&D personnel located in eight R&D centers that are dedicated to the research and development of plant-based products.
