FRANCE – Yoplait, the largest franchise brand of yogurt, has introduced a new yoghurt brand with 40% less sugar than its previous yoghurt flavours.

According to the company, the new flavour brings the yogurt category a new 1-gram-sugar-per-serving option, while packing 17 grams of protein in each 5.3 oz. serving.

The flavored varieties deliver 9 grams of sugar — 40 percent less than the leading Greek lowfat yogurt – and are lightly sweetened with just the right amount of cane sugar, real fruit and natural flavors.

“We talked to thousands of people to really understand what they were missing from the yogurt aisle.

We heard loud and clear the need for a smart snack option – something made with simple ingredients, less sugar and higher protein,” said Doug Martin, vice president of marketing for Yoplait USA.

“What we’ve been able to accomplish with YQ by Yoplait delivers on this desire. Through our use of simple ingredients, ultra-filtered milk and active cultures, we’ve created a protein-packed, less sweet flavor profile with a thick, smooth, extra creamy texture.

It’s unlike anything that exists in the yogurt aisle today.”

YQ by Yoplait starts with ultra-filtered milk, which is milk that has been filtered to concentrate the amount of protein while removing much of the milk’s sugar, or lactose.

Lactose is a naturally occurring sugar that adds virtually no sweetness.

Last year Yoplait introduced an entirely new segment of the yogurt category in the U.S. – “simply better” — with Oui by Yoplait.

This French style yogurt made with simple ingredients has quickly grown to become one of the biggest launches in the category in recent years.

Yoplait continues to be at the forefront of building the “simply better” segment of the U.S. yogurt category with its latest addition, YQ by Yoplait.

YQ by Yoplait is also gluten-free, 99 percent lactose free and contains no artificial preservatives, no artificial flavors and no colors from artificial sources.

It can be eaten alone as a snack, blended with fruit in a smoothie or as an ingredient in many recipes.

YQ by Yoplait will be available in major grocery and retail stores nationwide beginning in late June. The suggested retail price for all 5.3 oz. cups is US$1.49, while the 26 oz. tubs are US$4.99.