Wellness, nutrition and plant-based themes to drive Nestlé new product innovation

27 Feb 2023 --- In response to the growing demand for immunity boosting food and plant-based alternatives, Nestlé is poised to unveil a plethora of NPD in the weeks ahead linked to wellness, health and nutrition.

Among the new products is Vital Proteins Daily Greens, released this month, which are made with “nutrient-dense superfoods, research-backed probiotics and broad spectrum antioxidants.”

Similarly, Solgar is introducing its new Probiotic Line to address rising desire for gut health wellness. The line includes several varieties: Advanced Daily Support, Advanced Bowel Support, Advanced Sleep Support, Women’s Complete and Weight Management.

In the alternative dairy space, natural bliss will expand beyond its territory as a creamer and into its first plant-based milk, unveiling natural bliss Oat Milk. Made from a blend of oats and fava bean protein, it will be available in Original and Unsweetened varieties and will launch in May.

Similarly, Starbucks will showcase its non-dairy flavored creamers, made from a blend of almond milk and oat milk mixed with added flavors. Nestlé continues expanding its alternative dairy developments while also recently teaming with Fonterra to assess and research ways of reaching net zero carbon emissions from its traditional dairy practices. 

Orgain, Nestlé’s recently-acquired plant-based protein powder brand, will unveil its Plant Protein + Collagen Powder. It supports gut, hair, skin and nail health and is made from plant protein and bovine collagen peptides.

New Nestlé product innovations will focus on wellness, nutrition and plant-based developments. Thinking about immunity
“Consumers are more mindful about what they eat and drink than ever before, be it seeking options that support their dietary needs, provide comfort, offer convenience, or are made in a responsible and sustainable way,” says Doug Munk, senior director of innovation strategy at Nestlé USA.

Consumer desire for improved wellness benefits has spiked after COVID-19, with immunity and nutrient-dense product claims proving solid draws. 

Healthier proteins
Consumer demand for healthier, low-carb options continues to rise, driving California Pizza Kitchen to launch its gluten-free BBQ chicken frozen pizza with a cauliflower crust in April. 

Similarly, Life Cuisine’s Carb Wise single-serve pizza line adds Keto-Friendly Veggie Pizza as an option for keto-friendly and low-carb diets. DiGiorno will also showcase its gluten-free crust pizza.

Nestlé is answering the growing demand for plant-based and alternative protein options by pushing its plant-based brand Sweet Earth forward. 

The brand will update several entrée bowls, burritos and pizza recipes while showcasing new packaging designed to increase findability on shelves. New recipes showcased will include the Protein Lover’s Burrito and Korean BBQ-style Chik’n. 

Nestlé Professional recently championed its Sweet Earth brand as part of its Purpose-Driven Plant-Based Incubator, a collaboration designed to accelerate and encourage plant-based eating at universities.

The food and beverage giant will present some of these new product developments during the Natural Products Expo West 2023 trade show in Anaheim, California, next month. 

In similar news, Nestlé recently posted its highest sales growth in 14 years. However, historically high commodity prices have punished the company’s volume growth, which has remained flat from a year ago. 

The Swiss F&B giant managed to increase its sales by 8.4% in 2022 to CHF 94.4 billion (US$102.42 billion), driven by price increases of 8.2% and the recovery of out-of-home channels. However, according to CEO Mark Schneider, the company’s profit margin decreased by 2.6%, a “massive” amount. 

By James Davies