General Mills aims new yogurt at people packing in the protein
MINNEAPOLIS — Just when it seemed the yogurt aisle had something for everyone, General Mills found a slice of customers still hunting for the perfect creamy snack.
The Golden Valley, Minnesota-based food maker announced Tuesday the launch of a yogurt that will pack more protein per cup than any other on the market.
It’s the latest in a series of yogurt launches at General Mills targeting consumers with very specific dietary or taste preferences, reflecting splintering consumer expectations within this diverse grocery-store category.
The new yogurt, called Ratio: Protein, follows the company’s introduction of Ratio: Keto, which target consumers tracking their three macro nutrients: fat, protein and carbohydrates. It’s a more “adult-focused” brand for wellness-minded consumers looking to replenish and build muscle following a hard workout or someone just looking stave off hunger for longer, said Doug Martin, president of General Mills dairy unit.
“What we realized is that we did need another brand to talk to a more modern health, wellness or weight manager,” Martin said.
To achieve that whopping 25 grams of protein density in a single, standard-size cup, General Mills uses ultrafiltered milk — a process that strains out lactose sugars, upping the protein concentration — and then mixes in a whey protein.
Yogurt has always been seen as a healthier food choice, and food manufacturers are constantly evolving their products to match the health goals and diet trends of the times.
“People are shopping with themselves in mind. They want health for themselves and for members of their family,” Martin said. “They want to find a solution that speaks to them in the aisle, and there’s really not a one-size-fits-all anymore.”
Corey Chafin, a principal at consulting firm Kearney with a focus on consumers, food and retail, said 25 grams certainly stands out among its competitors.
“This almost positions it as a post-workout protein supplement,” Chafin said. “The key question will be how quickly until they face a copycat by the other brands.”
