Danone is preparing to launch the first dairy and plant blended milk powder in the Netherlands under the Nutrilon brand.
This product was developed to appeal to parents who want more “vegetarian and flexitarian” options for their babies. “It turns out that Dutch parents and consumers are very interested in plant-based foods.”We observed Manuela Borella, Vice President of Global Plant Based Strategy & Business Acceleration.
Danon says plant-based consumption is “substantially” increasing in Europe, with more than one-third (37%) of EU consumers choosing a vegan, vegetarian, or flexitarian diet. It points out data from a smart protein project that shows that it is. In addition, according to a recent OnePoll survey, 69% of parents prefer their children to eat more plant-based foods.
But Danone has said that parents have “several options” if they decide to move away from breast milk and want to choose “healthy, plant-based, better for the planet” foods. rice field.
Offering “the best of both dairy and plant”
If consumers are looking for more plant-based options, why not roll out plant-based formulas? We have certainly seen a rise in innovation in this area. For example, French producer Bébé M produces organic infant formula that is free of dairy products, soybeans, gluten and palm oil. Else Nutrition has developed a 100% plant-based formula made from ingredients such as almonds, buckwheat and tapioca. According to the company, it contains “all major nutrients and over 20 essential vitamins and minerals.” Owned by Nestlé, Gerber offers a good starting line for plant-based formulas in the United States.
Borella told Food Navigator that Danone decided to develop a blended hybrid product because it took advantage of “the best of both dairy and plants.”
Danone found that 60% of the protein in the formula comes from non-GMO soybeans.
Soybeans are a well-established ingredient in infant formula. It has long been recognized as a source of plant-based protein suitable for infants and subsequent formulations, and in 2006 the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Liver Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Nutrition Commission stated: I am saying. Used for breastfeeding full-term infants.
However, ESP GHAN added: “Soy is a poorer protein source than milk, has lower digestibility and bioavailability, and has a lower methionine content. Soy protein infant formulations can only use protein isolates and currently have minimal protein content. European Union legislation is higher than cow’s milk protein infant formula, and soy protein formulas can be used to nourish term infants, but have nutritional benefits over cow’s milk protein formulas. Does not contain high concentrations of phytate, aluminum, and plant estrogen. “”..
By relying on the nutritional value of milk components such as whey, casein and lactose, Danon avoids the nutritional shortcomings associated with using vegetable protein in infant formula.
“A little less than half (40%) of the protein needed in this new recipe comes from dairy ingredients, especially milk casein and whey protein, and lactose. Lactose is an important source of carbohydrates for babies. It’s also an essential nutrient in milk. This unique combination of ingredients from both plants and dairy products can provide a combination of nutrients from both plants and milk, and this formula is nutritional. It has been shown to be perfect and support the normal growth and development of the baby. “Borella told this publication.
“As a mother of four, I am grateful that my parents want the best nutrition for the healthy growth and development of their baby. In Danon, many parents have specific nutritional requirements for their baby. We also recognize that we want to incorporate plant-based, vegetarian and quasi-vegetarian options into our baby’s diet while meeting our new Dairy & Plants Blend Baby Formula with these needs in mind. Was developed. “..
The inclusion of plant-based proteins in the formulation provides some developmental benefits, VP continued. With a “mild taste of plants”, the Dairy & Plants Blend formula aims to “gentlely familiarize babies and toddlers with the flavor of plants”. This will help shape future food preferences. We hope that young children will have less of an adverse effect on eating vegetables when weaning into solid foods.
“Over the past few years, there have been various peer-reviewed publications showing that exposing babies to flavors early in life can shape future food choices. For example, already in 2011, peer-reviewed. In the journal Digestion, studies have shown that in the first few months of life, there is a sensitive learning period in which an unpalatable taste can be tasted. “Borella explained in detail.
Smart baby food in a climate with 30% less carbon emissions
Plant-based ingredient content and fully recyclable packaging also help reduce carbon dioxide emissions in our products.
Danon calculates carbon dioxide emissions associated with raw material procurement, product manufacturing, packaging, and transportation to distributors and retailers, and dairy and plant blends are other powders offered under the Nutrilon brand. We found that the CO2 footprint per pack was 30% less than the prescription.
“Using more plants in the recipe and using a fully recyclable package, the carbon dioxide emissions of dairy and plant blended milk compared to the range of existing powdered milk available in the Netherlands. You can reduce the amount. “Borella said.
“Consumers are aware that they are increasingly demanding vegetarian, flexitarian, plant-based diets and lifestyle-friendly food choices from both a health and environmental perspective. [will be included] About the Nutrilon brand Dairy & Plants Blend recipe package..
“This new recipe has a motto of” Trust your choices and trust Nutrilon, “regardless of the dietary journey your parents choose, including choosing a flexitarian or vegetarian diet. We believe it goes well with the brand Nutrilon Powdered Milk Brand. “..
While the concept debuts in the Netherlands, Danone believes it will open up possibilities for dairy and botanical blends in the infant formula category and expects to continue to drive innovation across global brands. “Danone plans to introduce this new recipe to other markets under Danone’s global Aptamil brand in late 2022 and 2023. More details on the countries that are close to launch in these markets. We will be able to provide various information. “..
..
