Nestlé Introduces Soy-Dairy Milk Blend in African Markets

Nestlé has unveiled a new instant milk powder designed for Central and West African markets, offering a fusion of dairy and plant-based ingredients in their Nido product, which is not only affordable but also highly nutritious.

This milk powder, enriched with vital nutrients like protein and fiber, is the result of a unique combination of dairy milk and locally sourced soy, according to Nestlé. It's a calcium source and comes fortified with iron.

Named "Nido Milk & Soya," the product was locally developed by Nestlé experts at the regional R&D center in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. It can be incorporated into cereals, porridge, and beverages.

Already available in Nigeria, this product demonstrates Nestlé's commitment to leveraging local expertise in cereal and dairy innovation. By combining milk powder with a plant-based element, they have managed to create a product that not only excels in taste and texture but also boasts strong nutritional credentials. The use of locally sourced soy further adds sustainability to the equation, delivering a cost-effective and nourishing milk and plant-based beverage.

Nestlé has a history of developing dairy-plant-based hybrid products. In the past, their R&D teams crafted a nutritious powdered beverage containing a blend of milk, soy, and fruit, primarily targeted at meeting the nutritional and taste preferences of children in an affordable and sustainable manner.

Laurent Alsteens, global category head for early childhood nutrition at Nestlé, noted that Nestlé's approach to combining dairy and plant ingredients not only enhances nutritional benefits but also creates an exciting new flavor experience.

Hybrid blends that combine both plant and dairy-based elements are gaining attention as a way for brands to address both nutritional and environmental concerns. In 2022, Danone introduced its Dairy & Plants Blend infant formula, catering to parents seeking feeding options suitable for vegetarian, flexitarian, and plant-based diets while ensuring their baby's specific nutritional needs are met. This product leverages scientific breastmilk research and plant-based nutrition expertise to deliver a balanced formulation, featuring 60% non-GM soy protein and various plant ingredients, along with a 40% dairy component providing casein and whey protein from cow's milk, lactose, and other nutrients.

Nestle-Nido