Organic is considered safe, healthy and natural by Chinese consumers, and the country’s organic sector is forecast to grow by 16.3% between 2020 and 2025. China also has the world’s second largest population of children, fuelling demand for premium products targeted at this demographic.
According to a 2019 consumer study by Lindberg International, 57% of Chinese mothers consider organic a highly important attribute. Many choose organic formula for infants, but evidence also points to opportunities for organic snacks for older children.
Clean label, high protein
To demonstrate how its Nutrilac organic milk protein is positioned to help snack producers fill this gap, Arla Foods Ingredients has devised two innovative concepts.
- Cheese snacks
Firstly, it recommends adding Nutrilac organic milk protein to cheese snacks to provide children with much of their daily recommended intake of calcium and protein.
Nutrilac is available in plain or sweet versions and imparts a mild, milky taste. It also gives the snacks a smooth texture that kids will love.
- Squeezable yoghurt
The second concept is an ‘easily squeezable’ yoghurt snack in a pouch.
Nutrilac is available in a fruit variant and enables the producer to add both ‘a source of protein’ and ‘a source of calcium’ claim. The yoghurt will also benefit from a stable viscosity during shelf life. With an optimal fermentation profile, it offers reduced acidic taste to increase appeal to children.
Sourced from ingredients found naturally in milk, Nutrilac also meets the growing demand for clean label solutions.
“Children have a special place in Chinese culture, and the growing number of affluent middle class parents want the very best for them,” said Yuanyuan Li, sales manager at Arla Food Ingredients.
“This is driving demand for snacks that can be trusted as safe and nutritious, and an increasing interest in organic and clean-label options.
“High-quality dairy protein is a perfect match for these needs. Our new recipe concepts demonstrate the potential for health-focused innovation in the Chinese market, and highlight the opportunities to expand product lines with organic and premium options.”
