It seems fewer and fewer Americans are asking “Got Milk?” as active, on-the-go lifestyles mean less time at the kitchen table passing around a gallon jug of the beverage. Milk consumption is declining in the U.S., as it’s just not as convenient to drink on the go.

To get their fill of protein and calcium, more consumers are turning to individually packaged drinkable yogurt and smoothies. These beverages can be made with a variety of flavors and natural ingredients, putting them in competition with fruit juices or other healthy drinks in addition to milk. 

Dairy companies will find success in this market by packaging drinks in single-serve containers that can be consumed on the go. Stand up pouches with spout are a popular option, as their flexibility and durability are perfect for active consumers. Yogurt and smoothie drinks will be kept fresher longer in this type of beverage packaging, making it a great choice for packing in school or work lunches. Stand up pouches with spout are designed uniquely to allow for flexible filling and reduce hassle and waste, which is especially important for today’s earth-conscious customer. 

When we think of healthy beverages, we often imagine sweet, fruity flavors and fun, bright colors. The yogurt industry is expanding, however, to introduce more savory options as drinkable milk alternatives become more popular. Yogurt makers are listening to consumers and shifting away from sugary or artificially sweetened products to provide more nourishing products rich in protein and calcium. Some companies are using traditions and ingredients from around the globe to introduce more tart or savory yogurt options. Even yogurts topped with olive oil, spice blends, finishing salt, peppers, or cucumbers are gaining traction in the food and beverage industry.

As consumers grow more conscious of and concerned with the ingredients in the packaged foods they’re purchasing, keeping natural, healthy products safe is a main priority. Choosing stand up pouches with spout for these unique new yogurt blends will give beverage companies an even greater competitive advantage. Milk will probably never be completely erased from supermarket shelves, but with so many new alternatives and dairy options, we’ll likely see many consumers making the shift to drinkable yogurt and smoothies packaged in flexible stand up pouches that are safe for both their own health and the health of the planet.

(Image Sources: http://www.21food.com/)