What’s better than holding a cup of your favorite warm beverage on a cold morning, savoring the fragrance of the drink while staring out and wondering what the day will hold?
For many consumers, this brief moment of tranquility – whether it be on the porch of their home or the stool at their favorite coffee shop – allows them to hit the pause button and simply enjoy the experience.
Coffee creamers, which often incorporate whimsical and mood-boosting flavors, are able to facilitate this individualized moment of simple splendor. The manufacturers of these dairy products cater to the consumers’ desire for excitement in their coffee experience. Providing your customers with a well-crafted experience in addition to a well-crafted flavor are paramount to remaining relevant in the beverage industry.
Within the beverage industry, the flavored milk market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7% from 2023 to 2033.1 Propelling growth is the growing awareness about dairy nutrition products and the consumption of ready-to-drink beverages.
According to Fact.MR, other significant factors estimated to boost the growth of the flavored milk market include flavor and packaging.
There’s much flavored milk manufacturers can learn from the development and production of coffee creamers - from flavor inspiration to packaging. Before we dive into that, let’s quickly look at how consumers approach the cold aisles in the supermarkets and convenience stores.
While how Americans consume our dairy is different than a generation ago, according to Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), we include dairy in all meals and occasions to live a healthy life and celebrate special moments.2
Americans are eating more dairy - think cheese, yogurt, ice cream - than drinking it. But, the market is growing: U.S. per capita dairy intake has increased 19% over the past 30 years.3 And, as referenced above, the flavored milk market is projected to grow as well. So, with the right flavors, packaging, and experience created for consumers, there is ample opportunity to encourage consumers to start drinking more milk.
Getting consumers to cold aisles, and keeping them coming back for their favorite brands and experiences, starts with flavor.
Milk Flavoring
Being able to create a unique and distinctive signature dairy product, or flavored milk product, starts with the highest quality ingredients.
Consumers also appreciate variety, and as such, flavored milk vendors must continually innovate to introduce new and exciting flavors.
Striking the right balance between classic and innovative is trending in other industries, but presents unique challenges for the dairy industry. Straying too far from the classics here, could turn consumers off.
Flavored milk vendors are turning to coffee creamers, who seem to have a strong understanding of the balance consumers seek in dairy products. Coffee creamers often incorporate whimsical and mood-boosting flavors as their main goal is to cater to consumers’ desire for excitement in their coffee experience. Every morning, they are transforming a simple cup of coffee into a delightful, indulgent treat.
How can flavored milk vendors accomplish the same - transform a simple serving of milk into a delightful treat?
The chocolate flavor segment is expected to account for a significant share, followed by coffee, vanilla and strawberry.1
In addition to these classic flavors, below are some innovations for the flavored milk market to consider.
Sweet and Indulgent Flavors
Tiramisu: The combination of rich and creamy textures, the infusion of coffee, the chocolate notes, balanced sweetness from marsala, cultural appeal, and versatility make tiramisu a desirable and enjoyable flavor for dairy products. It offers a unique and sophisticated experience for those who appreciate the distinct elements of this classic Italian dessert. Add a touch of brandy or pure vanilla for a delightful and well-balanced profile.
Chocolate Hazelnut: This irresistible pairing adds a layer of decadence to dairy products, making them more appealing to consumers. Often associated with gourmet and premium products, chocolate hazelnut combines the creamy richness of chocolate with the nutty depth of hazelnut. Consumers seeking a special and rewarding experience may be drawn to dairy products featuring this delectable flavor combination.
Vanilla Cupcake: Vanilla remains one of the most popular and widely accepted flavors globally. The addition of a cake or cupcake twist enhances its appeal, capitalizing on the enduring popularity of vanilla. Incorporating this flavor into dairy products adds a celebratory touch, as vanilla cake is often associated with celebrations and special occasions. Best of all, the sweet vanilla cake flavor appeals to consumers of all ages, making it a great choice for family-oriented dairy products.
Vanilla cupcake pairs well with a variety of other flavors commonly found in dairy products, such as chocolate, caramel, or fruit. This pairing potential allows for the creation of complex and delicious flavor profiles.
Comforting and Cozy Flavors
Cinnamon Bun: Cinnamon bun is associated with warmth, comfort, and a sense of indulgence. It evokes memories of freshly baked goods, creating a familiar and comforting experience. The combination of cinnamon, spice and french vanilla provide a dessert-like indulgence any time of day.
Toasted Marshmallow: The aroma and taste of toasted marshmallow evoke a sensory experience associated with a classic campfire treat, outdoor activities and cozy gatherings. This sensory appeal adds a layer of nostalgia and comfort to dairy products. Best of all, this flavor pairs well with other flavors commonly found in dairy products, such as chocolate, caramel, or vanilla, allowing for the creation of complex and delicious flavor profiles.
Pumpkin Spice: Incorporating this flavor into dairy products allows your brand to tap into the seasonal excitement and create limited-time offerings that align with autumn consumer preferences. The pumpkin spice flavor is often linked to seasonal rituals, such as pumpkin picking, baking, and festive gatherings - and your flavored milk product could be too!
Flavors With a Hint of Nostalgia
Caramel Butterscotch: The flavor combination of caramel and butterscotch is often associated with classic candies and confections. This nostalgic appeal can evoke fond memories for consumers, making it a popular choice that transcends generational preferences.
French Toast: French toast is a classic breakfast dish often associated with warmth and comfort. Known for its delicious combination of flavors, including cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of maple sweetness, French toast is a desirable and versatile flavor. This makes it particularly appealing for dairy products where consumers often seek a sense of indulgence and satisfaction.
Snickerdoodle: Recreate this beloved cookie with flavors of vanilla and cinnamon. The name "snickerdoodle" itself has a playful and whimsical quality, adding an element of fun to the flavor. This playfulness aligns with consumer preferences for enjoyable and lighthearted taste experiences.
Fruity and Refreshing Flavors
Almond Joy: A classic candy flavor known for its combination of milk chocolate, coconut, and almonds, its use in dairy products appeals to consumers looking for comfort and familiarity. Coconut flavor is currently trending, especially among consumers looking for unique and exotic taste experiences.
Raspberry Truffle: The combination of tart raspberry and rich chocolate creates a unique and sophisticated flavor profile, elevating the perceived quality of the dairy product. While the flavor combination is luxurious, the inclusion of raspberry provides a hint of brightness. This dual nature makes it suitable for both seasonal offerings and year-round products, appealing to different consumer preferences.
Orange Cream: Orange creamsicle brings together the zesty and refreshing taste of orange with the creamy and smooth flavor of vanilla. This classic combination is universally loved, offering a familiar and enjoyable taste experience. While orange creamsicle is often associated with summer and warmer weather, its delightful flavor makes it suitable for year-round consumption. Manufacturers can leverage its versatility to offer both seasonal and regular product lines.
Whether you stick to the classics or are inspired by the success and innovation of coffee creamers, flavor is only the beginning to transforming a simple serving of milk into a delightful treat. Now the challenge becomes, how do you package and market the flavor and experience you’re delivering?
Representing Milk Flavors, Experiences & Nutrition In Packaging
Tins and cans appear to be dominating this market, yet with increasing eco-consciousness, the glass and PET bottles segment are expected to gain traction over the coming decade.
Not only does the type of packaging matter to consumers,but also the label on it. As flavored milk vendors introduce new flavors to attract consumers, they’re adhering to clean label trends.
Many consumers are becoming more health-conscious. Concerns about added sugars, artificial flavors and other ingredients in flavored milk products are impacting their choices. As flavored milk vendors are developing new products, they are considering these concerns, while also trying to reclaim dairy’s functional identity.
Emphasizing the functional qualities of dairy, such as its nutritional value - it’s a rich source of calcium, protein and vitamins - can help consumers overcome negative perceptions associated with flavored milk, such as it being viewed as sugary or a less healthy option compared to plain milk.
Ensuring transparency in your ingredient list is paramount to earning your consumers’ trust. Bickford Flavors is your alternative to artificial additives and sweeteners. Derived from the highest quality sources, Bickford Flavors are all-natural and free of added sugar or salt. Incorporating our milk flavoring, ensures you can communicate the use of natural flavorings and real ingredients, enhancing the perception of flavored milk as a wholesome and nutritious choice.
Partnering With Bickford Flavors
At Bickford Flavors, we believe that dairy flavorings must do double duty to create a crowd-pleasing product. They must:
- Mix seamlessly with the other ingredients for richness and creaminess and
- Deliver an extraordinary, authentic taste of dairy
Every Bickford flavor is formulated to meet current market demands and your specific labeling needs – such as no sugar added, low-calorie, low-protein, low-carbohydrate, gluten-free, and more.
We partner with small to large, commercial beverage manufacturers, and we deliver the best milk flavors at wholesale prices and quantities.
Our wholesale program offers:
- Preferred pricing
- No minimum order requirement after one gallon
- Faster than normal turnaround times
We are committed to your growing business and beverage product line. To get started, download our wholesale business verification form or ask about our sample program.
Download Wholesale Business Verification Form
Have questions? Contact us today or call 440-494-7777. Toll free at 800-283- 8322.
Resources:
1https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2022/12/07/2569399/0/en/Flavored-Milk-to-Witness-US-82-Billion-Market-Opportunity-as-Preference-for-On-the-Go-Beverages-Burgeons-Tins-Cans-Estimated-To-Account-For-Over-1-3-Share-Fact-MR.html
2https://www.idfa.org/news/u-s-dairy-consumption-beats-expectations-in-2020-and-continues-to-surge-upward-despite-disruption-caused-by-pandemic
3 https://www.foodbeverageinsider.com/dairy/dairy-consumption-hits-record-level-in-u-s-