Nestlé launches plant-based Milo in Australia

As people are including more plant-based alternatives in their diet, Nestlé is launching plant-based versions of some of its most-loved global brands. That now includes the world’s leading cocoa malt beverage, Milo.

Nestlé Australia is introducing a plant-based version of the famous powder that was first introduced in 1934. The new Milo replaces milk powder with soy and oats. The core ingredients are the same as the original Milo – malt, barley, and cocoa. The Milo development team worked hard to make sure it kept the same unmistakable choc-malt taste and iconic crunch that Australians have grown up with.

The product is also lower in sugar compared to original Milo and has a combination of vitamins and minerals to support effective energy release. The new Milo gives people a plant-based option, alongside the original, reduced-sugar and extra protein versions.

Trevor Clayton, head of the Dairy business unit at Nestlé, said, “People are looking to vary their diets with more plant-based options, including to lower their environmental footprint and for health reasons. We already have some great plant-based products and are now adding one of our biggest global brands with Milo. We’re continuing to make good on our promise to offer consumers food that is right for them and right for the planet.”

The new Milo follows on from other recent launches of plant-based beverages. Nestlé in Brazil introduced oat- and pea-based Ninho Forti + on shelves from December 2019, in a ready-to-drink carton with a paper straw. The United States saw the launch of Nesquik GoodNes in January, based on oat and pea protein with the great chocolate milk flavor of Nesquik.

Nestlé is using all its expertise in plant-based protein as well as in dairy to make sure the new drinks are high in nutritional value and taste delicious. Globally, the company has around 300 R&D scientists, engineers and product developers located in eight R&D centers that are dedicated to the research and development of plant-based products. This includes its center in Konolfingen, Switzerland that specializes in dairy.

The need for plant-based dairy alternatives that taste great and offer strong nutritionals is rising, as more families are following a flexitarian diet that is lighter on meat and dairy products. Many consumers cite environmental reasons, as plant-based products are produced with lower emissions, land- and water usage.

Nestlé has stepped up its focus on providing more nutritious options for children, with Nestlé for Healthier Kids program. The two focus areas are accelerating the healthy transformation of Nestlé’s product portfolio in line with WHO recommendations and inspiring healthier eating with supportive programs and services.