Yogurt is a versatile product. It can transform into a refreshing beverage, serve as a satisfying meal replacement, enhance your culinary creations as an ingredient, delight your taste buds as a dessert, and even fuel your workouts as a high-protein sports supplement (Anil & Roshan, 2022). In this market, fruit yogurt stands out among the flavored options. Explore here the enduring appeal of traditional flavors and discover the exciting trends in yogurt choices today.
According to a common belief, nomadic peoples of Central Asia created yogurt's first version by accident about 8,000 years ago. These people used to store milk in the stomachs of different animals. The microorganisms in these natural pouches fermented the milk giving it the characteristic sour taste of yogurt (Tetra Pak, 2021).
In the modern context, yogurt is the result of pasteurized milk undergoing homogenization and fermentation. It can be found in various flavors or in its natural form, offering diverse textures. However, its universal attribute lies in the positive impact it has on health, particularly in promoting digestive and intestinal well-being (Anil and Roshan, 2022).
Yogurt reigns in the flavored products category within this market (Glanbia Nutritionals, 2021). Whether they come in classic or more adventurous varieties, fruits are capturing the hearts of consumers globally.
Currently, the fruit yogurt market is estimated to show a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0% between 2023 and 2028 (Mordor Intelligence, 2023). Such performance is related to consumer interest in flavors and products that address their health concerns.
The conventional remains dominant. Strawberries maintain their presence within the dairy sector, appearing not just in established offerings but also in recently introduced products. Likewise, consumers view blueberries as a health-conscious flavor (FONA International, 2021). On the other hand, exotic options also have a place. This is the case, for instance, with the citrus fruit from Japan known as yuzu (Glanbia Nutritionals, 2021).
The popularity of yogurts enriched with vitamins and proteins is surging. For instance, people can find products made with superfruits or high in prebiotics. This is due to the interest in foods that positively impact health and are functional.
Products with lower added sugar content are also appealing. Consequently, producers are increasingly turning to alternative sweeteners, including those derived from natural sources like fruit puree. Interestingly, the dairy and dessert sectors are currently dominating the worldwide fruit puree market. This ingredient sweetens naturally. It also adds flavor and color while improving the texture of products (Persistence Market Research, 2023). In addition, many people perceive as healthier the sweetness that comes from fruit components (Tetra Pak, 2021).
Finally, industry challenges include the growing trend of plant-based ingredients and the expectation to find products that are multifunctional.
Fruit yogurt stands ready to blend tradition and innovation harmoniously.