Blue Diamond releases trio of almond milk-based products

Blue Diamond has expanded its Almond Breeze range with the US launch of two new creamers and an almond milk blended with bananas.

The almond milk-based creamers – available in vanilla and unsweetened variants – are said to have a “thick and silky texture” and can be used in coffee or as a dairy-free substitute to traditional cream in cooking.

Meanwhile, the banana almond milk has about half a banana in every serving and 80 calories per cup, with zero added sugars. Blue Diamond said it can be consumed as a beverage, poured over cereal or blended in smoothies.

The California-headquartered company said the new products are great choices for consumers who are lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy, prefer vegan foods, or “simply want a creamy, tasty, calcium-enriched alternative to dairy milk”.

Suzanne Hagener, director of brand marketing for non-dairy products at Blue Diamond, said: “Our new almond milk creamer and almond milk blended with real bananas exemplify how we are leading the charge in plant-based beverage innovation. These products are exciting additions to our almond milk line-up.”

A study published in 2017 by Transparency Market Research predicted that global dairy alternatives market is expected to reach a value of $26.3 billion by the end of 2024, as non-traditional offerings like rice milk, almond milk and coconut milk become increasingly popular with consumers.

It said that much of the growth globally is down to rising awareness of healthy alternatives and a proliferation of lactose intolerance.

Last year, Blue Diamond made its first foray into the functional ingredients sector with the launch of an almond protein powder.