Epi Ingredients debuts SoBenefik high-protein yogurt concept

Epi Ingredients has launched SoBenefik, a high-protein yogurt concept produced with ultra-filtered dairy powders.

SoBenefik is a protein-packed yogurt containing 8% protein, live cultures and a rich, extra-creamy texture while being low in fat.

The concept utilises Epi Ingredients’ Epiprot 60 UL, a native milk protein concentrate produced directly from fresh milk through a cold filtration process that allows for minimal denaturation as well as optimal functional and nutritional properties.

The French ingredients supplier has suggested that SoBenefik is particularly relevant for markets where the fresh milk supply may be limited, or where preserving the integrity of fresh raw milk can be challenging.

SoBenefik was developed with the end-consumer in mind – as it is a clean, convenient and affordable smart snacking option for increasingly time-deprived modern consumers. But, as marketing manager Mathieu Lucot explains, it is not specifically intended as a ready-to-market product.

“Indeed, the goal for Epi Ingredients is not to sell these concepts,” Lucot said. “With this range of finished products, we are merely aiming at driving innovation, showcasing the company’s application expertise and dairy ingredients know-how as well as promoting the use of our speciality ingredients, in this case native protein Epiprot 60 UL, in new product developments.”

Research from Mintel and SPINS shows that conventional snacking is in decline in favour of fresh snack offerings.

Fresh snacking is also one of the main drivers of the health and wellness snacking category as consumers continue to seek ‘better-for-you’ alternatives to fulfil their nutritional needs on the go. High-protein yogurt could be a healthy replacement for energy-dense snacks by improving satiety and delaying the desire to eat again, thus curbing overall calorie consumption, Epi Ingredients suggested.