Danone Canada Combining Health and Indulgence for Hospitality
Consumers are increasingly demanding food options that not only taste good but also contribute to their overall well-being. The foodservice and hospitality industry are no exception to this trend. Operators are adapting to a growing focus on wellness-driven menu items that cater to various dietary needs and preferences that are health-forward, yet delicious options.
Enter Danone Canada, a leader in the dairy and plant-based product space, known for offering a wide array of nutritious and indulgent products. Danone’s offerings range from yogurts to plant-based alternatives.
Danone’s diverse product portfolio aligns with the latest wellness trends with yogurt being the third preferred food after meat. Protein is the fastest growing nutrient, but yogurt is more accessible and convenient.
Versatility and Wellness Trends
Meeting Diverse Consumer Needs:
Foodbuy spoke to Sandra Murphy, National Business Development Manager for Danone Canada, who explained how Danone products are meeting consumer trends. “Danone’s commitment to offering a broad range of options ensures operators can cater to a diverse clientele. Our product lines span across dairy, plant-based alternatives, and yogurts, giving operators the ability to serve everyone from traditional dairy consumers to those with dietary restrictions like lactose intolerance or vegan preferences.”
The company’s plant-based products, including almond milk, Coconut yogurt, and dairy-free alternatives, are in high demand as more consumers choose plant-based diets due to ethical or health reasons. These options allow foodservice operators to provide a variety of choices that cater to the increasing trend toward vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian lifestyles.
Murphy added, “Danone’s traditional dairy offerings, such as its premium yogurts and creamers, remain equally important for operators looking to appeal to a traditional customer base who enjoys creamy textures and rich, indulgent flavours. Products like Activia yogurt, known for its probiotic benefits, align with the growing consumer interest in gut health and wellness.”
Health-Conscious Menu Options:
Danone’s health-oriented products, such as Greek yogurt and low-fat options, provide a balance of nutrition and indulgence that meets the rising demand for better-for-you choices. The Activia line, which features probiotics, is a standout product, addressing consumers’ growing awareness of digestive health. Yogurts packed with protein and fiber also cater to those seeking convenient, high-protein snacks or breakfast options that align with fitness and weight management goals.
These products are perfect for breakfast bars, hotel buffets, or even as quick snacks for guests on the go. In addition, Danone’s indulgent products, like their creamy desserts and flavoured yogurt options, allow operators to offer guests a treat without the guilt. This balance offers menu items that appeal to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences, improving guest satisfaction.
Danone is launching “Oikos Pro” which has naturally sourced ingredients with no artificial sugars added and comes in both tubs and a drinkable format.
Murphy spoke to Danone’s target consumer. “We are targeting ‘exercise enthusiasts’, and what we call ‘healthy go-getters’ and ‘aspiring healthies’. Each of these consumers are looking for protein and taste. It is the cheapest form of protein and sugar from a natural source along with active culture for good digestive health. We are also launching a drinkable format which is continuously growing.”
The new product launch:
Oikos Pro 650-gram tubs – Available in Vanilla, Banana and Strawberry flavours with 18-19 grams of protein.
300ML high protein drinks – Available in Strawberry-Banana and Mixed Berry flavours with 24 grams of protein. This will be the highest drinkable yogurt on the market and is in a convenient format for grab & go.
Danone Canada’s product range offers the perfect balance of health and indulgence, providing Canadian foodservice and hospitality operators with the versatility and quality they need to thrive.