As eating patterns have shifted to accommodate busy lifestyles, consumer snacking between meals has increased to an average of 2.5 times each day. Snacks are supplementing and even replacing meals, and more than half of consumers view portability (57 percent) and healthfulness (51 percent) as important factors when selecting snacks.
Dannon Oikos Nonfat Yogurt Drinks are a convenient grab-and-go option, and every 110-calorie serving of 7 fluid ounces offers 10 grams of protein—without any added sugar or artificial sweeteners. These products also contain active cultures, which help decrease lactose content, and are gluten free.
DanoneWave Away From Home, a new organization combining the former Dannon Foodservice and WhiteWave Away From Home, identified the college and university segment as a prime target for Oikos drinks because younger consumers eat 40 percent of their snacks away from home. During Oikos Week at a variety of campuses nationwide, students have been able to try the drinks for free at sampling events. Each school’s dining services director has received two complimentary kits, which include giveaways for the sampling event, point-of-sale materials, pre-written social media posts and products to merchandise in on-campus convenience store locations.
“This program is one of the many ways we help operators appeal to their customers’ changing preferences,” DanoneWave Channel Activation Manager Shara McNamara said. “We’re delivering a drink with high-quality protein and zero added sugar, so patrons are able to have healthy snacks on the go throughout the day. Oikos drinks can be a profitable snack selection for any grab-and-go location, and we’ve already seen their popularity grow.”
Operators interested in selling these beverages can choose from four different flavors:
- Vanilla
- Strawberry
- Mixed Berry
- Banana Cream
View the full Oikos portfolio to learn more. College and university foodservice directors can contact their local Acosta Foodservice broker about the drinks program, which is available while supplies last.
