These days, it’s nearly impossible to find a diet plan that doesn’t include yogurt, especially now that many of today’s offerings include vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants and other powerful ingredients.
However mighty it is though, yogurt still needs to win over consumers’ pocketbooks as well as kids’ appetites.
That’s why it’s not surprising that private label brand yogurt is in charge of the aisle, according to statistics from Chicago-based Information Resources Inc. As of Dec. 27, 2009, IRI figures show that private label yogurt products underwent a 3.4% increase in dollar sales and raked in $417.3 million in sales.
Titans like Yoplait, however, took up four out of the Top 10 spots for its selection of kid-friendly yogurt items.
For instance, Go-Gurt portable low-fat yogurt contains freeze-and-thaw abilities, is available in Strawberry Splash and Cool Cotton Candy flavors and is the first of its kind to come in a tube, which is ideal for school lunchboxes and on-the-go families. Likewise, Yoplait Trix yogurt is another kid-approved snack. Each cup contains two colors and comes in Wildberry Blue and Strawberry Banana Bash options.
Yoplait also scored in at No. 13 with its Yoplait Whips, a whipped yogurt that includes a Chocolate Mousse Style flavor. The General Mills brand also recently introduced Yoplait Delights Parfait, which provides a double dose of yogurt flavors in just 100 calories.
According to IRI stats, Dannon Light & Fit yogurt line slotted a No. 4 spot for its assortment of better-for-you items. Now available in just 80 calories, the Light & Fit team includes three new flavors such as Orange Bliss, Pomegranate Berry and Strawberry Cheesecake. In addition, they come in single-serve 6-ounce cups, 60-calorie multi-packs, 32-ounce quarts and now a “super saver” four-pack.
In addition, Dannon Activia and Activia Light claimed spots 5 and 7, respectively, whereas Dannon Danimals, Fruit on the Bottom, Danactive and Natural yogurt lines hold the No. 11, 13, 15 and 20 slots, according to IRI stats.
Although Fage USA ranked No. 10, according to IRI figures, the Johnstown, N.Y.-based newcomer saw an uptick of 37.2% in unit sales thanks to its Total line of thick yogurt.
Meanwhile, Chobani Greek Yogurt slated in at No. 14 with a 413.4% jump in unit sales, IRI numbers show. Produced by AgroFarma Brands, this Greek yogurt lineup is made with real fruit, includes five active and live cultures and three probiotics, is gluten-free, Kosher-certified and safe for consumers with corn, nut and soy allergies, and delivers twice the protein of regular yogurts. The line comes in nine flavors that are packaged in 6- to 32-ounce cups.
Regardless of the flavors, today’s yogurt products are positioned to take charge thanks to an army of better-for-you ingredients that are kid-friendly and pocketbook approved.
