Stonyfield Organic, Londonderry, N.H., launched Stonyfield Organic Daily Probiotics, probiotic yogurt drink shots available in an easy-to-drink format.

A new year is here, so it's time for fresh starts and lofty goals. For dairy processors, it's also a prime time to go after some untapped (or under-tapped) product development opportunities that are likely to resonate with consumers.

Good Culture, Irvine, Calif., said it launched wellness probiotic gut shots.

Doctor D’s, Louisville, Colo., said it added three new flavors to its lineup of sparkling probiotic beverages: Berry Lavender, Hibiscus Cooler and Lime Mint Mojito.

Lifeway Foods Inc., Morton Grove, Ill., said it will showcase several new offerings at the upcoming Natural Products Expo East 2019 in Baltimore.

Consumer awareness of the health benefits of probiotics continues to grow. And more consumers are abandoning probiotic supplements and looking for real food carriers.

The unit was designed to meet growing consumer demand for probiotics.

The science behind the health benefits of probiotics grows each day. Probiotics can benefit digestive health, heart health, mental health, weight management and the immune system. But formulating probiotics into fermented dairy foods and translating health benefits into appropriate claims can be tricky.

Probiotics are hot. Originally found primarily in dairy foods, probiotics now pop up in everything from pills to prunes. As competition mounts from other probiotic delivery vehicles, the dairy industry needs to continue to educate consumers about the benefits of dairy as a delivery vehicle for healthy bacteria.

Today’s health-conscious shoppers want to know more about the ingredients that they consume. Are they natural? Are they sustainable? What health benefits do they provide?