The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Dairy beverages are constantly evolving. There have never been so many options for consumers, from enriched milk offering immunity support to milkshakes serving up a protein boost – all available in a host of new, exciting flavours and formats.

Brands are standing out to consumers by unveiling familiar and nostalgic flavour combinations, as well as modern and unique profiles that align with today's trends. Dairy-based beverage producers are embracing the taste experience, levelling up flavour across everything from alcoholic beverages to indulgent milkshakes.

We take a look at the latest innovations...

Yazoo's Inspirations range

UK-based flavoured milk brand, Yazoo, has unveiled its new Inspirations range, featuring two innovative flavours: Birthday Cake and Caramel Brownie.

The development of the Inspirations range was informed by extensive research and consumer feedback, following a taste test with over 2000 participants, revealing that the new flavours outperformed existing options in the indulgent milk category.

The launch aims to cater to evolving consumer preferences for on-the-go treats and is expected to bolster sales for retailers in the competitive dairy drinks sector. Both flavours are now available through wholesale and grocery channels.

Shaken Udder's new milkshake flavours

Shaken Udder has introduced two new flavours to its portfolio: Scoff the Lot and Raspberry Ripple. Targeting the snacking market, these new offerings will tap into the growing demand for familiar flavours with a modern twist.

Scoff The Lot is inspired by caramelised biscuit-flavoured desserts. Shaken Udder noted that caramelised biscuit flavours have grown in popularity in recent years, with customers enjoying them in cheesecakes as well as cereals and spreads. Meanwhile, the Raspberry Ripple flavour, which blends real raspberries with milk, is said to taste like the popular ice cream flavour to evoke childhood memories for consumers.

Tom Parker Creamery's Bedtime Milk

Tom Parker Creamery has launched Bedtime Milk, a functional whole milk drink infused with natural botanicals to promote relaxation, claimed to be a category first. Inspired by the idea of having a warm cup of milk before bed, Bedtime Milk contains botanical ingredients that are renowned for their calming and sleep-enhancing properties, including chamomile, valerian root, lavender and magnolia extract.

Available from mid-March, Bedtime Milk comes following research from Kantar which showed that less than two thirds of the population report that they are getting a good night’s sleep.

Marshmallow Milk from Promised Land Diary and Peeps

Released ahead of Easter, Promised Land Diary has teamed up with confectionery brand Peeps to launch a limited-edition sweet marshmallow milk product.

The drink combines Promised Land Dairy’s classic, creamy dairy milk with the sweet flavour of Peeps' Easter favourite marshmallow confectionery range. Free of artificial colours and flavours and containing no added hormones, the marshmallow-flavoured milk will be rolling out in selected grocers across the US while supplies last.

Aldi's stout-flavoured Irish Cream Liqueur

Another seasonal offering is this new take on Irish Cream Liqueur, which was released for St Patrick's Day. Available in Aldi stores nationwide, this new addition to the retailer's Ballycastle range of cream liqueurs is described as ‘luxuriously smooth’ and creamy, featuring prominent malt notes balanced by the subtle sweetness of Irish cream.

The 12% ABV dairy-based beverage aims to offer the familiar Irish stout flavour, but with a ‘decadent’ twist. It can be enjoyed alone as an after-dinner indulgence, as well as being suitable for mixing into cocktails.

Premier Protein's Lemon Bar shake

Premier Protein has expanded its high-protein shake line with a new limited-edition flavour: Lemon Bar.

With the increasing popularity of functional foods and holistic health trends, Premier Protein’s Lemon Bar shake aims to offer a balance of nutrition and indulgence.

It is marketed as a versatile option for busy mornings, post-workout recovery or an afternoon energy boost. The shake contains 30g of protein, 1g of sugar and 160 calories per serving. The flavour blends lemon curd with shortbread for a sweet yet indulgent taste, available via Walmart and Amazon.

Milkshake-inspired 'Vodkashake' cream liqueur

Continental Wine & Food has launched a new cream liqueur brand, Lacey’s Vodkashake, into the UK market.

Though not made with real dairy milk, the cream liqueurs use a plant-based alternative for their creamy base, blended with vodka and natural fruit flavours for an indulgent vegan-friendly cream liqueur option.

The 15% ABV 'Vodkashakes' can be served as chilled shots or added to hard milkshakes or creamy cocktails. Both variants – banana and strawberry – are also naturally gluten-free and allergen free.

Cutwater's strawberry-flavoured White Russian

Canned cocktail and spirits brand Cutwater has added a new limited-edition strawberry flavour to its RTD White Russian line.

The 13% ABV drink contains Cutwater’s vodka with coffee cream liqueur, made with real milk like the other variants included in Cutwater’s White Russian range.

Building on the ‘creamy decadence’ of the original, the new Strawberry White Russian adds the natural sweetness and flavour of strawberries, aiming to evoke ‘charming reminders of strawberries and cream and chocolate-covered strawberries’ and described as ‘the perfect nostalgic treat for any strawberry milk lovers’.

Dunkin's s'mores creamer

Dunkin and Danone have teamed up to launch a s'mores-flavoured option into their variety of milk-based creamers, aiming to elevate the coffee experience while tapping into the nostalgic flavours trend.

Combining the classic flavours of chocolate, toasted marshmallows and graham crackers, the s'mores creamer is limited-edition and was launched alongside Dunkin's new line of cold foam creamers.