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Nestlé has launched its first “affordable and nutritious” instant powder in Central and West Africa, made with a blend of milk and plant ingredients. Nestlé says it is working on the blends as milk is beneficial for its protein, calcium and vitamins, while plant-based ingredients are also an important source of protein, essential amino acids, healthy fats, other nutrients and come with sustainability benefits. Laurent Alsteens, global category head for early childhood nutrition at Nestlé, said: "We continue to expand our offerings with nutritious, tasty, products that complement the everyday diet of children and their families. Through combining the goodness of dairy and plant ingredients, we can deliver a new flavour experience together with nutritional benefits." By combining milk and locally sourced soy, the blend – named Nido – contains essential nutrients such as protein and fibre and is a source of iron and calcium. The powder was developed locally by Nestlé experts at its regional R&D centre in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, and can be used with cereals, porridges and drinks. Tesfalidet Haile, head of Nestlé's R&D Center in Abidjan, commented: "We used our local expertise in cereals and dairy innovation to combine milk powder with a plant-based ingredient while ensuring that the product had a good taste, texture and solid nutritional credentials. This, combined with the use of locally sourced soy, enabled us to deliver a nutritious and affordable milk and plant-based beverage with sustainability benefits." Additionally, through the R&D accelerator located at Nestlé’s R&D centre in Konolfingen, Switzerland, the teams leverage expertise in dairy and dairy alternatives to rapidly develop and test new concepts that combine both milk and plant ingredients. Nido Milk & Soya is now available in Nigeria.