From Coca-Cola’s Smoothies to Oat-Based Drinks

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - With a decreasing demand for traditional sodas and an increased focus on health and wellness, beverage companies large and small are developing new products aimed at meeting the needs of today’s consumer.

According to Foodbev.com, Coca-Cola has expanded its Simply Beverages brand, which includes 30-plus offerings, with a selection of ready-to-drink fruit smoothies. Available in the U.S., Simply Smoothies are aimed at busy consumers who want a convenient snack or on-the-go breakfast.

The drinks are made with not-from-concentrate juices and purees and feature natural flavors but no added preservatives. Three flavors are available nationwide: strawberry banana, mango pineapple and orchard berry.

Meanwhile, Califia Farms of California is preparing to roll out three varieties of an oat-based beverage containing extra protein and nutrients, reports Fooddive.com. Dubbed Übermilk, the drink will be available this spring at Whole Foods Markets nationwide in unsweetened, unsweetened vanilla and chocolate varieties.

Each serving of Übermilk contains eight grams of plant-based protein made from peas, oats and sunflower seeds, along with essential amino acids, fatty acids from plant oils, calcium, iron, vitamin D, potassium and vitamin E.

According to Califia, oat-based beverages are trending upward. Nielsen reports that soy milk sales dropped nearly 8% for the year ending Aug. 25, 2018, and a FreshDirect report late last year said oat milk is replacing nut-based milk in consumer popularity.