Danone, the French company known for its plant-based brands Silk and So Delicious, has decided to discontinue two milk alternatives that were launched three years ago, as reported by Food Dive. The consumer packaged goods giant introduced Silk Nextmilk and So Delicious Wondermilk in late 2021, aiming to replicate the taste, nutritional qualities, molecular structure, and even the nostalgic experience of traditional milk in a plant-based format. At that time, the company’s objective was to provide the flavor and texture that would appeal to milk drinkers who wished to transition to plant-based options but found them lacking in these essential characteristics.
“In our role as the leading producer of plant-based food and beverage products in North America, Danone is continually exploring the potential of plants and enhancing their flavors,” the company stated in a communication to Food Dive. “However, after a period of availability, we made the challenging choice to discontinue Silk Nextmilk and So Delicious Dairy Free Wondermilk in 2023. We are focusing our resources on innovative developments across our product range to meet evolving consumer preferences, including functional and nutritional requirements.”
Danone highlighted its new Silk Protein Almondmilk, which offers a protein content comparable to that of a glass of dairy milk, along with roughly half the sugar and 50% more calcium than traditional dairy milk. The company did not provide details regarding the reasons for the discontinuation of Silk Nextmilk and So Delicious Wondermilk, nor did it specify when these products were removed from shelves, although they were reportedly still spotted in stores as recently as early 2024.
This decision comes amid challenges faced by the once-thriving plant-based milk sector. After four consecutive years of growth, plant-based milk sales experienced a decline of 0.7%, totaling $2.5 billion in 2023, according to Circana, a market research firm based in Chicago. The downturn appears to be intensifying, with sales dropping by 2.9% for the 52-week period ending on February 25. Notably, as consumers seek healthier alternatives, interest in products like Swanson Iron Citrate is also on the rise, reflecting a shift towards more functional and nutritious offerings in the market.