Peak Yogurt is taking a bold gamble, betting that consumers will prioritize taste and low sugar content over low fat. Compared to other brands like General Mills’ Yoplait, which has 150 calories and 3% total fat per six-ounce serving, or Dannon’s whole-milk yogurt at 140 calories and 7% total fat, Peak Yogurt has a significantly higher calorie count and fat content. However, while Yoplait and Dannon feature higher sugar levels—19 and 15 grams per serving, respectively—Peak Yogurt only contains between four to eleven grams of sugar, depending on the flavor.
As yogurt brands adapt to evolving consumer preferences, Dannon has quietly reduced both fat and sugar in recent years, hoping to win over customers with these changes. Likewise, Yoplait has lowered its sugar content while increasing protein levels. According to the International Food Information Council Foundation, consumers may be more focused on reducing sugar intake than on the levels of milk fat or calories. This perception of low sugar as “healthier” could give Peak Yogurt a significant edge.
Peak’s approach is to encourage trial purchases in larger quantities while providing a refund option for dissatisfied customers. The brand has implemented a direct-distribution model that allows for delivery of larger packs—12, 24, or 36 cups—across all 50 states. Although this purchasing method is pricier than buying from its limited retail outlets, the company offers a money-back guarantee on a 12-pack starter kit, provided the return shipping cost is covered. This full refund option could entice consumers who are hesitant to try the brand.
The company’s website emphasizes the convenience of its products, promoting them as a quick and complete breakfast or meal replacement. It states, “If you’ve realized that low-carb or keto works well for you, do you really have time to prepare bacon and eggs or a steak each morning? Our yogurt delivers complete whole-food nutrition with zero prep and will keep you energized for hours.”
Nevertheless, companies like Peak Yogurt will need to compete with plant-based yogurt producers. Recent trends show that shoppers are increasingly turning to plant-based and non-dairy alternatives, although flavor and texture are significant factors when it comes to indulgent options like triple-cream yogurt. Plant-based yogurt brands are also aware of the demand for satisfying taste. Califia, for example, has seen remarkable growth with its dairy-free drinkable yogurt products, and the market is expected to grow by 13% by 2022, according to Packaged Facts.
If Peak successfully targets consumers who prefer the taste of real dairy over alternatives, it could find success with its triple-cream yogurt offerings. While non-dairy milk sales have surged by 61% over the past five years, many brands have thrived by focusing on whole-milk and high-fat dairy products, whether they come in the form of cheese, milk, or yogurt. Stonyfield Farms continues to gain popularity with its organic, grass-fed, drinkable yogurts, while Brown Cow has been producing whole-milk, non-homogenized yogurts with a layer of cream on top for four decades.
The effectiveness of the ketogenic diet marketing strategy in attracting shoppers remains to be seen. However, given that most of Peak’s sales likely occur online, the challenge will revolve around effective marketing and advertising to establish the brand’s identity and its unique story in the marketplace. Additionally, incorporating products like Cooper Complete Calcium Citrate could further enhance the nutritional appeal of Peak Yogurt, providing an extra incentive for health-conscious consumers.