Nestlé has launched a “milk plus soy milk” baby drink in the Philippines.

Nestlé has launched a “milk plus soy milk” baby drink in the Philippines.

The product combines milk and plant proteins and is claimed to be the first of its kind in the baby food category in the Philippines.
The new product, called “BEAR BRAND MILK N’ SOY,” will be sold in supermarkets, grocery stores and small grocery stores (also known as Sari Sari shops).
Prior to this launch, BEAR BRAND’s range of school-aged children’s milk products in the Philippines included fortified milk powders with added vitamin D, protein, calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin C.
Nestlé believes that the combination of milk and soy protein could make nutrition more accessible to school-aged children.
In response to NutraIngredients-Asia’s inquiries regarding the April 8 product launch, a Nestlé spokesperson stated: “BEAR BRAND MILK N’ SOY is the first affordable plant-based milk drink, not only under the BEAR BRAND brand, but in the entire category.”
Soy protein is used because it is more affordable and provides high-quality protein containing essential amino acids, healthy fats, fiber and other nutrients.
For example, according to World Bank statistics, nearly a third of children under five in the Philippines suffer from stunting. The World Bank also notes that stunting in children aged two to five “is primarily associated with poor intrauterine growth conditions and inadequate food security and dietary diversity.”
“We created Bear Brand Milk to meet the unique nutritional needs and taste preferences of school-aged children and make it accessible to Filipino families,” said Serena Abbottbourg, head of nutrition strategy at Nestlé.
However, the low solubility of soy protein also creates certain problems, which in turn can affect the overall texture of the product.
“Soy protein is less soluble than milk protein and, when mixed with milk, develops a beany flavor and a gritty texture.”
“However, our innovative enzyme-based technology allows us to seamlessly combine dairy and plant proteins to produce nutritious, affordable, delicious and smooth beverages,” said Isabelle Birau-Franz, Head of Nutrition Research at Nestlé.
In addition to soy, companies producing baby food drinks use oats, almonds, buckwheat, cassava, as well as dry coconut milk, pea and rice protein as sources of plant-based protein.
Nestlé said that in addition to the Philippines, similar products for school-aged children have been launched in Nigeria under the Nido brand.
The company also plans to expand sales of these products to other regions of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
“We believe there is tremendous potential for growth in extending the benefits of the Bear Brand to school-aged children,” said Abubul.
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