Startup Perfect Day has announced that after months of research and development Nestlé has begun testing its first animal-free milk product, Cowabunga, in select Safeway stores in San Francisco.
The milk is made with Perfect Day’s fermented whey protein, and is the first collaboration between Perfect Day and Nestlé, and comes after Nestlé created the U.S. R+D Accelerator, which it’s using to identify plant-based opportunities and brings them to market at an accelerated rate of six months.
“We are excited to pilot Nestlé’s first animal-free dairy protein-based products through our U.S. R+D Accelerator,” says Joanna Yarbrough, head of R+D Accelerator. “While this category is still very young, we know consumers are looking for products that have a reduced environmental footprint, and we are evaluating this avenue as a future growth opportunity for our business.”
Cowabunga is available in Original and Chocolate flavors, both with 15 oz serving containing 14 grams of fat and 250 calories. Fortified with calcium and Vitamin D, the vegan milk also contains animal-free whey protein, oat concentrate and high oleic sunflower oil.
Heike Steiling, Head of Nestlé’s Development Center for dairy products, said: “As the world’s largest food and beverage company, delivering foods and beverages that are good for people and the planet is a priority. We are exploring emerging technologies that can lead to animal-friendly alternatives that are nutritious and sustainable, without compromising on taste, flavor, and texture.”
Following the announcement Perfect Day posted online stating: “We’re excited to share that Nestle will begin testing its new Cowabunga Animal-Free Dairy Beverages, made with Perfect Day’s sustainable, animal-free whey protein. We’re proud to make a greener future a reality by stocking the shelves with delicious, sustainable products.”
If the soft launch is successful, Nestlé and Perfect Day plan to launch Cowabunga nationwide.
