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Chobani develops shelf-stable, prebiotic-enriched Super Milk

Chobani has launched a prebiotic-enriched, shelf-stable, high-protein dairy milk to support people in disaster zones who need a nutritious drink that does not require refrigeration.

Developed to help the American Red Cross, Chobani Super Milk provides access to a nutrient-dense, high-protein, dairy-based product to those who need it most, the US company said.

The product has a shelf life of up to nine months without the need for refrigeration and includes seven grams (g) of prebiotic fibre per eight fluid ounces (around 235 ml) to help those impacted by natural disasters or food insecurity maintain gut health.

“We all know food is essential but it becomes urgent need in times of disaster,” said Hamdi Ulukaya, founder, chairman, and CEO of Chobani. “How do we design a solution, a high protein, high fibre nutritious milk that is shelf stable, where it can be deployed all over the world? That's what super milk is. We concentrated the protein level and reduced the sugar by converting it into a fibre.

Along with its prebiotic content, Chobani Super Milk also contains 13 g of protein (which is 50% more protein than traditional milk), 9 g of sugar (25% less sugar than traditional milk), and no sugar added. The product also contains 400 milligrams (mg) of calcium, which 25% more than traditional milk, and is fortified with vitamins A and D.

The concept for Super Milk was formed after a deadly earthquake hit Turkey last year, where Ulukaya was born. Chobani intends to produce around 145,000 pounds of Chobani Super Milk per month, where the American Red Cross will distribute it nationally in areas facing natural disasters. The New York State-based firm added that it would only donate the product and would not sell it in stores where its other products are typically found.

No issues on prebiotic viability expected when included in a shelf stable milk

Commenting on Chobani’s Super Milk, Kara Landau, nutrition advisor to the Global Prebiotic Association, said that while the full ingredient deck has not been made publicly available, she would not expect reduced prebiotic viability when added to a shelf stable milk that is not kept refrigerated.

“Most prebiotic fibre ingredients are shelf stable and will not be negatively influenced by being incorporated into shelf stable rather than refrigerated dairy,” she said. “Alternative prebiotics, such as those that come in the form of polyphenolic compounds are more heat sensitive and fragile in nature, so may be better suited to refrigerated options.

“Considering soluble fibres are the most commonly incorporated, dual prebiotic and fibre ingredient, this stability issue would be expected to be negated.”

It is important to review whether the dairy contains live active cultures

With regards to prebiotics utilised within dairy products, Landau, known as "The Prebiotic Dietitian," said that it was more important to review whether the dairy contained live active cultures, as it was these probiotics that may end up utilising the prebiotics that are present as a fuel source, resulting in further probiotic growth.

However, this could cause fewer prebiotic numbers being present within the finished good consumed by the consumer as time from manufacturing goes on.

While Chobani has no plans to make its Super Milk available for retail, Landau said she thought the idea of adding prebiotics into dairy products had a clear pathway, with many prebiotic ingredients being generally recognised as safe (GRAS), soluble, and not bearing any regulatory issues.

“There could be various demographics that take interest in a gut health supported milk, such as children, weight loss focused customers, menopausal women seeking digestive support amongst others,” she said. “Dairy alternatives could also look to incorporate prebiotics into their offerings and provide an option for those that are allergic or seeking to avoid dairy.”