Finland’s Largest Dairy Brand Debuts Vegan Oat Milk

Finland’s largest dairy producer Valio will debut a vegan oat-based milk and yogurt line in Finland in February and across Sweden in the spring. The Oddlygood line—which is made with locally sourced Finnish oats—will include a plain and dark cocoa oat milk, and several yogurt flavors such as raspberry, mango, blueberry, vanilla, and strawberry. “Studies show that consumers want a wider range of good-tasting and local product options in the selection of plant-based products,” Valio Business Manager Anne Arponen said. “Consumers enjoy experimenting with plant-based products. The products are non-dairy, so they make a good option for vegans and [people with milk allergies].” Large dairy brands are increasingly turning to plant-based innovations to keep up with changing consumer habits, as evidenced by French dairy brand Danone’s recent $12.5 billion acquisition of WhiteWave Foods—the parent company of non-dairy brands Silk, So Delicious, Vega, and Alpro.