Danone's Silk Disrupts Plant-Based Category with High-Dose 'Silk Protein' Beverage

Plant-based beverage leader Silk, part of the Danone North America portfolio, has announced a significant functional innovation with the launch of Silk Protein.

The new product line is engineered to address the nutritional gap often found in alternative dairy, delivering 13g of complete plant protein per serving. Rolling out nationwide this month, the launch targets the 71% of Americans actively seeking to boost protein intake, positioning itself as a direct competitor to value-added dairy and high-performance shakes.

Closing the Protein Gap

While health and wellness goals drive New Year's resolutions for nearly 80% of consumers, Silk identifies a discrepancy in the current market: plant-based sources currently account for only one-third of Americans' total estimated protein intake.

By launching a product with the highest protein content of any refrigerated plant-based milk currently on shelves, Silk aims to retain consumers who might otherwise trade back to dairy or animal-based products for their macronutrient needs.

Formulation and Nutritional Profile

Silk Protein is formulated to offer a "complete" protein profile, containing adequate amounts of all 9 essential amino acids—a rarity in the standard plant milk category.

Key Technical Specifications (Per Serving):

Protein: 13g (Complete Plant Protein).
Fibre: 3g (rated as a "Good Source").
Sugar Profile: 50% less sugar than regular dairy milk; formulated without artificial sweeteners.
Fortification: Includes Calcium and Vitamin D to support bone health.
Caloric Density: 130 calories.

Flavour Architecture

The range debuts with two core SKUs designed for versatility, suitable for direct consumption, smoothies, or coffee applications (the "proffee" trend):

🥛 Silk Protein Original: (4g total sugar/cup).

🍫 Silk Protein Chocolate: (8g total sugar/cup).

Kallie Goodwin, Senior Vice President of Plant-Based Beverages at Danone U.S., emphasised the strategic focus on macronutrients:

"Silk continues to lead the plant-based beverage category with innovative options that meet evolving consumer needs. Protein is here to stay, yet convenient, great-tasting plant-based choices have been limited – until now. Our new Silk Protein not only delivers the protein consumers crave but also offers added benefits like fibre, calcium, and less sugar to support balanced nutrition."