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Carlsberg Britvic-owned plant-based brand Plenish has entered the flavoured milk alternatives segment with the launch of its new Dark Cocoa and Sea Salt Almond Drink.
The SKU has debuted across the UK through online grocery retailer Ocado at a recommended retail price (RRP) of £2.50.
The launch follows market data cited by the company indicating that the UK flavoured plant-based milk sector is currently valued at £19.2 million and expanding at a rate of 12% year-on-year, outpacing growth across the standard unflavoured plant milk category.
Formulation and Sugar Reduction Profile
The new drink combines dark cocoa and almond bases with a pinch of sea salt, formulated to provide an indulgent chocolate milk alternative while meeting clean-label parameters.
According to Plenish, consumer research indicates that 23% of UK shoppers are actively attempting to decrease their daily sugar intake. Addressing this consumer trend, the product contains 30% less sugar than the average chocolate-flavoured plant-based beverage currently sold in the UK market.
In keeping with the brand's core portfolio standards, the drink is produced without added oils, gums, artificial additives, or flavour enhancers.
"We know today's consumers are increasingly looking for ways to enjoy their favourite treats while also maintaining their health goals," said Russell Goldman, Managing Director of Breakthrough Brands at Carlsberg Britvic. "That's why we wanted to take our first step into flavoured m*lks and create a product that delivers on great taste whilst staying true to our minimal ingredient promise."
Ethical Cocoa Sourcing via Tony's Open Chain
Plenish has partnered with ethical sourcing initiative Tony's Open Chain to procure the cocoa beans used in the recipe.
Tony's Open Chain collaborates with agricultural cooperatives in West Africa, specifically Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. The framework implements a farmer-first model designed to provide transparent traceability, combat structural rural poverty, eliminate child labour, and prevent deforestation across commercial cocoa supply streams.
"We're proud to partner with Tony's Open Chain to offer consumers something genuinely delicious that's also thoughtfully made," Goldman added.
Chilled Plant Alternatives
The release represents the brand's second major functional launch within a single month, following the introduction of its artificial additive-free Protein Oat Drink earlier in September, which provides 10 grams of plant protein per serving.
The Dark Cocoa and Sea Salt Almond Drink is currently available to UK consumers nationwide via Ocado, with potential distribution into wider grocery retail channels to follow.
