The latest food and beverage industry news and trend analysis

Quaker Foods, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, has entered the portable functional beverage space with the launch of Quaker Oat Shake and Go. The new product line features single-serve bottles of dry oat powder that consumers prepare by adding their choice of liquid directly to the packaging, shaking the bottle, and consuming immediately.

The launch represents an effort to adapt traditional hot cereal products into portable, cold-preparation formats that align with busy consumer routines.

Product Specifications and Nutrition

The formulation utilises 100% whole grain oats and is engineered to provide a clean-label, functional nutritional profile. The product does not require an overnight soak or external blending equipment, relying instead on a quick-mix design.

Key technical and dietary specifications include:

• Whole Grains – Contains 16g of whole grains per serving, derived entirely from whole grain oats.

• Protein Delivery – Provides 15g of protein per serving in its dry format, which increases to 23g when prepared with eight ounces of milk.

• Fibre Content – Delivers 3g of dietary fibre per serving to support digestive health.

• Ingredient Standards – Formulated without artificial preservatives, artificial flavours, or added colours.

The product is launching in two distinct flavours:

🍓 Strawberry and Banana: A classic creamy, fruit-forward flavour profile.

🍂 Cinnamon Vanilla: A sweet vanilla profile accented with a hint of warm spice.

Demand and Insights

The introduction of the drinkable format addresses a documented shift in consumer breakfast habits, where convenience and preparation speed remain primary barriers.

According to consumer research, 65% of Americans prepare their morning meals in under five minutes, with a lack of time cited as a leading obstacle to eating breakfast. Additionally, health and wellness priorities continue to influence purchasing decisions, with 86% of US consumers actively seeking to add protein to their diets and 73% aiming to increase their daily fibre intake.

This consumer interest in faster, cold-preparation breakfast options is also reflected in digital spaces. Search volume for cold-preparation oat recipes on social platforms has experienced a 49% year-on-year increase, highlighting a clear commercial opportunity for pre-packaged, shelf-stable alternatives.

Distribution

The launch represents a continuation of PepsiCo’s broader strategy to integrate functional ingredients across its established food and beverage brands. Recent product developments under this initiative include protein-enriched oatmeal, high-fibre snacks, and prebiotic soft drinks.

Quaker Oat Shake and Go is scheduled to roll out nationwide across the United States in July 2026. The product will be positioned within the hot cereal aisle at major national retailers.