Blue Diamond has announced their expansion into the dairy-free yogurt category with a new line of Almond Breeze Almondmilk Yogurt Alternatives. Unlike other brands, they are launching just two baseline flavors: Original and Vanilla. But they’re using these core flavors to make six additional single-serve varieties with toppings. Suzanne Hagener, Director of Brand Marketing for Blue Diamond, thinks their unique strategy will shake things up.
We developed single-serve sidecar cups that pair the deliciously creamy Almond Breeze Almondmilk Yogurt Alternative with the crunchy goodness of Blue Diamond almonds and other toppings to bring innovation to the growing plant-based yogurt space. Dairy-free can be exciting, and that’s exactly what we’ve created here.
Almond Breeze Almondmilk Yogurt Alternative Has Extra-Nutty Appeal
All of the new single-serve sidecar cups come with Blue Diamond’s California-grown almonds, and most include other complimentary toppings. But take note that the toppings do eat into the yogurt’s space. Like most single-serve yogurt cups, these are 5.3 ounces, but that includes the toppings. So expect a lesser amount of yogurt than your average dairy-free yogurt cups.
Blue Diamond hasn’t released full ingredient and nutrition information on their yogurt alternatives yet, but we will update here when we have that information.
Original
Available in the larger, 24-ounce tubs, this flavor is reportedly good for dips and cooking, too, so you can expect a less sweet flavor profile.
Vanilla
Like the Original, this baseline, sweetened flavor is sold in 24-ounce tubs.
Toasted Almonds
Purists will prefer this this vanilla almondmilk yogurt with a simple topping of toasted almond slices.
Honey Roasted Almonds & Granola
This flavor isn’t strictly vegan since it contains honey roasted almond slices and granola. The topping is matched with their vanilla almondmilk yogurt.
Chocolate Almonds & Dark Chocolate Chips
Their vanilla almondmilk yogurt is complimented by chocolate flavored diced almonds and dark chocolate chips for a more dessert-like experience.
Coconut Almonds & Dark Chocolate Chips
I have a feeling Almond Joy fans will love this combination of vanilla almond milk yogurt, diced coconut-flavored almonds, and dark chocolate chips.
Blueberry Almonds & Oat Clusters
This is the fruitiest flavor with blueberry flavored almond slices, multi-grain oat clusters, and vanilla almondmilk yogurt alternative.
Sea Salt Caramel Almonds & Pretzels
If you crave sweet and salty, like me, then you might want to reach for this vanilla almondmilk yogurt with sea salt caramel flavored slivered almonds and pretzels.
Additional Allergen Notes*
Here’s how Almond Breeze addresses the shared equipment with some of their products:
Refrigerated Almond Breeze is certified Kosher OU-D, meaning they are dairy free products made on heated equipment that may also be used for dairy products. Blue Diamond uses stringent equipment cleaning and testing procedures to ensure that products made on dairy equipment are dairy-free. For individuals following orthodox kosher rules, dairy-free products processed on heated equipment also used for dairy may not be eaten together with a meat product. Refrigerated Almond Breeze is safe for individuals with dairy allergies.
Although they do handle almonds, cashews, and coconuts for their products, their facility is peanut-free. And they state that all of their products are gluten-free and egg-free.
The Facts on Almond Breeze Almondmilk Creamer
Price: TBD per 5.3-ounce single-serve and 24-ounce tub
Availability: Almond Breeze Almondmilk Yogurt Alternative is launching in major grocers in the Northeast first. The roll out is in May 2019. If successful, they will more than likely expand distribution across the U.S.
Certifications: Almond Breeze Almondmilk Yogurt Alternative appears to be Non-GMO Verified and Certified Kosher D (for dairy equipment, not ingredients; see our Understanding Kosher Guide).
Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Almond Breeze Almondmilk Yogurt Alternative is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, peanut-free, soy-free, and vegetarian. They are all plant-based, but some of the varieties contain honey, so they aren’t strictly vegan.*
For More Product Information: Visit the Blue Diamond website at www.bluediamond.com.
*Always read the ingredient and nutrition statement prior to consumption. Ingredients, processes, and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company or product. Contact the company to discuss their manufacturing processes if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you. No food product can be guaranteed “safe” for every individual’s needs. You should never rely on ingredient and allergen statements alone if dealing with a severe food allergy.
