New plant-based products in East Africa

Brookside introduces plant-based oat unsweetened milk

KENYA – Brookside, one of East Africa’s most recognized dairy brands, has launched its oat unsweetened milk.

This new addition marks a significant expansion of the company’s portfolio, reflecting the growing consumer demand for healthier, sustainable, and dairy-free alternatives.

The oat-based beverage is crafted to deliver a smooth, creamy texture while remaining entirely free of lactose, dairy, and added sugars.

Fortified with essential vitamins such as D, B2, and B12, it offers nutritional benefits that appeal to health-conscious consumers.

Its high soluble fiber content, particularly beta-glucan, is known to support heart health by helping lower cholesterol levels.

Brookside’s Oat Unsweetened Milk is designed for versatility. It can be enjoyed on its own, poured over cereal, blended into smoothies, or used as a substitute for dairy milk in tea, coffee, and cooking.

The new product follows the company’s launch of 100% Almond Milk and 100% Soy Milk products.

Launched under the company’s flagship brand Brookside, the products come packaged in 1000ml laminated carton boxes.

“Venturing into a new category has never been this exciting. Our new 100% plant-based milk is a unique product” said Benjamin Nzile, Manager Innovations and New Product Development at Brookside Dairy.

The launch comes at a time when the demand for plant-based milk is on the rise globally due to growing levels of lactose intolerance and a rise in vegan population.

According to Strategic Market Research, the global Plant-Based Milk Market size is expected to surpass US$123.1 billion by 2030 and grow at a CAGR of 15% from 2022 to 2030.

Aviyo to unveil new plant-based product

Additionally, Aviyo has unveiled plans to develop enzyme-enhanced soy and oat milk designed specifically for African consumers.

Unlike conventional soy milk, the company stated that the product will eliminate the “beany” taste, making it more palatable and easier to digest.

The milk can last 6–12 months without refrigeration, a critical advantage in regions where cold storage is inconsistent or unavailable.

Aviyo’s innovation goes beyond nutrition. By sourcing crops locally, the company strengthens Uganda’s agricultural value chain, supports smallholder farmers, and reduces reliance on imports.

This not only empowers rural communities but also cuts emissions associated with dairy production and cold-chain logistics.

In its first year, Aviyo aims to reach 100,000 consumers, create over 250 jobs, and establish renewable-powered nutrition hubs across Uganda and eventually the wider African continent.

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