USA – General Mills, in partnership with the US Dairy Checkoff program, has launched YoBark, a new yogurt-based snack designed to provide nutritious options for families.
According to the companies, YoBark aims to expand yogurt’s presence in the snacking category by offering a unique, multi-sensory flavor experience that combines creamy yogurt with Nature Valley granola.
As reported by Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), the trade association managing the Dairy Checkoff, the collaboration began in 2021.
DMI provided valuable consumer insights, focusing particularly on the declining yogurt consumption among children aged 12-13, often referred to as ‘tweens.’
This research identified key factors influencing this trend and guided the product development process. DMI also contributed to concept development, packaging design, and R&D support.
Chris Urban, Vice President of Growth Platforms and Partnerships at DMI, highlighted the importance of creating a product that appeals to both parents and tweens.
“Moms often act as gatekeepers for household purchases, but it’s crucial that the product also appeals to their tweens,” Urban explained.
“We found that YoBark meets the health standards moms want while offering a fun, snackable form that tweens enjoy. It’s also designed to be shareable, tapping into tweens’ social interaction.”
YoBark is currently available in strawberry and honey vanilla flavors and comes in a stand-up pouch. The product is designed to appeal to parents seeking healthier alternatives to traditional snack foods.
It is already stocked at major retailers, including Albertson’s, Safeway, and Walmart, with plans to expand distribution to more outlets nationwide in the coming months.
The Dairy Checkoff program, funded by the US dairy industry, aims to promote the sector by building consumer trust and increasing demand for dairy products.
This initiative supports domestic and international market expansion, aligning with the program’s broader mission.
The YoBark snack reflects a strategic effort to address evolving consumer preferences. Urban noted, “Recognizing this trend, we partnered with General Mills and co-funded research to develop product concepts that would appeal to this demographic.”
“The lead concept that emerged from our collaboration was YoBark, which received the highest-ranking score in our concept evaluations.”
This launch is part of a broader industry effort to reinvigorate yogurt consumption and introduce innovative dairy-based products that meet modern consumers’ needs.
By focusing on families and creating a product that resonates with both parents and tweens, General Mills and the Dairy Checkoff aim to establish YoBark as a staple in the growing healthy snack market.
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