2019 news on yogurt
Here are some notable news stories related to yogurt from 2019:
- Yogurt sales decline in the US: According to a report by Statista, yogurt sales in the United States declined by 1.4% in 2019, marking the fifth consecutive year of decline. This was attributed to changing consumer preferences and increased competition from other dairy products.
- Greek yogurt trend continues: Despite the decline in overall yogurt sales, Greek yogurt remained a popular trend in 2019. According to a report by Euromonitor International, Greek yogurt accounted for 34% of the global yogurt market in 2019, up from 26% in 2015.
- Probiotics and gut health: Probiotics, which are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial for gut health, continued to be a major focus in the yogurt industry in 2019. Many yogurt brands introduced new products with added probiotics, touting their benefits for digestive health and immune system function.
- Plant-based yogurt alternatives: Plant-based yogurt alternatives, such as soy yogurt, almond yogurt, and coconut yogurt, gained popularity in 2019. This trend was driven by consumers seeking dairy-free and vegan options.
- Yogurt and mental health: Research published in 2019 suggested that consuming yogurt may have a positive impact on mental health. A study by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) found that eating yogurt was associated with a lower risk of depression.
- Yogurt and bone health: Another study published in 2019 found that consuming yogurt was linked to improved bone health in older adults. The study, conducted by the University of Tennessee, found that yogurt consumption was associated with higher bone density and reduced risk of osteoporosis.
- Yogurt recall: In 2019, several yogurt brands were recalled due to contamination concerns. For example, Chobani recalled several flavors of its Greek yogurt due to the presence of mold, while Dannon recalled some of its Oikos Greek yogurt products due to potential contamination with Salmonella.
- Yogurt and sustainability: The yogurt industry faced scrutiny in 2019 over its environmental impact. A report by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found that the dairy industry, which includes yogurt production, was a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution.
- Yogurt and food safety: Food safety concerns continued to plague the yogurt industry in 2019. For example, a recall of yogurt products by the company Yoplait was issued due to concerns over contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.
- Yogurt innovation: Despite the challenges facing the yogurt industry, innovation continued to drive growth and excitement in 2019. New products, such as yogurt-based snacks and desserts, were introduced, and companies explored new flavors and ingredients, such as turmeric and matcha.