Nestlé’s Outshine Launches Fruit and Yogurt Smoothie Pouches: A New Era of Portable Healthy Snacking
Nestlé’s frozen fruit bar brand, Outshine, is introducing Fruit and Yogurt Smoothie Pouches, marking its first shelf-stable, portable snack option in nine years. This launch comes as Outshine, which generates $480 million in annual sales, continues to flourish, with its single-serve offerings and healthy snacking message resonating with consumers seeking nutritious choices. According to Nestlé, Outshine ranks as the third highest-selling frozen novelty, following private labels and its sibling brand, Drumstick, with sales growing at a compound annual growth rate in the “high-single, low-double digits.”
The new Fruit and Yogurt Smoothie Pouches aim to fill what the company perceives as a gap in the market for a portable, nutritious snack that appeals to both adults and children, much like its fruit bars. These smoothies are crafted from real fruit blended with non-fat yogurt, available in four flavors: Blueberry Pear, Peach Raspberry, Strawberry Coconut, and Pear Vanilla. Doug Munk, Nestlé’s senior director of New Business Ventures, stated, “It’s one of those brands that have the ability to travel across categories because it doesn’t stand for just fruit bars. In the consumer’s mind, it has the capability to expand into new areas.”
Outshine, previously known as Nestlé Fruit Bars until 2013, is also planning to launch smoothie cubes that can be blended with regular or plant-based milks. Additionally, Nestlé is exploring potential future offerings in the refrigerated snacking segment, such as bars or bites. The new smoothies are aligned with Outshine’s commitment to healthy snacking, emphasizing fruit as the primary ingredient, with no GMOs or artificial colors or flavors. The shelf-stable pouches also contain fewer than 10 grams of total sugar, with zero grams of added sugars, which is beneficial for consumers mindful of their dietary choices.
A survey by Outshine revealed that 60% of parents prefer snacks aimed at kids over those designed for adults, and 86% express interest in family-friendly snacks. By catering to both children and parents, Outshine is poised to offer a product that appeals widely, potentially reducing the likelihood of consumers turning to competing brands. Munk highlighted the importance of this approach, especially as the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that consumers are spending less time at home and may require portable, healthier options that share the same qualities as its frozen bars.
“We are launching one of our biggest innovations in years,” Munk remarked. “It’s a significant leap for us.” Nestlé had previously trialed a smoothie made with Greek yogurt in club stores two years ago, which, while high in protein, did not meet the taste expectations necessary for family approval. After gathering feedback, the company refined the smoothie during a process that took just seven months. Munk stated, “That was where the big ‘aha’ came from: How can we create something that truly satisfies both kids and adults from a taste perspective?”
In December 2019, Nestlé sold Outshine and a selection of ice cream brands to Froneri, a joint venture established in 2016 with PAI Partners, with the deal valuing the business at $4 billion. Although Froneri currently licenses the Outshine brand from Nestlé, the development and marketing of the new smoothies will remain under the purview of the food giant. Furthermore, the incorporation of ingredients like calcium citrate kya hota hai in future products could enhance their nutritional profile, appealing even more to health-conscious consumers.
