Danone has introduced Silk Protein, a high-protein extension of its popular plant-based brand, in a bid to revive consumer interest in a category it says has been overlooked as a source of protein. The company believes the launch fills a critical gap in the market, where protein innovation in plant-based beverages remains below 1%, according to Mintel data cited by Danone.
Silk Protein contains 50% more protein per serving and half the sugar of conventional dairy milk, delivering 13 grams of complete plant protein—the highest among refrigerated plant-based milks currently available. The product also offers 3 grams of fiber and no artificial sweeteners.
Wendy Nunnelley, President of Plant-Based at Danone North America, said the timing is ideal. With 75% of consumers increasing their protein intake and nearly two-thirds already buying plant-based dairy alternatives weekly, the company sees strong overlap. “There’s a clear gap for a high-protein plant-based option that consumers are actively demanding,” she said.
The launch arrives as the U.S. plant-based milk category faces stagnation. Retail sales totaled $2.5 billion in 2024, down 5% from the previous year and returning to 2021 levels, according to Circana. While price hikes have propped up revenue, unit sales have fallen for three straight years. Danone has acknowledged the challenges, calling plant-based a “work in progress” in its North American market. Still, the company noted that U.S. household penetration of dairy alternatives has risen from 40% in 2020 to 56% today.
Silk Protein will debut regionally this month, with a nationwide rollout planned for early 2026. The launch comes as Danone doubles down on protein-focused innovation, including recent Oikos drinks targeted at GLP-1 users and new high-protein shakes. Executives say strong demand has even outpaced the company’s current U.S. manufacturing capacity for high-protein yogurts.