Growth in the UK dairy products sector is primarily driven by strong retail and foodservice demand for cheese, and consumer preferences for high-protein, organic, and functional dairy products.
Consumers are shifting toward specific health-focused dairy items. High-protein products, cottage cheese, plain yoghurts, and functional dairy desserts (e.g., gut-health formats) are seeing sustained volume and value growth.
Organic milk and dairy products are highly sought after, commanding significant price premiums that drive revenue despite lower overall production volumes compared to standard dairy.
Processors and farmers are successfully commanding higher retail prices by committing to environmental benchmarks which help brands align with consumer expectations and secure supermarket shelf space.
Protein-rich dairy snacks are gaining momentum as shoppers look for convenient, familiar formats that also offer clear nutritional benefits. According to AHDB/NIQ data for the 12 weeks ending April 2026, cows’ cheese remained in volume growth at +1.4% year-on-year, while cottage cheese added +1,335k kg. This wider demand for protein-rich dairy is also feeding into cheese snacking, where value sales rose +9.9% and units grew +12.9% in the 12 weeks ending May 2026, according to IRI/Kantar.
“Convenience still matters, but shoppers are also seeking snacks that feel familiar, nutritionally credible and easy to trust,” says Anna Moore, Head of Strategy & New Growth Spaces at Kinisla. That dynamic is benefiting Strings & Things, with Cheestrings and Munch Mix both positioned around real cheese, portion control and lunchbox suitability. Cheestrings is outperforming the wider market, growing +19.5% in value and +22.2% in units over the same 12-week period, according to IRI/Kantar.
Natural dairy cues are becoming increasingly important as health and nutrition trends shape shopper choices. Innova data from 2025 shows that 50% of consumers are looking for smaller, smarter, high-impact snacks. Strings & Things has responded by refreshing Cheestrings packaging to highlight its “real cheese” credentials, calcium for healthy bones, vitamins to support immune function and its role as a natural source of protein. The same approach is visible in SMUG Cheese & Crunch, which uses clear calorie cues to support portion-controlled adult snacking.
Cheestrings remains the portfolio’s best-known and most frequently bought cheese snacking brand, according to Kantar data from January 2026. Its 8-pack and 4-pack multipacks continue to support planned lunchbox purchases, while the Cheestrings Twin Pack has expanded the brand into food-to-go, becoming the number one rate-of-sale dairy snack within select food-to-go fixtures, according to Dunnhumby data for the 26 weeks ending October 2025. “Cheestrings’ strength lies in its ability to fit seamlessly into busy family routines,” Moore says.
Munch Mix is also adding variety to the lunchbox fixture by pairing real cheese with crunchy accompaniments. It delivered £3.7m in value sales over the latest 52 weeks and £1.6m in the latest 12 weeks, according to IRI/Kantar data for the period ending May 2026. Meanwhile, adult snacking is expanding too, with Adult Snacks growing +5.3% in value and +9.2% in units in the 12 weeks ending May 2026, according to IRI/Kantar. SMUG Cheese & Crunch is designed to capture this opportunity with a high-protein, 150-calorie format for consumers seeking smaller, smarter snacks.
Overall, Strings & Things is outperforming the wider cheese snacking category. IRI/Kantar data for the 52 weeks ending 16 May 2026 shows total cheese snacking up +13.9% in value and +14.1% in units, while Strings & Things grew +26.2% in value to £127.6m and +28.5% in units. In the latest 12 weeks, the brand grew +25.6% in value and +28.3% in units, achieving a 27.7% value share and 28.6% unit share.
Marketing investment is also supporting the brand’s momentum. In 2026, Strings & Things brought Fun-Om-Nom-Nom back to screens for seven weeks, backed by a seven-figure ATL investment. Its 2025 run tested in the top 1% of the System1 advertising database and delivered a +7ppt uplift in parental consideration, a +9ppt improvement in health perception and a +12ppt improvement in brand “coolness”. The brand is also building cultural relevance through its partnership with ESF26 as headline sponsor of the Strings & Things ESF26 Grand Finale. “Across the portfolio, the aim is to support different shopper missions, from planned lunchbox purchases to front-of-store impulse and food-to-go occasions,” Moore says.
Protein, provenance, premiumisation and convenience are shaping the next phase of chilled dairy growth, according to Lactalis UK & Ireland, as retailers look to build ranges that serve everything from breakfast and snacking to at-home dining.
Protein has moved well beyond its sports nutrition roots and is now firmly embedded in everyday eating, with shoppers seeking products that offer nutritional benefits without compromising on taste, quality or ease of use. Almost a third of protein occasions now take place at breakfast, while cottage cheese is also enjoying renewed momentum, helped by affordable nutrition, social media recipe inspiration and interest in simple functional foods. Households are consuming 50% more cottage cheese than two years ago, with the category up 55% in value sales and now worth £114,036,658, according to Circana.
“Protein has moved firmly into the mainstream and is now one of the key growth drivers in chilled dairy,” says a Lactalis UK & Ireland spokesperson. “High-protein dairy is particularly well placed to benefit from this shift, as shoppers look for products that support satiety, wellbeing and active lifestyles without compromising on taste.”
Lindahls Protein is central to Lactalis’ response. Now worth £49m RSV, the brand spans cheese, milk, yoghurts and desserts, including Lindahls Protein Cottage Cheese, Gouda Slices, Greek Cheese, Protein Milk and Protein Milk with Collagen. Lactalis says this gives retailers a broad platform to meet protein-led shopper missions across multiple chilled formats.
Beyond protein, Lactalis sees growing opportunity in quality, provenance and products with a clear point of difference. While the company says available data does not specifically reference whole milk or “minimally processed” dairy, it points to demand for products with authenticity, craft and reassurance. Orkney cheddar, made with milk from the Orkney Isles and carrying Protected Geographical Indication status, is cited as an example. Produced by 17 dairy farming families, it is dry-stirred, hand-salted and naturally matured in wooden boxes.
“Protected-status and provenance-led cheeses continue to play an important role in the category, particularly as shoppers look for authenticity, craft and reassurance,” the spokesperson adds. “For retailers, products such as Orkney offer a quality story rooted in place, tradition and craft.”
The wider Lactalis UK & Ireland portfolio is also delivering growth. Président is worth £29.2m, with value sales up 3.3% and volume sales up 1.9%. Galbani is worth £36.7m and is growing 7.3% in value and 6.3% in volume, while Leerdammer is worth £24.7m, with value sales up 6.5% and volume up 5.1%. At category level, fixed weight cheese is worth £4.64bn, with value sales up 2.7% and volume sales up 3.3%, while branded cheese is up 6% in value and 5.8% in volume.
Innovation remains a key focus. Lactalis has introduced Galbani Burrata Minis, Galbani Mozzarella Basil Infusion, Président Crème Fraîche, Président Whipped Cream Cheese and Leerdammer Mini Cubes in 2026. The launches target premium at-home meals, snacking, convenience and everyday usage inspiration, from bite-sized burrata portions to adult cheese snacking and Président’s first move into UK cream cheese.
“Retailers should focus on building a balanced chilled dairy range that meets different shopper missions, from functional nutrition and everyday convenience to premium at-home dining,” says the spokesperson. “Products need to offer clear reasons to buy, whether through taste, provenance, functionality, convenience or versatility.”
Marketing support is being stepped up across the portfolio. Leerdammer has returned to TV with its “Incognito” campaign, supported by TV, BVOD and in-store activation. Président is benefiting from a multi-million-pound campaign including a year-long Channel 4 Food & Cooking Inspirations sponsorship, while Galbani is backed by a £1.1m ATL campaign in 2026, including Channel 4 sponsorship, a TV burst and influencer-led recipe content.
Today’s dairy shoppers are looking for more than flavour alone. Across the category, demand is being shaped by interest in foods that feel authentic, minimally processed and nutritionally useful, while still delivering premium taste and everyday versatility. Parmigiano Reggiano is well placed to meet those expectations because it combines a simple ingredient list, long-established production methods and a strong provenance story.
Nicola Bertinelli, President of the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium, says this shift reflects a broader change in how consumers assess value in dairy. “Consumer demand is continuing to shift towards authentic, minimally processed foods with clear provenance and recognisable ingredients,” he says. That trend is particularly relevant in speciality cheese, where shoppers are increasingly prepared to trade up for products associated with quality, transparency and heritage.
The cheese is made from just three ingredients — milk, salt and rennet — and is aged for a minimum of 12 months. Its Protected Designation of Origin status also means production is limited to specific areas of Northern Italy, including Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna to the left of the river Reno and Mantova to the right of the river Po. According to the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium, production methods have remained consistent for nearly 1,000 years, with many stages still carried out by hand, including the use of the traditional spino tool to break the curd manually.
Health and wellness are also playing a greater role in dairy purchasing decisions. Parmigiano Reggiano is naturally lactose-free, contains calcium in a bioavailable form, is a source of phosphorus and minerals, and is made without additives or preservatives, according to the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium. Bertinelli says these attributes are increasingly important to consumers seeking products that fit modern lifestyle goals. “Health and wellness trends are influencing purchasing decisions in the cheese category, with strong demand for minimally processed products,” he says.
Social media has helped amplify these credentials, with food and nutrition creators highlighting the cheese’s digestibility, versatility and premium positioning. This is supporting visibility among younger consumers, who are often looking for products that combine provenance with practical use across cooking, entertaining and snacking occasions.
In the UK, the brand is delivering strong growth despite continued household budget pressures. Demand has increased by 44% over the past five years, according to Mintel. The Consortium also reports that global production now exceeds four million wheels annually, while consumer turnover has reached €3.96bn, underlining Parmigiano Reggiano’s role as a value driver within speciality cheese.
Bertinelli believes retailers can build on this momentum by making provenance and usage clearer at fixture. “Retailers should focus on communicating provenance, authenticity and quality clearly, as these are increasingly important drivers in consumer purchasing decisions,” he says. Stronger visibility around PDO certification, heritage and traditional production methods can help shoppers understand the product’s premium credentials, while recipe ideas and cross-category meal inspiration can encourage repeat purchase.
For retailers, the opportunity lies in connecting the cheese’s heritage with contemporary shopper needs. By highlighting its natural composition, nutritional profile and versatility, stores can appeal both to consumers seeking authentic artisan dairy and to those looking for premium ingredients that support balanced, flavour-led meals.
Karen Lewis, Marketing Director at FrieslandCampina, says dairy drinks continue to offer strong growth opportunities for independent retailers, led by familiar flavoured milk brands and supported by shopper demand for value, convenience and affordable indulgence.
“Our portfolio is led by YAZOO, the UK’s number one flavoured milk brand (Nielsen), which continues to be a must-stock for retailers,” Lewis says. The brand’s core 400ml and 1L formats are FrieslandCampina’s best sellers, with Chocolate and Strawberry the strongest performers. Both varieties are described as category signposts and each has more than £34 million in market value, according to Nielsen. Lewis adds that the 400ml bottle, available in plain and price-marked pack variants with a £1.39 PMP flash, is particularly well suited to impulse and on-the-go sales when placed in front-of-store chillers.
FrieslandCampina’s wider dairy drinks portfolio is also benefiting from growth in premium and indulgent products. Chocomel is highlighted as a strong performer in this space, with its 300ml bottle aimed at shoppers looking for a convenient treat. The brand has grown 6% year on year to £10.3 million in retail value, according to Nielsen, and Lewis says the recent pack switch to 300ml PET has delivered strong results for wholesalers and retailers. One wholesale partner recorded a 34% volume sales increase and a 49% value sales increase after the change, while the new format is said to be driving 24% sales growth, as attributed to Nielsen.
Lewis points to YAZOO’s current performance as evidence of the strength of established dairy drinks brands. The brand is seeing value growth of 12.4% and is bought by almost one in five UK households, with household penetration at 18.6%, according to Kantar. This breadth of appeal makes the core range central to retailers’ chilled soft drinks fixtures, especially where shoppers are looking for familiar flavours and trusted brands.
The overall dairy drinks category is worth £991 million and is growing 11% year on year, according to Nielsen. Lewis says retailers can make the most of this by focusing on three priorities: range, visibility and value. “To maximise sales, retailers should focus on three key areas: Range, Visibility, and Value,” she says. For range, she recommends stocking the core lines shoppers actively seek out, particularly YAZOO Chocolate, Strawberry and Banana in standard and PMP formats. For visibility, products should be well merchandised in high-traffic areas, with front-of-store chillers and eye-level positioning used to encourage impulse purchases.
Value remains especially important. Lewis notes that 72% of shoppers are actively looking for value for money, according to Lumina, making PMPs a useful way to build trust and communicate affordability. YAZOO trials combining PMPs with effective merchandising have delivered an average 89% uplift in sales. Lewis says retailers should support this with point-of-sale material and clear fixture placement.
The “affordable indulgence” trend is another key opportunity. Indulgent milk drinks are up 11.7% year on year, according to Nielsen, and products such as Chocomel and YAZOO Inspirations flavours including Birthday Cake and Caramel Blondie are positioned to meet demand for small, budget-friendly treats. Convenience is also critical: with 65% (Lumina) of soft drinks bought for on-the-go occasions, Lewis says formats such as YAZOO 400ml and resealable Chocomel 300ml bottles should be core front-of-store chiller lines.
Health also plays a role in the category’s appeal. YAZOO milk drinks are described as HFSS-compliant, high in protein and a source of calcium and Vitamin B2. Lewis says that by combining a strong core range with take-home formats, premium options and healthier choices, retailers can meet a wider range of shopper needs and unlock growth in dairy drinks. As she puts it, “By focusing on these pillars—a strong core range, take-home formats, premiumisation, and healthier options—independent retailers can effectively meet diverse consumer needs and drive significant growth in the dynamic dairy drinks category.”
Today’s dairy shoppers increasingly want products that combine familiar taste with tangible nutritional benefits, and Bill Randles, Managing Director of SuperNutrio, believes this is reshaping the chilled dairy fixture. Protein-rich staples such as cottage cheese, plain yoghurt and milk are gaining momentum as consumers look for simple foods that support everyday health, fitness and wellbeing. AHDB reports that cottage cheese sales rose 26.2% in value and 29.4% in volume year on year, according to NIQ Panel on Demand data for the 52 weeks ending 22 March 2025, while IGD ShopperVista found that 28% of shoppers were actively increasing their protein intake in December 2024, with a further 29% planning to do so during 2025.
Randles says the trend is no longer confined to sports nutrition. “As consumers move beyond sports nutrition to broader wellness goals, demand increases for simple, functional food and drinks that fit seamlessly into daily routines.” Social media has helped accelerate the shift, particularly through viral cottage cheese recipes, meal-prepping ideas and fitness content, while wider interest in gut health, naturalness and minimally processed foods is encouraging shoppers to reconsider traditional dairy formats.
Concern about ultra-processed foods is also influencing purchasing decisions. SuperNutrio Milk’s survey at the National Running Show found that eight in ten respondents were actively trying to reduce their intake of ultra-processed foods, while 79% said they were concerned or very concerned about ultra-processed ingredients when buying protein products. A separate SuperNutrio survey found that 73% of people actively read ingredient lists before buying. For Randles, that points to a clear opportunity for dairy brands that can combine enhanced nutrition with recognisable ingredients. “Consumers are seeking dairy options that deliver enhanced nutrition while remaining as close to their natural state as possible,” he says.
That thinking sits behind SuperNutrio’s high-protein, high-calcium cow’s milk, which uses a patented filtration process to concentrate the protein and calcium from two litres of everyday cow’s milk into one creamy litre. The brand argues that this approach enhances nutritional density while retaining the familiarity of a household staple. Randles adds: “In launching SuperNutrio high-protein, high-calcium milk, we set out to elevate a household staple through a simple patented filtration process.”
The category backdrop is also changing. AHDB forecasts GB milk production for the 2025/26 season at record levels, with its Dairy Market Outlook noting expected production of 13.05 billion litres, 4.9% above the previous milk year. While higher yields and strong milk flows create pressure on commodity markets and margins, they also increase the need for brands to differentiate through value-added propositions rather than volume alone. In this environment, functionality, provenance, taste and clear benefit communication become more important.
SuperNutrio says it has gained strong traction since launching in late 2024, expanding to more than 1,500 distribution points and securing listings with Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Ocado and 160 Waitrose stores. The business reports 25% quarterly sales growth and a 42% increase in brand awareness over the past year, supported by retail visibility, earned media and growing consumer interest in functional dairy.
For retailers, Randles says the priority should be helping shoppers navigate the fixture more easily. Clear segmentation between everyday dairy, on-the-go refreshment and fitness or recovery products can encourage trade-up while avoiding over-complication. Benefit-led signposting around protein, calcium and reduced processing can also help shoppers understand the role of functional dairy within their weekly shop. As Randles puts it: “Staying closely aligned to evolving consumer needs is essential for growth in dairy.”
Today’s chilled coffee shopper is looking for more than refreshment. According to Jo Taylor, Senior Brand Manager at Arctic Coffee, consumers increasingly want dairy-based drinks that combine taste, convenience and added benefits that fit with their everyday routines. “Today’s consumers want more from their dairy – not just great taste, but real nutritional benefits that support their lifestyle goals,” says Taylor.
Arctic Coffee’s current performance is rooted in its core latte portfolio. Taylor says the brand’s best-selling products remain its Café Latte and Caramel Latte lines, which continue to deliver strong rates of sale across both single-serve and take-home formats. In chilled single-serve, the 330ml Café Latte and Caramel Latte are described as clear shopper favourites, meeting demand for convenient, great-tasting iced coffee on the go. The 1L Café Latte and Caramel Latte cartons are also performing strongly, offering value per serve and encouraging repeat purchase for at-home consumption.
Functional variants are also gaining traction. Arctic Coffee’s Protein Caramel Latte 330ml and Double Shot 330ml are achieving comparable rates of sale to the brand’s leading SKUs despite having more limited distribution. Taylor says this underlines the breadth of demand within the category: “At Arctic Coffee, we pride ourselves on creating a range that offers a coffee for everyone.”
Innovation has focused on opening up new consumption occasions. In May, Arctic Coffee introduced Arctic Decaf Café Latte to the ready-to-drink iced coffee fixture, responding to shoppers seeking greater flexibility in how and when they drink coffee. The product offers the smooth Arctic flavour profile without caffeine, making it suitable for consumers moderating caffeine intake or choosing iced coffee later in the day. Based on the supplied brand details, the 330ml serving contains fewer than 150 calories, is low in fat, has no added sugar and is a source of protein.
The brand’s wider category momentum is also strong. Arctic Coffee continues to hold the position of number two brand by volume in ready-to-drink iced coffee. Over the past year, the brand has outperformed overall category volume growth, adding more than 3.1 million units and delivering an additional £3.2 million in value sales (Circana). Taylor links this growth to shopper demand for accessible iced coffee that works across both on-the-go and take-home occasions.
For retailers, Taylor’s advice is to build a balanced chilled coffee offer that reflects the growing range of shopper needs. That means combining indulgent and functional products, as well as single-serve and take-home formats. Value remains important too. While premium innovation can attract attention, Taylor notes that repeat purchase depends on products delivering quality and affordability. Arctic Coffee says its broad portfolio, accessible price points and format mix have helped it achieve the highest loyalty and purchase frequency rates within the iced coffee category, according to Kantar.
Marketing support is set to reinforce that position. Taylor says Arctic Coffee is backing the brand with a digital-first campaign, influencer partnerships, YouTube, Spotify and out-of-home advertising, as well as sampling at major festivals during the summer. In-store activity and retailer collaborations will also support visibility, alongside activity marking 10 years of Arctic Coffee.
Taylor says retailers can maximise sales by focusing on “range, visibility and availability.” The right range should cover everyday lattes, functional options and more indulgent choices. Visibility is equally important: single-serve iced coffees should sit in the soft drinks chiller, while take-home cartons are best placed in dairy or chilled juice. Availability is crucial during warmer weather, when demand peaks and regular replenishment can help retailers avoid missed sales.
Ehrmann has announced the expansion of its bestselling High Protein range with the launch of its High Protein Creatine Puddings. The UK first, innovative range combines indulgence and great taste with creatine, the performance-related buzzword all consumers are talking about. The chocolate pudding is available at RRP £1.99.
Creatine has seen a significant rise in popularity with the market set to reach £70m in revenue by 2030 (The Independent) and consumers are increasingly seeking new, innovative and convenient ways to incorporate the supplement into their everyday lives. To fulfil this demand, Ehrmann is delivering a range that offers a simple and delicious way to incorporate creatine and its associated benefits such as improved energy, strength and cognitive performance, into daily lives.
Like Ehrmann’s existing High Protein Pudding range, the new Creatine Puddings have been created for those who want to satisfy sweet cravings without compromising on nutrition and performance. Available in two flavours, Chocolate and White Chocolate, each 230g pot provides 20g of protein and 1.5g of creatine while being free from added sugars, lactose free and low in fat. The perfect top up to your daily creatine intake. Following the success of its High Protein Pudding range in UK supermarkets, Ehrmann has announced the expansion of its dessert range with the launch of a High Protein Triple Layer Sundae range. The range is available at RRP £1.99.
Combining a nostalgic dessert with performance and indulgence, the new Triple Layer Sundae range is fulfilling demand for great tasting options that don’t compromise on nutrition and wellbeing. A brand first in the UK protein category, the Sundaes also tap into an ongoing shopper interest in nostalgic flavours with 76% of UK consumers being drawn to flavours that remind them of their childhood (Mintel).
Following in the footsteps of its High Protein Pudding Range and newly launched Creatine Pudding range, Ehrmann’s Triple Layer Sundaes will further establish Ehrmann as a leader in the dessert and performance food categories in the UK.
On the launch of Triple Layer Sundaes, Ehrmann Cornish Dairy, Marketing Director, Mark Moody, says: “We’re extremely excited to expand our High Protein Dessert range even further and build upon the success of our core products. While delivering high protein credentials that our consumers have come to know and love Ehrmann for, this range also draws upon a sense of nostalgia that we know UK shoppers love and crave. The Sundae is an adopted British iconic dessert that we all have great memories of. At Ehrmann, we want to continuously create products that meet the needs of shoppers while also tapping into food trends, which this product does on many layers. We’re excited for the launch of Triple Layer Sundaes to mark another step on our journey and hope our customers love them just as much as we do.”
Amanda Burningham, Brand Lead, Emmi Cheese, comments: “Protein continues to be a significant driver of growth across dairy, with shoppers increasingly seeking products that offer satiety, functionality and nutritional benefits as part of their everyday diets. While products such as cottage cheese and natural yoghurts remain key beneficiaries of this trend, demand is also growing across other naturally protein-rich dairy categories.
Goat’s cheese is a good example. Consumers are increasingly incorporating it into everyday meals as a convenient way to add flavour, nutrition and natural protein to dishes such as salads, grain bowls and light lunches. Bettine Goat’s Cheese has benefited from this shift, with formats such as Pearls and Slices appealing to shoppers looking for versatile, protein-rich ingredients that fit easily into modern eating occasions.”
The brand’s focus on convenience, everyday usage and balanced eating reflects the broader move towards foods that deliver both functionality and enjoyment. Importantly, this highlights how the trend is evolving. While protein remains a key purchase driver, consumers are increasingly looking for products that combine nutritional benefits with great taste, versatility and enjoyment, rather than focusing on protein claims alone.
One of the most exciting developments is the growing overlap between health and indulgence. Consumers increasingly want products that feel like a treat while still aligning with their wellness goals. This is particularly evident in dessert-style and big pot yoghurts, which are being used for everything from breakfast and snacking to evening indulgence. Onken 0% Fat Vanilla sits at the centre of this trend, offering a smooth, creamy texture and indulgent taste while maintaining strong nutritional credentials. Its appeal has helped drive a 23.1% increase in total sales value as consumers use it across multiple occasions, from overnight oats and snack bowls to healthier dessert creations.
The same balance of functionality and enjoyment is also driving innovation beyond yoghurt. The Emmi CAFFÈ LATTE range was recently expanded with the launch of Protein Chocolate Cappuccino 330ml, responding to growing demand for convenient, high-protein dairy beverages that combine indulgent taste with energy and nutrition on the go.
Overall, protein remains an important purchase driver, but the strongest growth opportunities are increasingly coming from products that successfully balance nutrition, taste and versatility, helping consumers make healthier choices without compromising on enjoyment.
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