Checkoff Partners with General Mills for Yogurt-Based Snack Launch

YoBark: A Collaborative Innovation in Healthy Snacking

ROSEMONT, Ill. — In a bid to promote healthier snacking options for families, Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) has partnered with General Mills to launch YoBark, a yogurt-based snack that uniquely integrates the rich creaminess of yogurt with the delightful crunch of Nature Valley Granola. This innovative snack aims to broaden yogurt’s footprint in the snacking segment, appealing especially to families looking for nutritious and enjoyable options.

YoBark is designed to be a convenient refrigerated snack available in strawberry and honey vanilla flavors. Packaged in a stand-up pouch, it delivers a multisensory experience that caters to both taste and texture preferences. Currently, YoBark can be found at major retailers such as Albertsons, Safeway, and Walmart, with plans to expand its availability to additional stores nationwide in the forthcoming months.

The development of YoBark is rooted in extensive consumer research spearheaded by DMI since 2021. Recognizing a decline in yogurt consumption among “tweens,” individuals aged 12 to 13, DMI collaborated closely with General Mills to gather insights and create concepts aimed specifically at re-engaging this demographic. Chris Urban, Vice President of Growth Platforms and Partnerships for DMI, noted that the partnership included joint funding for research that ultimately informed the product development process.

“The lead concept that emerged from our collaboration was YoBark, which received the highest-ranking score in our concept evaluations,” Urban stated. This assessment underscores a targeted effort to address not only the nutritional requirements of families but also the enjoyment and social aspect of snacking as experienced by tweens.

Urban emphasized the dual focus of YoBark’s strategy: “Our primary goal is to cater to families, where moms often serve as key decision-makers in household purchases. However, it is essential that the product resonates with tweens who influence or make their own snacking choices.”

Indeed, YoBark is crafted to meet the health standards that parents prioritize, while simultaneously providing a fun, shareable form that aligns with the social interactions common among tweens. This focus on both nutritional value and enjoyment reflects a broader trend in the food industry, where consumers are increasingly seeking products that combine health benefits with appealing flavors and textures. As YoBark rolls out to a wider audience, it stands as a testament to the potential of strategic partnerships in the evolution of consumer snack offerings.