The Weekly Sip is Food Dive’s column focused on the latest news in the rapidly changing and growing beverage sector. From inaugural product lines to big investments and controversial topics, this column aims to quench the thirst for developments in the category.
PKN launches clean-label pecan milk
Plant-based beverage company PKN launched a version of its pecan milk that doesn’t contain artificial ingredients or added sugars.
PKN Zero boasts just four ingredients: Filtered water, pecan butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt. The plant-based milk offers “a rich, buttery taste without thickeners, stabilizers, emulsifiers, artificial flavors or sweeteners,” according to a description on its site.
Concerns around ultraprocessed foods have pushed manufacturers to cut down on their ingredients lists, especially as the plant-based sector positions itself as more sustainable and nutritious. PKN says that pecans are less water intensive as the only tree nut indigenous to America, and that the nut supports brain and heart health.
“Research shows that in 2024, more than 25 percent of consumers who choose to buy plant-based milks prefer simple ingredients they understand and can pronounce,” Laura Shenkar, CEO and founder of PKN, said in a statement. “Over the past year, we developed new roasting techniques to further bring out the innate, beloved flavor of pecans.”
—Sarah Zimmerman
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Courtesy of Whole Moon
Plant-based milk brand cuts down to the meat of the coconut
A new coconut milk on the market believes it is the first to use the edible flesh of the fruit.
Plant-based beverage brand Whole Moon announced a new milk alternative made from coconut meat, containing no oils, creams or other coconut parts. The drink contains 5 grams of protein per serving.
Whole Moon says its coconut milk contains a rich flavor with “full-body texture” and a slight nutty taste, according to the press release. The drink was designed for drinking on its own, adding to smoothies or using in recipes.
“This addition to our lineup stays true to our mission of delivering Whole Protein nutrition and a rich, satisfying taste in every sip,” said Susan Knight, the president of Whole Moon, in the press release. “It's exactly what consumers love and what we're known for.”
Whole Moon creates its plant-based drinks by blending roasted almonds, oats, pistachios and soybeans. Its drinks contain a complete protein source with all nine essential amino acids, the company said.
Coconut milk has remained resilient as a dairy alternative even as the category more broadly experiences a decline, according to trade publication Dairy Foods. Coconut milk has been touted for its high protein content and is known to contain calcium and potassium.
The market for coconut milk is projected to be worth $3.3 billion by 2032, increasing at a compound annual growth rate of 11.7%, according to Fortune Business Insights.
—Chris Casey
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Courtesy of Aura Bora
Sparking water brand Aura Bora acquired by PE firm as it sets sights on growth
A niche sparkling water brand is hoping to reach household name status across the country through a new partnership with an investment firm focused on scaling better-for-you food and beverage companies.
Aura Bora announced it will hand over a majority stake of the company to investment firm Next In Natural. According to the press release, the deal will allow Aura Bora’s CEO Paul Voge to hone in on new product development.
Voge and wife Madeleine founded the brand in 2019 in their San Francisco kitchen, concocting sparkling water varieties made with ingredients like herbs, fruits and flowers. Its products do not contain sugar or calories, according to the brand, and flavors include Lavender Cucumber, Ginger Meyer Lemon and Lime Cardamom.
The brand’s latest business move comes as better-for-you offerings proliferate across the beverage industry as consumers seek out healthier alternatives to soft drinks and alcohol.
“Aura Bora epitomizes what's next – delicious, clean ingredients that are aligned with consumer demand,” said Kristine Laurel, the chief operating officer at Next In Natura, in a statement. “With Next In Natural's shared services platform, Aura Bora is positioned to thrive with comprehensive support that will strengthen their supply chain and support future innovation.”
Sparkling water gained prominence in the early 2010s with brands like La Croix, Polar and Bubly finding success with drinkers looking for a sugar-free carbonated drink with flavor. As nonalcoholic adult beverage options have grown, some of these brands, including Waterloo, are positioning some of their products as mocktails.
—Chris Casey
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