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General Mills collaborated with the US Dairy Checkoff programme to create YoBark, a yogurt-based snack aiming to offer a nutritious snacking option for families.

The refrigerated YoBark snacks combine yogurt with General Mills brand Nature Valley's granola, offering a multi-sensory flavour experience. It aims to expand yogurt’s presence in the snacking category.

YoBark comes in a stand-up pouch in strawberry and honey vanilla flavours, designed to appeal to parents who seek healthy options for their families beyond traditional snack foods. It is available at Albertson’s, Safeway and Walmart, and will reach more retailers across the US in the coming months.

Dairy Management Inc (DMI), the US trade association that manages the Dairy Checkoff, has been working with General Mills on the concept since 2021, providing consumer insights into why children aged 12-13 (‘tweens’) have decreased their yogurt consumption. DMI also provided new product concept development, packaging design and R&D support.

Chris Urban, vice president of growth platforms and partnerships for DMI, said: “Mums often act as gatekeepers for household purchases, but it’s crucial that the product also appeals to their tweens. We found that YoBark meets the health standards mums want while offering a fun, snackable form that tweens enjoy. It’s also designed to be shareable, tapping into tweens’ social interaction.”

The Dairy Checkoff programme, funded by the US dairy industry, aims to promote the dairy sector, build consumer trust and demand for dairy products, and expand domestic and international markets for dairy.

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