New Product Competition

0 min read August 16, 2024

2025 New Product Competition Sponsors National Dairy Council

The 2025 DMI New Product Competition

The Dairy Management Inc. New Product Competition now accepts entries for 2025.

The competition seeks the next new innovative product. The theme for 2025 is Innovative, Dairy-Based Products for Healthy Heart & Weight.

Please refer to competition rules and guidelines here.

Please find additional consumer and marketplace insights here.

2024 Finalists

ColorFir is a dairy-based frozen kefir designed to promote gut health. It combines kefir, goji berry powder, and protein powder. The kefir, rich in probiotics, is the core of this dessert, celebrated for its gut-enhancing properties. Goji berry powder adds natural sweetness and essential Vitamin C. This product, composed of 87% dairy ingredients, is a good source of protein, dietary fiber, Vitamin C, and calcium. It comes in a biodegradable PLA-lined paper package, reflecting our commitment to sustainability. ColorFir is eligible to Real Seal as a testament to its health-conscious design.

Yay-tost is a creamy Norwegian-style brown whey-based cheese spread with a modern twist that offers today’s health-conscious consumers a great option for an overall general health product to improve cognitive wellness, gut health, and bone health. A single serving provides a good source of protein, contains 3g dietary fiber, and is an excellent source of calcium.

Yo-Go on Nitro 2024 Yo-Go on Nitro is a lactose-free yogurt drink crafted to nourish and support your body. Enriched with dietary fibers, protein, and a unique feel of nitrogenation, it offers a delicious and convenient way to fuel your day while promoting digestive health. Perfect for those seeking a gut-friendly nutritional boost, Yo-Go on Nitro is the ideal choice for busy lifestyles.

Kefirpro 2024

KefirPro is a game-changer for salads! This dairy-based salad dressing blends the tanginess of kefir with traditional salad dressing flavors and is available in ranch and honey mustard varieties. KefirPro is versatile and can be used as a salad dressing or dip. It is packed with protein and probiotics, enhancing both taste and health benefits of a traditional salad dressing. Made with kefir, which is known for supporting gut health, KefirPro is the perfect choice for a post-workout refuel or a nutritious addition to any meal.

Mooberries 2024

Mooberries is an all-natural dairy and blueberry-based fruit rollup snack that is low in sodium, cholesterol, and fat with a good source of protein, fiber and calcium. By using four types of dairy ingredients, a punch of blueberry, and two types of fiber, Mooberries creates a sweet, creamy, and nutritious dairy based-fruit rollup snack that pushes the boundaries of healthy snacking and shelf-stable dairy products.

Moo Chews 2024

MooChews utilizes the coproduct whey protein phospholipid concentrate containing milk fat globule membrane material that has numerous health benefits, primarily improved neurodevelopment and cognitive support. The featured women’s health pack incorporates goji berry and pineapple to deliver the benefits of traditional supplements with unique flavors in a more appealing, snackable format. Additionally, MooChews is REAL® Seal certified.

The products above were developed by students as part of a student innovation competition and have not been evaluated for legal and regulatory requirements. All data related to these products were provided by the students and have not been independently verified by Dairy Management Inc.

2023 Finalists

Chillaxin’ Cheese is a gluten-free, ready-to-eat, shelf-stable crispy Cheddar cheese-based baked snack with sweet and salty notes that leaves one satisfied and craving for more. Made with only 6 ingredients and with 6g of dairy protein per serving, Chillaxin’ Cheese was formulated to cater to the Generation Z demographic. The main ingredient, Cheddar cheese, captivates the masses’ love for cheesy and salty snacks, while the honey powder creates a sweet flavor profile and the dried lavender flowers add a soothing and calming effect.

Cottage Core is a high-protein premium cottage cheese based frozen dessert for individuals looking to relax and reset after a long day. Made predominantly with dairy ingredients including heavy cream, Cottage cheese, whole milk, skim milk powder and an α-lactalbumin enriched whey protein concentrate (WPC), Cottage Core provides 10g of dairy protein per serving. With ingredients like the specialty WPC which has a higher level of tryptophan and natural tart cherry jam, Cottage Core is well positioned to provide the desired calming benefits to the consumer.

Indolce 2023 Indolce™ is a decadent, calming pudding snack that satiates both the taste buds and the mind through its unique blend of mood-boosting ingredients in a creamy dark chocolate pudding decorated with a delectable white chocolate shaving topping with active and live cultures. Among its ingredients that provide relaxing effects, dutch-process dark cocoa delivers rich color, flavor, antioxidants, and magnesium—an essential mineral for stress homeostasis. Other calming components in Indolce™ include whey-derived milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) ingredient, a bacterial blend, and dairy proteins, including casein. Together these calming components help alleviate stress and improve sleep.

Lavendar Lullaby

Lavender Lullaby is a luxurious, ready-to-mix, hot chocolate beverage infused with lavender and fortified with magnesium, meant for those seeking to unwind at the end of the day. Each sip of Lavender Lullaby provides consumers with a decadent treat to delight their taste buds with a velvety, smooth texture and rich flavors of milk, chocolate, and lavender. Lavender Lullaby is also easy and convenient to prepare. Coming in a convenient ready-to-mix packet, consumers may easily dissolve one single serve packet with hot water or warmed milk.

Root Curd 2023

RootCurd is an innovative product that resembles a soft pudding with a smooth and velvety texture and a flavor that is slightly spicy with ginger, providing a sensory experience that is soothing and warm. RootCurd includes lavender which elevates the overall flavor of the pudding and helps to reduce physical and mental stress levels. The recipe of RootCurd was inspired by a traditional product that has its origins from the Guangdong province in southern China. The traditional recipe calls for the hot milk to be poured over ginger concentrate, allowing the ginger protease enzyme to act as a curdling agent that turns heated milk into a soft pudding. RootCurd contains 89% dairy ingredients and has 20 g of dairy protein per serving.

Sip to Soothe

Sip-to-Soothe is based on traditional Indian dairy-based beverage known as “Chaas” which is made from cultured butter milk. Traditionally, Chaas is believed to confer cooling effects and digestive benefits. Sip-to-Soothe is not simply a reinterpretation of an ancient classic, but one that is updated with modern tastes in mind. Starting with the cultured buttermilk base which contains milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), it is also formulated with native whey protein isolate to both increase the already excellent nutrient content and provide a pleasant mouthfeel. Subtle yet delicious natural flavors in Sip-to-Soothe, like lightly floral lavender or sweetly tropical fruit wash the worry away. Sip-to-Soothe also goes one step beyond to provide relaxation to the consumer. To further reduce stress, richly flavored gel pearls are included that provide a satisfyingly toothsome tactile sensation to chew tension away.

2022 Finalists

Moba Boba is a dairy-based energy drink with high protein boba gummies perfect for gamers who want a mess-free product for their energy needs. Moba Boba contains two parts: the carbonated pineapple flavored energy drink is made from acid whey and whey phospholipid protein concentrate; and the high-protein coconut flavored boba gummies that add a fun texture. Moba Boba provides gamers with a boost of energy from the added 130 mg of caffeine and continued nourishment for a demanding gaming session from the 31 g of protein per 16 oz serving, 19 g of which are from dairy sources.

Combo Puffs are ready-to-eat, mess-free, sweet and savory protein-filled cream puff-inspired snacks, powered by dairy, built to recharge gamers for their next virtual adventure! Combo Puffs are made of an exterior layer similar to a cross between bread and muffins and a creamy dairy and cheese based filling inside. Combo Puffs are an excellent source of protein, mainly from cheese and MPC85. Each serving of 55g contains 13g of protein (11-12 g contributed by dairy protein), making Combo Puffs ideal for gamers looking to improve their protein consumption. Finally, Combo Puffs are formulated to be gluten free to be enjoyed by all gamers alike.

PogBites are a convenient, frozen and reheatable savory snack with a mozzarella and dairy-based sauce filling and a crunchy vegetable coating. The dairy-based sauce filling combines sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and whey protein isolate with spices to provide a punchy, sweet and savory sauce. The coating of the PogBites is a mixture of dehydrated carrot and potato, offering a unique flavor profile while still providing the same crunch of bread crumbs. This bite-sized snack is 57% dairy ingredients and an excellent source of protein.

PowerMoo Tubes are a mess-free, nutritious, frozen dessert to satisfy both the sweet tooth as well as the nutritional needs of gamers. PowerMoo Tubes are composed of a frozen mixture of yogurt and custard. Containing 16.6 grams of dairy protein in each 100 gram tube, PowerMoo Tubes are an excellent source of dairy protein composed of almost 63% dairy ingredients.

PogYog is an innovative yogurt product that is not only ingenious in flavor, but also has some exceptional benefits for gamers. PogYog is a squeezable yogurt with added protein and collagen to help maintain muscles while also curbing appetite and relieving hunger pangs. Additionally, PogYog contains added caffeine to give an energy boost to gamers. The main ingredient of PogYog is milk and it also contains whey proteins.

Moo Jel is a dairy-based energy jelly drink with a delicious mixed berry flavor. Moo Jel is packaged in a squeeze pouch, which not only makes it easier for gamers to hold and consume but also keeps their hands clean while playing games. Overall, the jelly contains only 100 calories, with over 85% dairy ingredients and 20% protein per serving. The addition of L-Theanine, Taurine, and caffeine helps elevate focus and energy, making it ideal for gamers.

The products below were developed by students as part of a student innovation competition and have not been evaluated for legal and regulatory requirements. All data related to this product were provided by the students and have not been independently verified by National Dairy Council.

2020 Finalists

Dairy Gainz, California Polytechnic State University
Dairy Gainz is a bite-sized, vegetarian, gluten-free, snack cracker that combines the health benefits of dairy and plant-based ingredients (milk protein isolate (MPI), oat flour, sweet rice flour, flaxseed meal, aged cheddar, aged cheddar powder, baking powder, salt, and sunflower oil). Nutritionally, it has 12 g of protein and is considered an excellent source of protein without the use of artificial flavors or preservatives. Because Dairy Gainz is shelf stable, it fits well into active lifestyles and individuals seeking convenient, high-protein snacks.

Chiaçaí, Iowa State
Whether eaten for breakfast, as an on-the-go snack, or as an after-dinner dessert, Chiaçaí (“chee-ah-sah-ee”) High Protein Snack Cup is the perfect choice. Chiaçaí combines milk, sweetened condensed milk, nonfat dry milk and milk protein concentrate with blueberries, chia, and acai to deliver a vibrant berry flavored and colored snack with 11g of protein. Nutritionally, it is considered an excellent source of protein and vitamin D, plus a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Ideal for fitness conscious consumers desiring extra protein and antioxidants.

Veggie Moo Pockets, University of Minnesota
Veggie Moo Pockets are irresistibly delicious frozen products packed with real vegetables and gooey cheese in three delightful flavors: Broccoli Cheddar, Cauliflower Cheddar and Sweet Potato Gjetost. With 16g of protein and minimal cooking required, these pockets can serve as a quick 2-minute meal option or an after-school snack. Veggie Moo Pockets are made with natural, wholesome, and simple ingredients and are considered an excellent source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Veggie Moo Pockets deliver convenience and nutrition in a flavorful and indulgent experience.

FōBa, North Carolina State University
FōBa (FAUX-ba) is a ready-to-drink milk tea beverage served with delightfully squishy fruit and vegetable pearls that imitate boba. Whole milk, evaporated milk, black tea extract, liquid sweet cream flavor and natural vanilla flavor combine as the liquid base. Nutritionally, FōBa contains 13 grams of protein and is considered an excellent source of protein. FōBa has no added sugar. FōBa contains phytochemicals from açaí and purple sweet potatoes, calcium, vitamins, and minerals making it a great option for those wanting to enjoy a fun, flavorful beverage while keeping wellness in mind.

Udder Whey, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Udder Whey cheesecakes combine fluffy sponge cake with a creamy, American cheesecake with a crispy shortbread crust. Containing 12 g of protein, they are considered a good source of protein and fiber. Cream cheese, Greek yogurt, whey protein isolate, cream, butter, lemon and vanilla provide a creamy texture and tangy flavor. Flour, butter, sugar, oat fiber, coconut flakes, ground flax seed, chia seeds, and sunflower seeds help create a fiber rich, crunch. Flavor and texture make for them perfect for a delicious break.

Moodogs, Utah State University
Moodogs are delectable meatless corn dogs for consumers looking to reduce or limit their meat intake. Ricotta cheese combined with vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, and milk help create the texture of sausage or hotdogs. Moodogs contain 18 g of protein and are considered an excellent source of protein and vitamin B12, plus a good source of iron and calcium. Since vitamin B12 deficiency may occur when meat consumption is limited, Moodogs are a great alternative to help fill the nutritional gap.

2019 Finalists

MooVit – Cornell University

MooVit® is a dairy-based sandwich cookie with a delicious, flavored filling packed between two protein-rich cookies. MooVit®’s versatility in the snack category makes the product unique as it not only meets the nutritional requirements of athletes but also provides convenience for on-the-go consumers. The textural contrast of the cookie layers and the filling provides an indulging bite experience that is tasty and enjoyable for a wide range of consumers including sports nutrition and better-for-you snack consumers. Owing to the use of at least 73% dairy ingredients such as whey proteins, yogurt, butter, sweetened condensed milk etc., the formulation of MooVit® makes it a suitable post-workout snack. It delivers protein-dense nutrition (11 grams/serving) important for muscle development and carbohydrates for fast energy replenishment, while containing lower levels of fats compared to typical cookie products.

MooForce – University of Massachusetts Amherst

MooForce Sport Chew is a chewable, bite-sized milk tablet targeted to consumers who desire a delicious way to help sustain energy levels during and after their workouts. One whole serving of this unique product contains 12 chews with different flavors and are separated into pre-workout consumption (6 chews) and post-workout consumption (6 chews). MooForce contains 80% dairy ingredients and is made with whey protein isolate and milk powder. It is an excellent source of protein (10 grams/serving).

Cookies & ‘Cotta – North Carolina State University

Cookies & ‘Cotta is a high protein (13 grams/serving), good source of fiber (5 grams/serving), lactose-free frozen cookie sandwich made with two dark chocolate cookies and a dairy based vanilla filling that combines milk, cream, whey protein isolate, and ricotta cheese. The unique use of ricotta cheese in the filling, provides a contrasting yet complementary flavor, texture, and color to the product. Ricotta is also used in the cookies, both to increase protein content as well as maintain tenderness when frozen. All dairy ingredients in the formulation are carefully treated with β-galactosidase (lactase) to hydrolyze lactose into its constituent monomers, making it an exceptional and appealing option for consumers who avoid lactose.

Dairybreak – Iowa State University

Dairybreak is a novel, three-component high protein dairy based snack targeted for “all-day performance”. The three components of Dairybreak include: a peanut butter cranberry power bar with complex carbohydrates, sugars, and micellar casein for mid-day energy boost and to help promote satiety; two vanilla cinnamon performance sandwich cookies with simple sugars and whey protein as a pre-workout snack; and a chocolate recovery brownie to be consumed immediately after workout. Each individual 40 g snack is also an excellent source of dairy-based protein and calcium

C-MOO-2 – University of Wisconsin Madison

C-Moo-2 is a high protein, dairy based, carbonated beverage that not only provides a unique consumer experience but is also effectively aligned with consumers’ needs for performance nutrition. C-Moo-2 is over 93% dairy, by weight, with 90% of that derived from milk, contains real fruit, no added sugar, and is clean label. C-Moo-2 is an excellent source of protein (12 grams/serving) and a good source of calcium (220 mg/serving). C-Moo-2 is aimed to appeal to athletes and active individuals who are looking for convenient protein sources to aid in muscle recovery after exercising.

Limber – University of Minnesota

Limber is a Puerto Rican inspired Caribbean shaved ice frozen dessert type product that aims to provide a fun and indulgent way to satisfy the consumers’ need for performance nutrition. Made with whole milk and whey protein isolate as its major ingredients, Limber is an excellent source of protein (12 grams/serving) and comes in two indulgent flavors: cranberry coconut and peanut butter and chocolate.

2018 Finalists

FROmage, Clemson University

FROmage is a quark-based vanilla French ice cream that delivers on indulgence while supplying protein for a satisfying snack or dessert. Quark, a soft, slightly tart cheese popular in Europe, is made from whole milk and coagulant enzymes. When combined with a custard base made from whole milk, cream, whey protein isolate and egg yolks, each individual 105-gram cup of FROmage is an excellent source of protein (10 grams). Flavor options for FROmage include strawberry or orange sherbet or perhaps a squeezable packet of fruit puree. For extra convenience, each cup of FROmage comes with a miniature spoon. FROmage strikes a nice balance between taste and satisfaction.

MooCakes, The Ohio State University

MooCakes is a dairy-based, chocolate coated bakery snack combining the benefits of buttermilk and β-glucan soluble oat fiber for a nutritious, tasty treat. Buttermilk powder and whole milk combine to make MooCakes an excellent source of protein (11 grams) and calcium, as well as being gluten-free. Each 4-piece package of MooCakes provides 260 calories and is a good source of fiber. MooCakes may appeal to young adults looking for an alternative to protein/energy bars or to middle-aged adults looking for a more nutritious alternative to sweet bakery products.

Mottochi, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Mottochi is protein-rich snack that pays homage to conventional Japanese mochi, while bringing more (Japanese word motto) to the table than traditional mochi in the way of high quality dairy protein. Mottochi has a soft, gummy outer layer with a frozen, dairy-based filling. This unique snack contains approximately 75 percent of dairy ingredients, including fat-free milk and whey protein isolate for the outer shell and whole milk and whey protein isolate for the frozen filling. Each three-piece serving (one package) of Mottochi is an excellent source of protein (16 grams) and provides 170 calories in three appealing flavors — chocolate covered blueberry, strawberries & cream, and mango spice. Mottochi is made with sugar and freeze-dried fruits for natural flavors.

Quick-Quark, Kansas State University

Quick-Quark^™is a creamy, German-style drinkable quark (unripened cheese) made predominantly with dairy ingredients, including whole milk, cream, milk protein concentrate (MPC) and sweetened condensed milk. The milk ingredients are fermented using starter cultures, resulting in a smooth, mildly tart quark base. Each 150-gram serving of Quick-Quark^™ provides either 200 or 220 calories, depending on flavor (acai blueberry or pina colada), and is an excellent source of dairy protein (14 grams) and calcium (30 percent Daily Value). Packaged in a flexible, spouted pouch, Quick-Quark^™ is an all-day, any-occasion dairy snack that can easily fit into a purse, tote or lunch bag. It’s a great snack for kids, too, since it uses real dairy, is flavored with fruit and has no preservatives.

SunBites, Cornell University

SunBites is a bite-size, savory cheese snack composed of tangy Cheddar cheese crackers and crunchy milk protein crisps bound together in an innovative cluster shape -- ideal for on-the-go snacking. SunBites are made with 57 percent dairy ingredients including milk protein crisps, Cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, milk protein concentrate, and whey permeate. One serving (30 grams) of SunBites, roughly 20 clusters, is an excellent source of protein (12 grams) for only 120 calories. According to a sensory panel, SunBites appeal to people looking for nutritious snacks that taste good. When unopened and stored at room temperature, SunBites are estimated to remain fresh and crisp for approximately five months.

Teafir, Cornell University

Teafir is a ready-to-drink fermented dairy beverage inspired by traditional kefir. Pieces of fermented tea (Kombucha) jellies add an interesting “chew” to the beverage reminiscent of childhood. Teafir is made with 90 percent dairy ingredients including low-fat, grass-fed milk, nonfat dry milk powder and whey protein concentrate. As a result, each 8-ounce serving of Teafir is an excellent source of dairy protein (11 grams). The beverage contains live bacterial cultures, including L. lactis, L. cremoris, L. diacetylactis and L. acidophilus that have the potential to improve lactose digestion. Teafir, in peach or matcha flavors, is sweetened with Stevia, and contains no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.