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MALK Adds Soy, Coconut to Plant Milk Lineup
MALK is ringing in Natural Products Expo West 2025 by adding two new varieties of unsweetened plant milk to its portfolio: Soy and Coconut, debuting this week at the brand’s booth (N2037) at the trade show in Anaheim, California.
Both flavors are organic and come in 28 oz. multiserve bottles. Unsweetened Coconut MALK is made with water, coconut milk, evaporated coconut water and Himalayan pink salt and retails for $6.99 per bottle, while Unsweetened Soy MALK contains water, soybeans and pink salt and 6 grams of protein at a lower price point of $5.99.
The Coconut milk will launch in Whole Foods and Sprouts stores this month, while Soy will have an exclusive roll out in Whole Foods.
MALK’s existing line up includes almond, oat and cashew milks, as well as almond-based creamers. The two new SKUs give the brand a wider play in the plant-milk set and according to CEO Jason Bronstad they’re intended to help the brand diversify its use occasions; in an email to BevNET Bronstad said that coconut is ideal for baking while Soy can offer higher protein content for use in smoothies.
“Soy and coconut are also incredibly relevant within the organic space,” Bronstad wrote. “Both plant-based milks are seeing significant growth – Soy is up 3% and Coconut is up a strong 13%. By expanding into these segments, we’re not just meeting the moment, we’re reinforcing MALK’s position as the leader in the premium plant-based milk category.”
Bronstad suggested that the expansion provides MALK with “one of the most complete portfolios within plant-based milk” and will help to open the door to new retail opportunities.
“The plant-based milk category is in a strong but evolving state with consumers becoming more selective about what they choose,” he said. “As the $2.6B industry grows, there’s been a clear shift toward prioritizing clean labels and high-quality ingredients…. Alternatives like Soy and Coconut are gaining traction, reflecting this broader trend toward variety and better nutrition.”
“This shift puts MALK in the sweet spot, offering exactly what consumers crave: premium, organic ingredients without the additives,” he added. “Organic plant-based milk alone is up 24% from last year and now represents about $.13 of every dollar spent in the category. With the demand for cleaner, more nutritious products on the rise, MALK is positioned for continued success as the market evolves.”
Around this time last year, MALK raised $7 million in an investment round led by existing investors Benvolio Group and Rotor Capital. That raise coincided with the launch of its Cashew MALK and shelf-stable line, along with expansion in retailers like Albertsons, Kroger and Stop N Shop.
Now, Bronstad says MALK remains in an “exciting growth phase” with its creamers and shelf-stable lines continuing to drive momentum in the grocery channel.
He estimated the brand is now in over 11,500 stores nationwide and has 36,000 unique points of distribution.
“Right now, our focus is on driving deeper engagement, increasing velocity in both MULO/Grocery and natural channels, and ensuring our marketing efforts convert trial into long-term brand loyalty,” Bronstad said.
Saint James Pivots To Resealable Aluminum
Saint James Iced Tea (Booth #5105) is unveiling its new aluminum bottle format at Expo West this week, a move aimed at both solving manufacturing challenges and aligning more closely with a sustainability message as the company scales.
The iced tea brand will be transitioning from its 16.9 oz. Tetrapak cartons to a 16 oz. Ball Alumitek reclosable bottle when retailers begin spring resets in April. Although the cartons will remain in some rotations as inventory sells through, Neumann believes by Q4 aluminum will be in nearly all stores.
“While the cost of the aluminum bottle is more expensive than the cost of a Tetra carton, the tolling fee is about 45% cheaper than Tetra,” CEO Brad Neumann told BevNET. The net benefit is “a decrease in overall COGS.”
The conversation started in October 2024 and moved quickly to pilot runs of aluminum bottles in January and early February. Saint James’ formulation did not change with the move from aseptic fill in Tetrapak to tunnel pasteurization, but the brand has seen improvement in “taste, color and nutrient preservation while still maintaining the shelf life,” Neumann said.
Along with being able to market around the recyclability credentials of aluminum, Saint James is expecting significant savings as it scales further into multipacks and is able to fit more cases per pallet with the bottles.
It also provides new opportunities for things as simple as fitting into cup holders or C-store cold case glides as the brand moves deeper into other retail channels, Neumann said.
“One of the most consistent negative feedback we received with Tetra was that it wouldn’t stay cold for very long. The new packages stay cold and delicious for over an hour when removed from the fridge.”
Jordan’s Skinny Mixes Ventures into RTDs
After 15 years on the market, syrup, sauce and drink mix purveyor Jordan’s Skinny Mixes (Booth #5174) is seeking to carve out terrain in the crowded ready-to-drink coffee space with the release of its Skinnyccino.
Available in two flavors at launch – Caramel and Vanilla – each shelf-stable 12 oz. bottle contains 100mg of caffeine, 8 grams of protein and zero added sugar. The beverage will be available for pre-order on the brand’s website starting today for $3.59 per bottle or $39.99 per 12-pack.
CEO Tim Snyder called the strategic move a “natural category expansion” that builds on the brand’s portfolio of over 100 products – including coffee syrups – complementing its core offerings rather than competing against them. Additionally, Skinnyccino creates more touchpoints for the brand’s consumers throughout their day.
As inflationary pressures continue to weigh on consumers and impact their purchasing behaviors, Jordan’s Skinny Mixes is also confident Skinnyccino’s affordable price point will capture wallet share.
“In today’s economy, people don’t want to spend a lot at coffee shops. This gives them a cost-effective, guilt-free option they can enjoy any time – it’s all about continuing to elevate everyday moments, which is what this brand has always been about,” said Snyder.
The launch comes on the heels of Skinny Mixes’ brand refresh last year, designed to bring its full product lineup together under “unified” branding across its icons, lock up, logo treatments and neck wraps.
In the near term, Snyder said Jordan’s Skinny Mixes is “very focused” on the rollout of Skinnyccino. However, he noted the brand has additional product releases slated for spring and summer that “[tap] into the hot trends we’re seeing, like nostalgia.”