Yogurt a new delight for consumers

Over the years, yoghurt consumption has grown strongly in Nigeria, especially among children and female consumers.

Yogurt, which is a fermented milk product, is produced by bacterial fermentation, known as “yogurt cultures”. Fermentation of lactose by these bacteria produces lactic acid, which acts on milk protein to give yogurt its texture and its characteristic tangy taste.

Yoghurt is not just a delicious drink; it has immense health benefits and is reputed to be an excellent source of protein, calcium, riboflavin and vitamin B 12. When compared with milk, yoghurt contains more calcium and protein because of the added cultures.

These cultures are composed of unique living micro-organisms, which are responsible for many of the health and nutritional benefits found in yoghurt.

This drink is touted to improve natural defence in the human body as it contains a good amount of phosphorus and 88 percent water. People with a risk of osteoporosis are advised to take at least one serving of yoghurt per day because of its high calcium level which is necessary for their bone constitution.

There are basically three types of yoghurt in the market: regular which is whole milk, low-fat and skim. Low-fat and skimmed yoghurt are alleged to work well for people who are on cholesterol lowering diet or those conscious of their weights; as these types of yoghurt do not raise blood cholesterol levels.

Some people have trouble digesting lactose, a carbohydrate available in milk and its products, as a result of the deficiency of enzyme lactase in the body. Live yoghurt cultures which produce lactase breaks down the lactose and that is what makes the drink a healthy way to get calcium for the body, especially for those who are lactose intolerant.

These are the major reasons why consumers across applaud Chi Limited for its introduction of three new variants of its Hollandia Yoghurt brand in addition to other existing variants in the market. The new variants which are ‘Green Apple,’ ‘Orange’ and ‘Pure and Plain’ are expected meet the growing demand for dairy products in general and yoghurt in particular.

According to some consumers, the new variants will increase their experiences of Hollandia Yogurt, especially with its peculiar rich mouth feel and balanced flavour; stating that the new low-fat yogurts are excellent for taste, as it is not only healthy and fulfilling but a real delight. The variants are available in 1 litre, 500ml and 250ml tetra packs.

With the introduction of on-the-go pack of Hollandia Yoghurt 180ml sachets in orange, strawberry and plain sweetened and Pure N Plain flavours at the cost of N50 for children and young adults. No doubt, consumers who are attracted to the brand and feel a kinship with its refreshing and energising flavours will become adorers and ambassadors in the nearest future.

The Pure and Plain variant which was developed to satisfy the ever-increasing health conscious consumer contains no sugar and is adjudged suitable for the individual who desires to drink yoghurt strictly for its numerous health benefits.

According to nutritionists, consumption of yoghurt is recommended for persons who suffer from obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, among others, because yoghurt exerts a positive effect on health.

As consumers become more aware of the nutritional and health benefits of yoghurt, especially its role as a good source of protein, vitamins and calcium that are beneficial to general health and well being of the individual, the market for yoghurt can only grow even more and with it the fortunes of its manufacturers.

Speaking on the newly introduced variants, Roy Deepanjan, managing director, Chi Limited, said: “The new variants of Hollandia Yoghurt were developed following extensive consumer engagement activities which revealed that our loyal customers who have helped us to reach the number one position have a yearning for more varieties of the Hollandia Yoghurt brand. We at Chi Limited, have always been keen to satisfy the ever growing population of Hollandia Yoghurt consumers across Nigeria with products designed to satisfy their needs and expectations from our brands.”

Health benefits of yogurt

Yogurt is a unique food because it is a cultured milk product, made by adding certain “friendly” or “good” bacteria called probiotics to milk, skim milk, and/or cream to produce a thicker and more textured product.

Yogurt is a calcium powerhouse and a source of high-quality protein. Yogurt is nutrient rich because it is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals for its calories!

The nutritional and caloric contents of yogurt are similar to those of the fluid milk from which it is made. So, it is an important source of calcium, protein, vitamins A, riboflavin, phosphorus and potassium.  In fact, one serving of yogurt contains about as much potassium as a banana (around 400 mg).

Anne Agbaje