
16 Jan 2025 Woodlands Dairy launches First Choice Low Fat Fruited Dairy Snack
Woodlands Dairy strikes again with its second recent launch in the dairy snack category….
Woodlands Dairy’s First Choice, renowned for its innovative approach to high-quality dairy products, has introduced a new addition: the Low Fat Fruited Dairy Snack.
Marilee Jansen van Nieuwenhuizen, brand manager, says that the range previously lacked a delicious, healthy snack containing real fruit pieces.
“Driven by our commitment to innovation and quality, we created the Low Fat Fruited Dairy Snack to deliver a unique and satisfying taste experience with every bite,” she says.
The Fruited Dairy Snack comes in classic flavours like Mixed Fruit, Strawberry, Granadilla, and Peach & Apricot, as well as new options such as Mixed Berry and Guava + Custard.
“The Mixed Berry features a rich blend of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, while Guava + Custard brings nostalgic South African flavours,” adds Jansen van Nieuwenhuizen.

Ideal for busy lifestyles, the Fruited Dairy Snack is versatile for on-the-go snacking, smoothies, for baking, or as a dessert topping.
For the packaging, Woodlands Dairy opted for direct printing on the tubs instead of traditional labelling to reduce plastic usage and improve recyclability.
“This decision reduces the need for extra label materials, thereby decreasing the overall use of plastic and other resources. Direct printing also makes the entire tub easier to recycle since it’s made from a single type of material. Plus, it can be more energy-efficient by eliminating the additional steps involved in producing and applying labels,” says Van Nieuwenhuizen.
Marisa Maccaferri, marketing executive at Woodlands, concludes, “Direct printing supports our sustainability goals by making recycling easier, reducing waste, and conserving resources. It’s a vital part of our commitment to eco-friendly practices that benefit both customers and the planet.”

Understanding the nutritional differences between dairy snacks and yoghurt
You’ve probably noticed the growing variety of dairy snacks on the shelves. But what’s the difference between dairy snacks and yoghurt, and does it matter?
Van Nieuwenhuizen explains that while there is a difference, dairy snacks are made using the same process as yoghurt. “Does a dairy snack contain real milk? Yes. Does it contain cultures? Yes. Are the ingredients the same? Yes. Is it good for you? Yes.”
There are various options for both yoghurt and dairy snacks, including Low Fat, Full Cream, and Double Cream. The fat content is identical in both yoghurt and dairy snacks.
The main difference, she explains, is the protein content. “According to the manufacturing guidelines* in South Africa, a product must contain at least 2.0g of protein per 100g to be classified as yoghurt. Dairy snacks, however, contain a minimum of 1.5g per 100g, which can also affect the price.”
Van Nieuwenhuizen stresses that dairy snacks provide the essential nutrients of dairy. “Our dairy snacks are made with real milk sourced from local South African farmers and provide all the essential nutrients of dairy. It’s made with mostly natural ingredients like milk and cultures, but there are some stabilisers, colourants and flavours added, which is also true for yoghurts.
“Our dairy snacks offer the classic tangy flavour of fermented dairy, though it’s slightly milder compared to yoghurt. As with yoghurt, the shelf life is 56 days from production and it can be used in smoothies, baking, desserts, and more.”
To differentiate between the two, she recommends checking the product label and nutritional information.
“Dairy snacks have their place in the market and shouldn’t be viewed as inferior. They follow the same production process and offer the added advantage of being more affordable, which is a significant benefit in the current economy,” she concludes.
* R.1510: REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE CLASSIFICATION, PACKING AND MARKING OF DAIRY PRODUCTS AND IMITATION DAIRY PRODUCTS INTENDED FOR SALE IN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Source: Woodlands Dairy