Lactalis Nestlé’s high-protein yoghurt brand Lindahls has made its bow in the chilled desserts category amid heightened demand for protein products.

Lindahls Protein Pudding, which Lactalis Nestlé described as an indulgent crème dessert with an “ultra-smooth texture”, went on sale this week in Asda stores nationwide (rsp: £1.25/140g).

Available in two variants – chocolate and vanilla – each pot contains 14g of protein and a low fat content.

The NPD has been launched after analysis of Prima data by Lactalis Nestlé found 53% of UK households were looking to consume protein as part of a healthy ­balanced diet, whileonline searches related to the term ‘healthy snacks’ had grown 110% between April 2020 and April 2021.

“With the increased demand for healthy desserts, Protein Pudding was a natural extension to our range,” said Lactalis Nestlé Chilled Dairy marketing manager, Paul Wiseman.

Responsible yoghurt: Dairymen yoghurts & potted desserts category report 2021

It comes amid a sales boom for potted desserts. According to Kantar data compiled for The Grocer’s Dairymen supplement, the sub-category grew £100.6m (12.3%) off the back of a 9.7% rise in volume sales [52 w/e 16 May 2021].

According to Kantar analyst Oliver Outen, these increases were driven by, “shoppers looking to treat themselves in what has otherwise been a tough year.”

Lindahls itself has also experienced a strong year in terms of value sales. In the 26 weeks to 29 May, the brand added £7.4m in sales year-on-year as its core 150g pot range grew 92% [IRI].