Nestlé has unveiled its latest innovation for its plant-based products: a milk alternative that combines a unique blend of oat and fava with a strong nutritional value.

By combining oat and fava, the plant-based milk alternative has 5g of protein per serving and all the amino acids needed in the diet to ensure high-quality protein. Additionally, the mild, nutty taste and smooth texture coming from the fava and oat makes the beverage perfect for any time of day on its own, in a smoothie, or with cereal.

Christoph Bolten, head, Nestlé Institute of Food Sciences, said, "Fava beans are a great source of protein, which is why we are exploring their use in different types of plant-based alternatives. While developing the product, we selected the fava bean variety that would bring the most complete nutritional elements to the recipe."

Nestlé offers a wide range of plant-based products made from ingredients such as peas, rice, oat, soy, coconut, and almonds. Nestlé's R&D experts are also exploring the next generation of plant-based ingredients, including fava while considering different functional, nutritional, and sustainability aspects. The company's plant and food scientists work to breed and select nutritious, tasty pulse varieties best suited for different plant-based alternatives.

"As interest in plant-based beverages continues to rise, we're thrilled to expand our natural bliss portfolio beyond the creamer aisle to introduce our first-ever ready-to-drink Oat Milk," said Daniel Jhung, president - Beverage, Nestlé, USA. "We know our consumers seek products that are both delicious and nutritious, and this offering delivers a first-to-market blend of oat and fava bean protein that offers more protein than the leading oat milk brand, less sugar than dairy milk, and can be enjoyed in several ways, at any time of day."

The oat and fava plant-based beverages will launch nationally in grocery stores and mass retailers in the U.S. under the natural bliss brand. They will come in two varieties - natural bliss Oat Milk Original and Unsweetened.