Nestlé launches Bear Brand Milk N’ Soy to combat nutritional deficiencies 

PHILIPPINES – Nestlé has introduced a new product, Bear Brand Milk N’ Soy, aimed at addressing nutritional deficiencies among school-aged children in the Philippines. 

This powdered drink combines dairy and soy to provide a nutrient-rich option for families, targeting a widespread issue of undernutrition in the region. 

The launch comes as part of Nestlé’s broader effort to improve access to affordable and healthy food options worldwide, with a focus on supporting growing children.

According to Nestlé, Bear Brand Milk N’ Soy blends the benefits of dairy and plant-based proteins, offering essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins in a single product. 

The company developed this drink to cater specifically to the nutritional needs and taste preferences of children in their school years. 

Serena Aboutboul, head of the Nutrition Strategic Business Unit at Nestlé, said, “We have created Bear Brand Milk N’ Soy to meet the specific nutritional requirements and taste preferences of school-age children and have made it affordable for Filipino households.” 

This affordability factor is key, as nearly three billion people globally struggle to access a healthy diet, a challenge Nestlé aims to tackle with this initiative.

Philippines faces significant nutritional challenges, with data from 2018 showing that 17% of children aged 6 to 59 months suffer from vitamin A deficiency. 

The highest rates were among children aged 12 to 24 months, at 22%, followed by those aged 6 to 12 months, at 18%. Bear Brand Milk N’ Soy is fortified to help address such gaps, combining dairy’s natural nutrients like calcium with soy’s plant-based protein and fiber. 

Nestlé sees this product as a way to expand its Bear Brand range, which has traditionally served younger children, into the school-age market, tapping into what it calls “significant growth potential” in the region.

The product’s formulation also reflects innovation in food technology. Nestlé uses a proprietary enzyme to blend dairy and soy, improving texture and flavor to appeal to young consumers. 

“We think there is significant growth potential in expanding the benefits of Bear Brand to older children in their school-going years,” Aboutboul added. 

Priced competitively, with a suggested retail cost of around US$0.50 per serving based on local market estimates, it aims to be a budget-friendly choice for Filipino families.

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