Yogurt. It's great inside.

One of the most flexible and beloved ingredients amongst Irish consumers is yogurt. As a nation, we have a deep appreciation for all things dairy, and yogurt in particular is known for its health benefits. We put it on our granola and fruit, spoon it up as a mid-morning snack, and use it as a substitute for cream when cooking if we're trying to be a little healthier.

Ireland has an undeniable fondness for yogurt, which is why it has been chosen as one of the four markets where the National Dairy Council are launching an EU funded three-year campaign promoting the health and versatility of the dairy product. Yogurt is rich in protein and iodine, and a source of calcium, phosphorus, vitamins B2, and B12. It provides 10 essential nutrients, including vitamin A, potassium, and magnesium.

Alongside Germany, Belgium and Denmark, this campaign will feature two beloved Dublin cafés and two Irish yogurt businesses who really know their stuff when it comes to natural yogurt.

Póg, with five locations across Dublin, and Brother Hubbard, with four, are both part of the campaign, creating delicious recipes that showcase the adaptable nature of yogurt. Known for its ability to pair with sweet or savoury meals, Póg uses natural yogurt as part of their famous protein pancake stacks, a treat that's packed with nutrients, while Brother Hubbard utilises it best in their staple savoury Eggs Menemen dish - a take on Turkish eggs that is their most popular menu item.

Two of Ireland’s most well-known yogurt companies, Glenilen and Killowen Farm, are also part of the campaign. Glenilen products include Kefir, cheesecakes, and clotted cream, are widely available in Irish supermarkets; its owners Valerie and Alan Kingston grew up on dairy farms so they're experts on the subject. Killowen Farm on the other hand has been run by the Dunne family for 200 years, and offers a variety of single-origin dairy yogurts with fruit flavours, and has even recently introduced cream cheeses.

Head of Communications with the National Dairy Council, Cathy Curran said this of the campaign:

"We are delighted to be launching this new EU campaign and to celebrate the delicious versatility of natural yogurt. Yogurt is a popular fermented milk product and a source of protein, calcium, phosphorus, iodine, vitamins B2 and B12. An incredibly versatile product in the kitchen for cooking or just to have as a healthy snack. The campaign strapline deliberately focuses on the added benefits of yogurt from the inside out so you can treat your gut to a delicious yogurt."

TV Chef, cookery tutor, and food stylist Erica Drum interviewed the business and café owners, and said this of the process.

"I am delighted to be involved with this campaign, [I'm] a big fan of Irish dairy and love to cook with it in all my recipes on TV and social media. I also love that yogurt offers a healthier alternative to cream when you want still something rich and satisfying! I often give it to my young daughter as a healthy snack or for breakfast with fruit and granola."

Recent research conducted by Potloc market research surveyed 1,000 consumers in each of the campaign countries. The findings reveal that Irish consumers have a distinct preference for high-protein, flavoured, and low-fat yogurts. These choices underscore the importance of nutritional value and taste as key factors in yogurt consumption.

Factors such as convenience, affordability, and local production significantly shape the Irish consumer's choices. Although the environmental impact of dairy is acknowledged, it has a lesser effect on consumption patterns. Notably, 71% of Irish consumers consider gut health and digestion to be the primary health benefits of plain yogurt.

Keep an eye out for interviews with the cafés and business owners on our socials.

Feature image: Rachel Keane, Póg