Nestlé plant-based latte lineup

Nestlé, the world's largest food and beverage company, offers a wide range of plant-based foods and beverages around the world to meet the diversification of dietary needs. In addition, Nestlé is making global efforts to address climate change, and the provision of plant-based foods and beverages is one of its initiatives to this end. In recent years, interest in plant-based foods and beverages has been growing in Japan as well, as consumers have become increasingly health-conscious and considerate of the global environment.

Against this backdrop, Nestlé launched plant-based latte products containing no dairy ingredients in the Japanese market, beginning with Nescafé Gold Blend Almond Latte and Nescafé Gold Blend Oat Latte in Spring 2021. Now, Nestlé Japan is turning to a grain much more familiar to Japanese consumers for its latest addition to their plant-based latte lineup: rice.

Japan-exclusive! Nescafé Gold Blend Rice Latte

The new Nescafé Gold Blend Rice Latte is a Japan-exclusive addition to Nestlé's latte products. Rice and coffee are an unexpected combination, but the gentle aroma and sweetness of the rice match the richness of the coffee to create a new taste sensation for the drinker. In recent years, amazake, another rice-derived beverage, has been attracting attention, especially among those who are interested in beauty and health, so Nestlé considered it was an opportune occasion to introduce a rice-based product.

Lineup of 3 products in 2 categories

Soluble mix type: Just pour hot water and enjoy a rich foamy rice latte.

Pricing:

• Nescafé Gold Blend Rice Latte (soluble mix), box of 4 packets: 429 JPY

Ready-to-drink type: The ready-to-drink version qualifies as an FNFC* (Food with Nutrient Function Claims, according to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare) for its Vitamin B2 content, a nutrient that helps maintain healthy skin, eyes, nerves, and liver.

It can be easily enjoyed anywhere and is available in two sizes: 190 ml and 1000 ml.

* Unlike "Food for Specified Health Uses," this product has not been individually reviewed by the Commissioner of the Consumer Affairs Agency.

Pricing:

• Nescafé Gold Blend Rice Latte (ready-to-drink) 190 ml: 213 JPY
• Nescafé Gold Blend Rice Latte (ready-to-drink) 1000 ml: 537 yen

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Trying Nescafé Gold Blend Rice Latte

I had an opportunity to sample both the ready-to-drink and soluble mix versions, and I was pleasantly surprised. Although I had tried various plant-based milk products before, it was my first time trying an instant plant-based latte product. I enjoyed the light roasted, nutty flavor which I thought blended very nicely with the aroma of Nestlé Gold Blend coffee, as well as the light yet creamy mouthfeel. I noticed a subtle sweetness that lingered along with the roasted flavor as an aftertaste. Some of the plant-based milk beverages I had tried before left a discernable grainy mouthfeel, but there was none of that here. It was very smooth all the way. The soluble version blended instantly without even needing a stir, creating a foamy top.

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Nestlé will continue to expand its plant-based product lineup in order to provide consumers with a variety of choices. As a Good Food, Good Life Company, Nestlé is committed to using the power of food to improve the quality of life for all people, now and for generations to come.

Nescafé Gold Blend Rice Latte goes on sale on September 1st, 2021, and will be available at major supermarkets nationwide, as well as the Nestlé Japan Online Shop and other online retail outlets.

In addition to Nescafé Gold Blend Rice Latte, Nescafé Gold Blend Almond Latte and Nescafé Gold Blend Oat Latte are also available:

For more information about Nestlé products, visit the official website here.