Albert Heijn, a leading Dutch supermarket chain headquartered in Zaandam, North Holland, Netherlands, has launched hybrid milk products that blend traditional dairy with plant-based ingredients. This innovation was developed in partnership with Farm Dairy (Netherlands) and PlanetDairy (Denmark), marking the first such launch in the Dutch market.
Dutch retail giant Albert Heijn, based in Zaandam, North Holland, Netherlands, has taken a bold step in sustainable dairy innovation with the launch of its first hybrid milk products—a blend of traditional dairy and plant-based ingredients. The products were developed through a collaboration with Farm Dairy, a major Dutch milk processor, and PlanetDairy, a Danish food-tech company known for pioneering hybrid dairy solutions in Nordic markets.
The initiative, which began in 2024, focused on merging the nutritional and sensory qualities of conventional dairy with the environmental advantages of plant ingredients.
We shared the success of our cheese launch in the Nordic markets and approached Albert Heijn with ideas on cheese, milk, and yogurt.”
Dr. Paul Cornillon, Chief Technology Officer at PlanetDairy
The hybrid milk line was developed using extensive consumer feedback loops to ensure taste, texture, and nutritional value met consumer expectations.
The Farm Dairy and PlanetDairy partnership has enabled us to be the first to launch dairy and plant milk blends in the Netherlands.”
Jan de Graaf, Head of Dairy Innovation at Albert Heijn
The product rollout marks the first of its kind in the Dutch retail landscape and is expected to pave the way for further innovations, including hybrid yogurts. Jakob Skovgaard, CEO of PlanetDairy, highlighted the launch as a strategic entry point into broader dairy innovation.
The hybrid milks are expected to appeal to health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers, offering reduced carbon footprints while retaining the rich taste of dairy—a segment gaining traction across European markets.
With consumer demand for sustainable yet functional dairy alternatives on the rise, Albert Heijn’s move positions the brand as a frontrunner in the hybrid dairy category, blending tradition with innovation.
