French dairy giant Danone launched a range of lactose-free yogurt under its Activia brand in the US.
Activia Lactose Free Yogurt is available in black cherry, peach, strawberry and vanilla. Each cup contains billions of live and active probiotics, according to the company.
Danone said 25% of US consumers are intolerant to lactose and avoidance is growing, particularly among the young. The US is the largest market for lactose-free foods and accounted for 25% of global sales in 2015, it said.
In a statement, Danone said the low-fat yogurts are not specifically designed to address the customary symptoms associated with eating dairy products by lactose-intolerant individuals.
“New Activia Lactose Free Yogurts provide the same great benefits as all our other Activia products, as well as the same great taste. All Activia yogurts may help reduce the frequency of minor digestive discomfort when consumed twice a day for two weeks as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.”
