Zayith Food Company Highlights Vitamin and Mineral Fortification Across Its Yogurt Range

ThisDay

Zayith Food Company, a Nigerian dairy manufacturer, has highlighted the nutritional fortification of its yogurt products, incorporating vitamins A and D3, calcium, iron and zinc into its flavoured yogurt drinks and selected Greek yogurt varieties.

The Lagos-based company said the development forms part of its product formulation approach, which combines dairy processing with selected nutrients to serve consumers with different dietary preferences.

According to Zayith, all its yogurt drinks are now fortified with the five nutrients, while its high-protein Greek yogurt provides approximately 70 to 80 grams of protein per one-litre tub.

The company’s approach comes amid continued interest in the nutritional composition of processed foods and the role of food manufacturers in providing consumers with different dietary options.

Food fortification involves adding vitamins or minerals to food products during manufacturing to improve their nutritional composition.

The practice is used in different food categories and can contribute to dietary nutrient intake when products are consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Vitamin A supports normal vision and immune function, while vitamin D contributes to calcium absorption and the maintenance of healthy bones.

Calcium plays a role in bone and muscle function, iron supports oxygen transport in the body, and zinc contributes to several biological processes, including immune function.

Zayith stated that incorporating these nutrients into its yogurt range forms part of its commitment to developing dairy products that combine taste with nutritional value.

The company produces several categories of yogurt, including real-fruit-flavoured drinks, low-fat Greek yogurt and high-protein Greek yogurt.

Its flavoured yogurt drinks include strawberry, mango, mixed berries, coconut and vanilla varieties.

According to the manufacturer, the drinks are produced using real, farm-grown fruits and carefully selected ingredients.

The company’s Greek yogurt range provides additional options for consumers who prefer thicker yogurt products.

Zayith’s high-protein Greek yogurt is available in sweetened and unsweetened varieties, with both options containing added vitamins and minerals.

The manufacturer reports that each one-litre tub provides between 70 and 80 grams of protein, equivalent to approximately 7 to 8 grams per 100 millilitres.

Protein is an essential nutrient involved in the growth, maintenance and repair of body tissues.

Its inclusion in food products is relevant to consumers who monitor their dietary protein intake, although individual requirements vary according to age, activity level and other factors.

Zayith also produces low-fat Greek yogurt in sweetened and unsweetened versions, offering alternatives for consumers with different taste preferences.

The company said its low-fat Greek yogurt is fortified with selected vitamins and minerals and can be incorporated into meals such as breakfast bowls, smoothies and other food preparations.

The development of different yogurt varieties illustrates how dairy manufacturers can use product formulation to address variations in consumer preferences.

These variations may include protein content, fat composition, sweetness and the presence of added nutrients.

For food manufacturers, nutritional fortification also involves technical considerations relating to ingredient selection, product formulation and quality control.

The stability of added nutrients, compatibility with other ingredients and consistency during manufacturing are important factors in maintaining product standards.

Zayith’s quality control and research and development department supports product formulation, production standards and ongoing product improvement.

The company identifies product innovation as one of the central areas of its manufacturing operations.

Under the leadership of Founder and Chief Executive Officer Chidimma Uzoma, Zayith has developed a product portfolio that combines flavoured yogurt drinks with Greek yogurt varieties designed for different consumption preferences.

According to the company, its approach to nutritional fortification is intended to provide consumers with additional dietary options while maintaining the taste and consistency of its dairy products.

The incorporation of vitamins, minerals and higher protein levels into selected products forms part of Zayith’s wider product development strategy within Nigeria’s dairy manufacturing industry.