New Banana Milk Beverage Brings Nostalgic School Lunch Flavor to Fans

In a delightful fusion of nostalgia and innovation, Furuta Dairy Co., headquartered in Chiba, Japan, has launched a new chilled cup drink, the 'Milk Make Banana Milk'. This limited edition product will be available at FamilyMart stores starting February 3rd, marking the fifth flavor in the popular 'Milk Make' series, developed in collaboration with Oshima Food Industry Co.

A Taste of School Days in a Cup

For many, the flavors of school lunches evoke fond memories, and 'Milk Make' taps into this sentiment by offering a drink that closely resembles the beloved school-time staple. The product features a banana flavor that pairs perfectly with milk, designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a commitment to quality, the drink contains 50% raw milk, ensuring a rich and harmonious blend of banana's fruity essence and the sweetness of milk.

What makes this banana milk stand out is its creamy texture enhanced by sweetened condensed milk, resulting in a refreshing taste profile that reminds one of a well-crafted banana shake. It's not just a drink; it's an enjoyable companion for breakfast or lunch, perfect for pairing with sandwiches or light snacks during a midday break.

Vintage Packaging Design

The 'Milk Make Banana Milk' sports a retro packaging design that evokes the charm of traditional milk bottles. The yellow color scheme is designed to resonate with the banana and milk theme, visually representing the product’s smooth and mellow flavor.

Development Insights

Commitment to Quality Dairy

Furuta Dairy Co. prides itself on utilizing over 50% raw milk, emphasizing natural flavors. This dedication underpins the drink’s creamy richness and light mouthfeel. The goal is for consumers to experience the pure, delightful taste that raw milk brings, fostering a connection to the dairy industry.

The Choice of Banana Flavor

Following previous successful flavors like coffee, cocoa, and strawberry, the decision to introduce banana was driven by its popularity and compatibility with milk. Banana shakes have long been cherished, making it a logical choice for the series.

Crafting the Perfect Banana Milk

Furuta's development team focused on enhancing the intrinsic flavors of milk while ensuring a refreshing aftertaste, free from excessive sweetness. The balance between banana and milk creates a drink that is not only flavorful but also easy to drink.

Remembering Milk Make and Its Roots

The 'Milk Make' brand, introduced by Oshima Food Industry Co., emerged in 1967 during a transition in school feeding programs from powdered milk to more palatable liquid options. The philosophy behind its creation was grounded in the belief that while milk is nutritionally valuable, it must also be enjoyable for students.

This ethos has allowed 'Milk Make' to remain a staple in school lunches across Japan, supplying countless meals with a comforting, recognizable flavor.

The 'Milk Make' Series Overview

The 'Milk Make' series boasts a range of products designed to showcase the rich and gentle sweetness of milk. With past flavors including milk coffee, milk caramel, and strawberry milk, this series makes it easy for everyone to relive the comforting flavors of school lunch. The new banana milk continues this tradition, proudly featuring the use of 50% raw milk.

Taste Testing Delight

To promote the new flavor, a tasting event was held at the Chiba Youth Center PRISM, involving local elementary to university students. Participants enthusiastically shared their first impressions, noting the nostalgic quality of 'Milk Make', the perfect sweetness, and the refreshing aftertaste.

Some comments included:

- "It's unbelievably delicious!" (10-year-old girl)
- "The sweetness was just right, and I loved it!" (13-year-old girl)
- "I loved the banana flavor; it wasn't overpowering but balanced perfectly!" (14-year-old boy)
- "It was a great drink for post-bath relaxation!" (24-year-old man)
- "This banana flavor was vibrant and delicious! Definitely a stress relief drink!" (27-year-old woman)

This sampling was organized with the support of the Chiba Youth Center PRISM, established by students from Chiba University to provide a nurturing environment for the youth.

Product Overview

- Product Name: Milk Make Banana Milk (no fruit juice)
- Type: Dairy beverage
- Volume: 260ml
- Ingredients: 50%+ raw milk (domestic), dairy products, sugar, flavoring, and stabilizer (carrageenan, with some dairy contents)
- Shelf Life: 90 days from manufacture
- Price: ¥248 (including tax)
- Availability: Launching nationwide at FamilyMart on February 3rd, in limited quantities.

Note: Availability may vary by location, and not all stores may carry this product.

Furuta Dairy Co. has been committed to providing safe and delicious milk since its founding in 1945 in Chiba. With a focus on delivering quality dairy products, they continue to pursue excellence in flavor and nutritional value, shaping the future while honoring their origins.