Neilson and Dairyland have received two major honours for their latest 2% Chocolate 18g Protein Beverage. Facebook
Neilson and Dairyland have earned national recognition for their newest beverage innovation. The companies announced that their all-new 2% Chocolate 18g Protein Beverage received two major consumer honours for 2026: Product of the Year in the Protein Beverage Category and Best New Product in the Protein Enhanced Milk Beverage Category.
Both awards reflect direct feedback from Canadian shoppers and highlight the product’s growing popularity in grocery aisles across the country.
A Century of Trust
For more than 100 years, Neilson and Dairyland have remained part of daily life for many Canadian families. Known for consistent quality and taste, the brands have built a strong reputation in homes from coast to coast.
This latest recognition adds to that legacy. Consumers across Canada voted for the chocolate protein beverage in national surveys, placing it ahead of other new products in its category.
Tina Galluccio, Director of Marketing at Saputo Canada, emphasized the importance of staying true to the brand’s roots.
"As part of Canadian families' lives for more than a century, it was important for us to stay true to what Neilson and Dairyland represent -- great-tasting Canadian milk that families trust," said Tina Galluccio, Director of Marketing, Saputo Canada. "Being recognized with both Product of the Year and Best New Product is a meaningful honour, because it tells us Canadians see the value in how this beverage fits into their everyday lives."
What Makes the Beverage Stand Out
The new chocolate beverage builds on the brands’ existing 18-gram protein lineup. Each serving delivers 18 grams of protein, which equals twice the protein found in regular milk.
The drink uses Canadian milk and comes lactose-free. It also contains 50 per cent less sugar than regular 1% chocolate milk. These features make it an appealing choice for consumers who want more protein without added sweetness.
The beverage offers a smooth chocolate flavour and can be enjoyed on its own or added to smoothies. It joins other protein options in the lineup, including 1%, 2%, and 3.25% varieties.
Recognized by Canadian Consumers
The awards came after thousands of Canadians participated in nationwide surveys.
The Product of the Year Award relied on a nationally representative study of 4,000 consumers who voted across various categories. Meanwhile, the Best New Product Award reflected feedback from more than 12,000 Canadians who evaluated new products across food, beverage, beauty, household, and other sectors.
Kim Diamond, Vice-President of Best New Product Awards Inc., BrandSpark, explained why such recognition matters in today’s crowded marketplace.
"With so many options on store shelves today, it can be overwhelming for consumers to know which products are truly worth trying," says Kim Diamond, Vice-President of Best New Product Awards Inc., BrandSpark. "The Best New Product Awards simplify that decision by spotlighting the products that truly stand out to Canadians."
Available Across Canada
Consumers can now find the award-winning chocolate protein beverage at major grocery stores nationwide. In Ontario and Atlantic Canada, the product appears under the Neilson name. In Western Canada, shoppers will see it under the Dairyland label.
As health-conscious choices continue to shape buying habits, the beverage’s strong protein content and reduced sugar formula position it as a convenient option for busy Canadians.
With two major consumer awards already secured, Neilson and Dairyland’s newest chocolate drink has clearly captured attention across the country.
