Primary Ingredients in Viva Banana Milk
At the core of all Viva banana milk products is high-quality dairy milk, sourced from the farmer-owned cooperative Lakeland Dairies. The specific type of milk and the primary sweetening agent are the main differentiators between product variants, but several components are consistent across the board. The fundamental building blocks are dairy milk, natural flavourings, and stabilisers. The inclusion of additional vitamins also provides key nutritional benefits, especially for children, making it a popular option in school lunchboxes.
The Dairy Base
Both the standard UHT and 'No Added Sugar' versions of Viva banana milk are made from dairy. The 'No Added Sugar' variant specifies 'Low Fat MILK (1.4% fat) (99%)'. The standard UHT version uses 'Semi Skimmed MILK (94%)'. This milk base is what provides the beverage with its protein, calcium, and other natural nutrients. The milk is ultra-heat treated (UHT) to ensure a long shelf life, allowing for ambient storage before opening.
The Flavoring
To achieve its signature taste, Viva banana milk uses natural flavourings. The standard UHT version also contains a small amount of banana juice from concentrate, typically around 1%. The 'No Added Sugar' version relies solely on natural flavourings to achieve its banana taste. The use of 'natural' flavourings, as opposed to artificial ones, is a key feature highlighted by the manufacturer.
Breaking Down the Additives: Stabilisers and Sweeteners
Additives in food products serve specific functions, often related to texture, stability, and taste. In Viva banana milk, these ingredients are carefully chosen to ensure a consistent, palatable experience.
Stabilisers
Viva banana milk includes two common food stabilisers: Guar Gum and Carrageenan. Stabilisers are crucial for preventing the milk and other components from separating over time. They give the milk a smooth, uniform texture and mouthfeel. Guar gum is a natural product from guar beans, while carrageenan is a seaweed extract. Both are widely used in the food industry for their gelling and thickening properties.
Sweeteners
This is where the product versions differ most significantly. The standard UHT Viva banana milk contains added sugar to sweeten the drink. In contrast, the 'No Added Sugar' variant uses a natural sweetener called Steviol Glycosides, derived from the Stevia plant, to achieve its sweetness without the added sugar. This makes the latter version a lower-calorie option.
Nutritional Fortification: Added Vitamins
Beyond its natural nutrient content from milk, Viva banana milk is fortified with additional vitamins to boost its nutritional profile. A key addition is Vitamin D, which is essential for the body to properly absorb and utilise calcium. The manufacturer notes that the no-added-sugar version provides 40% of the recommended daily intake for Vitamin D per serving. The product is also a natural source of protein, iodine, and vitamin B12.
Ingredient Comparison Table
| Ingredient | No Added Sugar Version | Standard UHT Version |
|---|---|---|
| Milk Base | Low Fat MILK (1.4% fat) | Semi-Skimmed MILK |
| Sweetener | Steviol Glycosides (from Stevia) | Sugar |
| Flavouring | Natural Flavourings | Natural Flavourings & Banana Juice from Concentrate |
| Stabilisers | Guar Gum, Carrageenan | Guar Gum, Carrageenan |
| Fortified Vitamins | Vitamin D | Vitamin D |
Sourcing and Quality Control
Viva is a brand under Lakeland Dairies, a farmer-owned co-operative, which emphasizes the traceability of its milk. This commitment to quality from farm to carton is a key aspect of their brand identity. The UHT processing method ensures the product's safety and long shelf life without requiring refrigeration until opened.
How Ingredients Impact the Final Product
The choice of ingredients directly influences the final characteristics of Viva banana milk. The low-fat milk in the 'No Added Sugar' version contributes to its lower calorie count, while the use of stevia provides sweetness without additional sugar, appealing to health-conscious consumers. The stabilisers, guar gum and carrageenan, are essential for maintaining the smooth, consistent texture that makes the drink enjoyable to consume. The fortification with Vitamin D adds a functional health benefit, distinguishing it from unfortified flavored milk options. For more information on the manufacturer and their brand story, visit Lakeland Dairies.
Conclusion: Understanding the Ingredients
In conclusion, the ingredients in Viva banana milk are straightforward and carefully selected. By understanding the differences between the 'No Added Sugar' version (using steviol glycosides) and the standard UHT product (using sugar and banana juice concentrate), consumers can make informed choices based on their dietary needs and preferences. Both versions share the same stabilisers (guar gum, carrageenan) and nutritional additions (Vitamin D), ensuring a consistent, high-quality product from a trusted dairy cooperative.
