If anyone needs more proof that veganism is trending, take note: kid-favorite snack food JELL-O just introduced its first vegan option.
JELL-O announced that it is "boldly stepping into the plant-based space with new Oat Milk Chocolate Pudding."
The new oat milk option rolls out to retailers nationwide, and "delivers the signature creamy texture and rich chocolate taste JELL-O fans know and love – now in a lactose-free and vegan format."
The company described it as a "monumental moment marks the first time Kraft Heinz has both entered the plant-based desserts category and launched an oat milk-based product."
But the company says it's not just following dietary trends, it's helping parents who have kids with allergies.
Milk is one of the most common food allergies among kids in the U.S., affecting nearly two million kids each year, and more than 30 percent of Americans suffer from lactose intolerance, Heinz said in its announcement.
"As families look for dessert offerings that fit evolving dietary needs, the multi-billion dollar plant-based desserts category is seeing double digit growth... Four in five parents have expressed an interest in dairy alternative versions," the company said.
JELL-O said that it selected oat milk, the fastest growing dairy alternative milk, for its first venture due to "its creamy consistency and mild flavor."
"Further, the brand is starting with a chocolate flavor in homage to the first-ever pudding flavor JELL-O released back in the 1930s."
