Starbucks Corporation (SBUX), Danone SA (ADR) (DANOY): Greek Yogurt Gets Grounded by Air Force

Not that it was part of the reason for its decision, but No. 2 yogurt maker General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS) was able to sidestep the whey problem with its Yoplait brand by using milk protein concentrate as a thickening agent instead of straining. Unfortunately, while it created a similar, thick, creamy texture, the concentrates ran into the brick wall of federal rules that proscribe exactly what can be included to be called Greek yogurt, and concentrates are not on the list. Some questioned whether it could even be called yogurt.

And Danone SA (ADR) (OTCMKTS:DANOY) has been criticized for its inclusion of carmine as a coloring agent in its yogurts. Although it’s a natural ingredient that’s safe for human consumption, better than Red Dye No. 2, anyway, it gives people the heebie-jeebies to think they’re eating an ingredient produced from crushed female cochineal insects. It’s widely used in the food service industry, but as awareness of what exactly carmine is has grown, it’s led to petitions circulating calling for manufacturers to abandon the ingredient.

Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) already caved on its Frappuccinos and smoothies, as well as its red velvet whoopie pies, but Danone SA (ADR) (OTCMKTS:DANOY) says not only is it safe, but they’re good for you too! It has no intention of abandoning the ingredient in its yogurt.

In comparison to that, Chobani only having to remove a couple of seeds from its packaging makes it seem unlikely it will be shot down from its top spot anytime soon.

The article Greek Yogurt Gets Grounded by Air Force originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Rich Duprey.

Fool contributor Rich Duprey has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Starbucks. The Motley Fool owns shares of Starbucks.

Copyright © 1995 – 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.