BERKELEY, CALIF. – The ice cream makers at Unilever’s Breyers brand partnered with animal-free dairy protein supplier Perfect Day for their latest product innovation.

Breyers Lactose-Free Chocolate, made with Perfect Day’s whey protein that is produced through precision fermentation, launched this month at retailers throughout the United States.

Perfect Day said the collaboration aims to maintain the indulgent taste associated with Breyers ice cream while offering a lactose- and cholesterol-free product that has a smaller environmental footprint.

The animal-free protein maker noted its product is “is the same as the whey protein in milk people are familiar with, with all the flavor, texture and functionality benefits.” Perfect Day also shared that its process, when compared to traditional production methods, was deemed via an ISO-compliant, third-party reviewed life cycle assessment to reduce blue water consumption by up to 99%, greenhouse gas emissions by up to 97% and non-renewable energy use by up to 60%.

"We are thrilled to have developed this new product with Unilever, a hallmark example of how our second decade is focused on driving growth through collaboration with leading companies that share our mission of a kinder, greener tomorrow," said TM Narayan, chief executive officer at Perfect Day. "We're inspired to see that more companies are turning to precision fermentation as a no compromise option to continue to maintain their leadership position as consumer demands evolve for the future of our planet."

Lisa Vortsman, chief marketing officer for Unilever Ice Cream North America, called the new animal-free ice cream product “an exciting and innovative addition” to the brand’s better-for-you portfolio.

"As we've seen demand for alternative ice creams continue to grow, it is important to us to provide Breyers fans with frozen treats that meet their dietary needs and preferences, without compromising on the creamy taste and flavor that Breyers has offered for more than 150 years,” Vortsman said.