Oui

Introduction

Oui was founded as a representation of the French way of enjoying life, emphasizing the pleasure of simple, high-quality ingredients. Crafted by General Mills, the brand's philosophy revolves around creating moments of enjoyment through its dedicated approach to making yogurt. Each cup reflects the ethos of indulgence, as found in French cuisine, distinguished by its commitment to using whole milk and real fruits. In setting these ingredients for eight hours in individual glass pots, Oui not only ensures a richer flavor and creamier texture but also celebrates simplicity and authenticity in every spoonful.

The brand's philosophy is deeply rooted in the idea that eating should be a pleasurable experience, rather than just a necessity. This belief is embodied in Oui’s crafting process, where yogurt is poured and set naturally, allowing the flavors to develop fully. By prioritizing quality over quantity and allowing nature to play its role in the creation process, Oui seeks to deliver an experience that fosters a connection between individuals and the simple joys in life. Each glass pot symbolizes a mini celebration of food, making every moment spent with Oui special.

What sets Oui apart from other yogurt brands is its unique combination of craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal. From the charming glass pots to the creamy, rich yogurt they contain, every product emphasizes quality and beauty. The brand’s dedication to French traditions and its focus on wholesome ingredients elevate it to a position that resonates with consumers looking for more than just a snack—it's about creating delightful experiences. This focus on craftsmanship and pleasurable moments in every bite allows Oui to cultivate a loyal customer base who appreciate both the taste and the philosophy behind their yogurt.

Signature Products

Oui's products are designed to reflect the brand's commitment to quality, pleasure, and craftsmanship. Each offering showcases the meticulous process and choice ingredients that characterize the brand.

• Oui French Style Yogurt : Creamy yogurt made with whole milk and real fruit, set in individual glass pots for an exquisite texture and taste.
• Oui Dairy Free Yogurt : A rich and indulgent dairy alternative that maintains the same creamy experience while being plant-based.

Materials and Ingredients Used by Oui

• Sorbitol : Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and humectant in food products. In Oui yogurt, it serves to enhance sweetness without adding significant calories, which aligns with the brand's goal of delivering a subtly sweet flavor that emphasizes enjoyment in every spoonful.
• Milk : Milk is a fundamental ingredient in Oui yogurt, providing the creamy texture and nutritional benefits associated with dairy. The brand emphasizes the use of whole milk to create a satisfyingly thick yogurt, allowing for a richer taste experience that reflects the French approach to food.
• Niacinamide : Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is commonly used in cosmetic formulations for its skin-benefiting properties. While primarily a skincare ingredient, its inclusion might be aimed at enhancing the brand's overall commitment to quality and health, even if it’s not a key ingredient in their yogurt products.
• Canola : Canola oil is often used as a source of healthy fat in food products. In the context of Oui yogurt, it may be used to improve the texture or stability of the product, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable mouthfeel, aligning with the brand’s dedication to crafting exquisite yogurt experiences.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From Oui

Deforestation:

The production of sorbitol, which is often derived from corn or certain fruits, can lead to deforestation, especially when sourced from areas where land-clearing practices for agriculture are prevalent. For example, in parts of Southeast Asia and Latin America, tropical rainforests are cleared to make way for agricultural production, affecting sorbitol as it might be produced indirectly through these processes. This contributes to habitat loss, reduced biodiversity, and carbon emissions.

Water Usage:

Both sorbitol and milk production require significant water resources. Sorbitol production, particularly from corn, demands a high volume of water for irrigation, which can result in the depletion of local water supplies, especially in arid regions. Milk production also demands extensive water use for cows and processing, further stressing water resources. For example, in regions like California, dairy farming's water consumption amidst frequent droughts has led to significant concerns about water scarcity.

Chemical Pollution:

Sorbitol production can involve chemical refining processes, which contribute to pollution if not managed properly. Effluents from processing plants may include harmful chemicals, which, if released into water bodies, can negatively impact aquatic ecosystems. An example of this is the biochemical oxygen demand from sugar processing plants, which can deplete oxygen in water bodies, harming aquatic life.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

Milk production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, predominantly methane from cows. This is significant in the context of climate change, as methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a much higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide. An example is the dairy industry's carbon footprint in New Zealand, which, despite the country's commitment to sustainability, remains a large portion of their agricultural emissions.

Animal Welfare:

The dairy industry faces criticism over animal welfare concerns, as milk production commonly involves intensive farming practices. These practices might include confined living conditions and unnatural milking processes, impacting the well-being of dairy cows. For instance, in some large-scale dairy operations, cows may be kept in crowded barns, limiting their natural behaviors and leading to stress-induced health issues.

Energy Consumption:

The production of niacinamide (vitamin B3) in the cosmetics industry is energy-intensive due to the chemical synthesis processes involved. These processes typically require significant amounts of energy, contributing to carbon emissions from the energy used unless renewable energy sources are implemented. An example is the pharmaceutical industry's growing energy footprint as it scales production to meet global demands.

Chemical Usage:

Niacinamide synthesis involves the use of specific chemicals that, if not managed properly, can result in environmental harm. The production processes can lead to the release of hazardous substances into the environment, affecting air and water quality. For instance, chemical by-products from pharmaceutical production can contaminate local water sources if waste handling standards are not rigorously upheld.

Sourcing Transparency:

Niacinamide production often lacks transparency concerning sourcing, where raw materials' origins might not be clearly documented, leading to challenges in ensuring sustainable and ethical sourcing practices. This issue is evident in the broader pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, where supply chains can be complex and opaque, obscuring fair trade practices and ethical sourcing.

Biodiversity Loss:

Canola cultivation may lead to biodiversity loss due to its promotion of monoculture farming practices, where a single crop dominates large areas. This reduces habitat diversity and the availability of resources for other species. In Canada, which leads in canola production, this has led to concerns about the impact on local ecosystems and reduced genetic variability, making crops more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Pesticide Use:

Canola farming often involves significant pesticide and herbicide usage to maintain high yield levels and control weeds and pests. These chemicals can contaminate nearby soil and waterways and impact non-target organisms, including beneficial insects like bees. The widespread use of glyphosate in canola farming, for instance, raises issues related to chemical resistance and potential health effects.

These issues are related to the supply chain of the brand and need to be taken into consideration to improve the sustainability profile of the products offered.