Three Robins: Revolutionising Plant-Based Products for Families

Three Robins, a Scottish oat milk brand launched in 2020, is set to expand its product line this year by offering a wider variety of oat milk-based products that are both delicious and packed with nutritional benefits.

This expansion marks another milestone in the inspiring journey of its founder, Karen Robinson.

Karen, who holds a PhD and has an impressive background in international development and women’s rights, was motivated to create Three Robins when she discovered her middle child had developed a lactose intolerance.

Karen’s search for dairy-free alternatives found many options filled with unnecessary sugars and additives, igniting her determination to develop a healthier alternative that meets diverse family needs without compromising taste or nutrition.

“I just started by messing around in the kitchen, trying different flavours and textures, putting the recipe into bottles, and giving it to friends, family, and neighbours to test,” Karen recalls.

Her kitchen experiments revealed a market gap for plant-based milk, prompting a consumer trial with 20 participants that confirmed its potential.

With no prior experience in the food industry, Karen bought a nut milk maker and began experimenting with various ingredients to improve the textures and flavours.

Her efforts paid off when she collaborated with food scientists to develop a shelf-stable, scalable recipe that could be produced commercially.

Award-Winning Products

Three Robins has gained recognition for its innovative and healthy oat drinks, earning several prestigious awards.

The brand’s original oat drink won a Gold award for Best Drinks Product at Scotland’s Speciality Food Show, while its chocolate variant received a bronze award at the Nourish Vegan Awards in September 2023.

The original also secured a Great Taste Award, and was praised for its smooth creaminess and flavour, and earned a bronze at the Farm Shop Deli 2024.

Both original and chocolate oat drink were recognised with bronze awards in the Nourish Vegan competition, showcasing their commitment to high-quality vegan alternatives.

Notably, both oat milk flavours are praised for its lower sugar content, making it a delicious choice for after-school snacks, porridge, smoothies, pancakes, and coffee.

Nutritional Focus

Karen told Larder Magazine: “We have worked super hard on developing these recipes to retain the flavour because we know that taste is the most important thing for consumers.”

Three Robins also has ‘Little Smoothies,’ which come in two flavours—Super Berry and Totally Tropical—and are perfect for family outings as they don’t require refrigerating.

Made with the nutritious Three Robins oat milk base, these smoothies are packed with hidden vegetables, fortified with vitamins and minerals, and contain no added sugar, making them a great source of fibre.

Karen’s dedication to quality and health is evident in her approach to product development.

The company’s mission is to establish itself as the leading plant-based milk brand for families, providing products that are low in sugar, enriched with vital nutrients, and suitable for children three and older.

Market Presence and Future Plans

Three Robins has built a strong foundation by focusing on local shops and cafes, expanding to over 80 UK stores, including Selfridges, and offering convenient direct orders and a popular subscription on their website.

The brand is also exploring opportunities to partner with schools and nurseries to provide healthier food options for children.

“Working with schools would be a great opportunity for us because of the health profile of our products,” Karen notes.

Looking ahead, Three Robins plans to introduce new flavoured milk, banana and berry flavours, which will contain no added sugars and use real fruit and cocoa at the beginning of 2025.

“Many people enjoy flavoured milk but are put off by the high sugar content. Three Robins aims to win over dairy drinkers by offering a healthy alternative to traditional milk, providing a more nutritious option that still tastes great,” Karen said.

Karen’s journey from trialling recipes in her kitchen to a successful oat milk brand is a testament to her vision and commitment to creating healthier options for families.

“I’m proud that we can offer a range of oat milk products that address different pain points of the day, offering an easier, healthier option that hopefully more people can get on board with,” Karen concluded.

For more information on Three Robins and the full product range, visit threerobins.co.uk