Shaking up kids' drinks using sustainable packaging

Famous Soda Co is an Australian family-run business led by mother-and-son founders Julie and Michael Pillon, who are passionate about promoting healthy living and reducing sugar consumption. As former founders of a successful wine company, Two Italian Boys, the duo brought their understanding of the Australian beverage market and knowledge of building a strong brand to their new venture.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in four Australian children aged 2–17 is overweight or obese as of 2022. Recognising the impact that sugary beverages, confectionery and ice creams have on health, Julie and Michael set out to create sugar-free, all-natural alternative products that do not compromise on flavour or contain harmful additives.

The company launched its Famous Kids Protein Shake in late 2024 as a nutritious and convenient functional beverage designed for children aged 1–11. Available in chocolate and strawberry flavours, the shake provides 10 grams of Australian whey protein along with essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, vitamin C and vitamin B6. It contains no added sugar or preservatives and uses all-natural flavours and colours, earning a 5-star health rating by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand.

Collaborating with registered dieticians and paediatricians to develop the protein shake, the company was also determined to find a packaging solution for the shake that was both kid- and environmentally-friendly.

Tetra Pak worked closely with Famous Soda Co, sharing its expert product development advice and identifying the packaging solution best suited to the protein shake. After careful consideration and refinement, the grab-and-go Tetra Brik Aseptic 250 Edge carton was selected for the shake, designed to balance convenience with the recommended nutritional portion for vitamin and mineral intake. The portable, mess-free design also allows children to enjoy the snack on the move, making it suitable for lunchboxes, snacks and active lifestyles.

Famous Soda Co was well supported throughout the design, production and packaging process, with Tetra Pak connecting the company to co-packers to help accelerate time to market and providing insight into developing new dairy products.

The 250 mL portion sizing was deliberately chosen to align with the recommended dietary intake for young children, without overconsumption.

By using the cartons, the company can avoid the use of unnecessary plastic. With resealable caps designed for safe and easy sipping and optimal flow for on-the-go consumption, the cartons also help to reduce unnecessary waste and prevent spillage.

The company’s carbon footprint can be reduced as the cartons are designed to protect the typically perishable contents, without requiring refrigeration or added preservatives. Due to its high renewable material content, the cartons score better from a climate impact perspective when compared to other packaging solutions, with a carbon footprint of only 83 g CO_2e/L. 

With placement in major Australian supermarkets and convenience stores, Famous Soda Co is now a recommended beverage supplier for school canteens across Australia, officially endorsed by Education Australia.

The shake is now exported to 10 different international markets and the company plans to continue developing functional products for both kids and adults with Tetra Pak.