General Mills, through its venture capital arm 301 Inc, has invested in the parent company of US probiotic juice maker GoodBelly Probiotics.

NextFoods has raised $12 million which it will use to expand GoodBelly’s national sales team, support capital improvements and drive product innovation. Additional investment came from existing investors, including Emil Capital Partners.

Based in Colorado, NextFoods has been making GoodBelly probiotic juices and shots since 2008. The investment from 301 Inc builds on NextFood’s partnership with General Mills that started in 2016. The companies recently partnered to launch GoodBelly crunchy probiotic bars, which began rolling out in the US earlier this year.

NextFoods CEO Alan Murray said: “We are excited to partner with 301 Inc to help take GoodBelly Probiotics to the next level. This investment is a testament to GoodBelly’s leadership in the category and the continued growth of probiotic food and beverages.

“With this partnership, we look forward to driving new product innovation as well as expanding our team to reach new consumers.”

301 Inc general manager John Haugen said: “We’re thrilled that GoodBelly is joining the 301 Inc investment portfolio. The digestive health space is emerging quickly, and we look forward to helping GoodBelly reach more consumers through its remarkable products and brand.”

The move follows an investment earlier this year by 301 Inc in plant-based food and beverage brand Urban Remedy.