Ingredient Spotlight: Whey protein builds on success - Feature Articles - Beverage Industry

In 2010, performance beverages, juices, beverage mixes, enhanced waters, meal replacement drinks and even teas launched with whey protein included. Innovations such as Kellogg’s Special K2O Protein Water Mixes and Bolthouse Farms Protein Plus All Natural Protein Shakes have taken whey protein out of just the performance arena and beverage-makers continue to expand its use.

Formerly a niche product favored by athletes and bodybuilders, whey protein-enriched products have now found a much broader target market amongst mainstream consumers.

“While still popular amongst sports enthusiasts, protein beverages are also consumed as a weight management product or simply as a wellness beverage,” says Starla Paulsen, applications department manager at Glanbia Nutritionals. “Because of this move toward the mainstream, consumers are also demanding higher quality beverages with improved flavor and mouthfeel, as well as nutritional value.”

Promising scientific research is being conducted as well with whey protein focusing on several of its bioactive components that can offer protection against infections and viruses, enhance immunity, protect against some cancers and positively affect cardiovascular health and muscle tone, says Gwen Bargetzi, Hilmar Ingredients’ director of marketing.

“Other research is being done on protein’s influence on satiety, or feeling full,” she says. “Of all macronutrients, protein appears to have stronger appetite-suppressing effects and whey protein in particular appears to increase the feeling of satiety more than other proteins such as casein.”

In addition, whey proteins are a source of energy during prolonged exercise. “Oxidation of its amino acids, mainly branched chain amino acids, can provide 10 to 15 percent of the total energy required,” Bargetzi says.

Convenience is another driving factor for whey protein’s use in beverages.

“People want to consume more whey protein, and this is an easy delivery system,” says Cheryl Reid, key accounts manager at Arla Foods Ingredients, Basking Ridge, N.J.

Whey protein also has been recognized by formulators and consumers as a high-quality dietary protein source.

“It is especially rich in the branched chain amino acids: isoleucine, leucine and valine, which have stimulatory roles in protein synthesis, aiding in the maintenance of muscle and increasing energy turnover,” says Carrie Schroeder, category manager of nutrition at Fonterra USA, Rosemont, Ill. “For beverage formulation, whey has functional advantages over other protein sources due to its stability in high-acid and low-pH conditions.”

Whey protein has a distinct advantage compared to other sources of protein as it is higher in essential amino acids, especially branched-chain and sulfer-containing amino acids, Glanbia Nutritionals’ Paulsen adds. “As these vital nutrients cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet, beverages containing whey protein can help consumers keen to enhance their protein intake and improve their nutritional profile,” she explains.

via bevindustry.com

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