Emerging Opportunities for Functional Protein Beverages
Healthy living is a major focus for the modern consumer. With growing populations and pressure on healthcare systems, consumers are exploring new ways to tackle their own personal health needs. Just over one-quarter of consumers define their approach to healthy eating as a focus on boosting their nutrition.
(Source: Innova: Now & Next in Global Functional Beverages)
According to Global Data, the global functional beverage category is worth $300.2B billion, the Asia-Pacific market is valued at $143.4 billion. Protein drinks account for $3.4 billion and are projected to grow at a CAGR of 3% from 2022 to 2027.
Functional Protein Beverages Are Not a Niche Market
Protein demand is driving new product development in functional beverages.
New product launches with high protein claims are showing positive growth.
Protein remains top as 42% of consumers globally say “protein” is the most important ingredient to them. Especially among the two age groups, Millennials and Gen Z, protein is ranked #1.
(Source: Innova Trends Survey 2024 "average of Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Spain, UK, US")
The growing interest in protein is driven by its recognized benefits:
- May contribute to strength and muscle mass1,2
- May aid recovery3,4
- Support immune health5,6
- May help maintain bone integrity7,8,9
- May boost metabolism and increases fat burning10,11,12
Protein Ready-to-drink Beverage Development Is an Art
Challenges and Considerations when Developing Functional Beverages With Protein
Challenge 1: Nutritional claims & ingredient selection – protein type
Manufacturing Beverages With Whey And Milk Protein Has Its Challenges
Challenge 2: Common protein beverage processing & shelf stability challenges
Challenge 3: Localized Taste (mouthfeel, texture, flavor)
Taste remains the single biggest driver in consumer purchases. 52% consumers mention a barrier connected to this – most often ‘I haven’t tried them but don’t think they would taste good’.13
How we can help?
We have pioneered revolutionary functional protein solutions.
Through our understanding of the intricacies involved in protein chemistry along with its unique processing parameters, we developed a range of proteins optimized to allow for easier inclusion in protein fortified beverages.
Our unique whey protein ingredient systems provide exceptional nutrition, flavor and processing benefits. Some of these are:
- Decreased age-related gelation
- Consistent viscosity levels
- Less astringency
- Superior clarity
We help with ideation through to scale up, ensuring your functional beverage delivers as intended. Our expertise in ready-to-drink beverage development allows you to launch new products faster. Our Pilot plant equipment allows for Hot Fill, HTST, and UHT, direct and indirect thermal processing and the ability to conduct shelf stability trials at various temperatures.
