Ingredient Insights Video: Protein Beverages

Protein beverages are a hot item, as consumers of all walks of life continue to seek out the benefits and convenience of such functional products, but there are big questionsof animal vs. dairy proteins, as well as clean label, low sugar and, of course, taste.

June 19, 2017

As a growing number of consumers across age groups and other demographics increasingly crave protein in convenient forms, the market for protein beverages steadily expands. Strong growth is expected over the next five years, as this market segment reaches new heights. Consumers are looking for more variety in protein sources, including plants, but this ingredient shift presents several formulation and production issues for beverage manufacturers.

Dairy protein beverages will remain dominant, but the rise of plant proteins is expected to continue. Coconut, cashew, hemp, oat, hazelnut, rice, pea, algae and mushrooms are some plant protein sources drawing consumer attention. Natural, organic, clean label and free from banned substances are trendy product characteristics for protein beverages, as manufacturers cater to the widening consumer base.

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