The patent-pending technology means that Nutri Whey ProHeat can more easily be incorporated into trending whey protein formats like ready-to-drink beverages, said the company.
“Nutri Whey ProHeat delivers exceptional heat stability,” Vicky Davies, Global Marketing Director, Performance, Active and Medical Nutrition at FrieslandCampina Ingredients, told NutraIngredients.
“It achieves this by preventing gelling and aggregation in the end application, which can be common with some other whey ingredients,” she added, noting that the end result “is smooth, high-protein drinks with superior sensory properties – no chalkiness, no bitterness, just premium quality.
Meeting the demands of today’s active consumers
Ready-to-drink beverages (RTDs) are an increasingly popular format that meets the demands of active consumers who want to increase their protein intake. Brands also offer convenient protein in the form of yogurts and bars.
Protein supplementation has taken the mainstream by storm, driven by an increased focus on health, weight management, and satiety.
As previously reported, consumers may be divided into reactive and proactive categories. Proactive consumers may be consistent exercisers, and serious gym-goers focused on building muscle.
The reactive segment consists of individuals who are focused on health management. They may be keen to maintain a healthy lifestyle, support their mental health, and boost their energy levels.
A recent survey by the International Food Information Council(IFIC) found that 71% of consumers now actively prioritize their protein intake, a notable rise from 59% in 2022 and 67% in 2023.
Whey protein is naturally rich in essential branch-chain amino acids, which are key in supporting muscle protein synthesis. However, incorporating whey protein into convenient drinks requires that the whey is exposed to high temperatures, risking denaturing the protein and causing unfavorable textures.
High-quality Dutch whey
“Dutch whey is renowned for its exceptional quality, thanks to the Netherlands’ long-standing heritage as a global dairy powerhouse,” said Davies.
“At FrieslandCampina Ingredients, we control the entire dairy chain from grass to glass – ensuring complete traceability, safety and consistent high quality in every drop.”
Davies notes that FrieslandCampina Ingredients Focus Plant Programme “sets strict standards for hygiene, food safety and animal welfare while also incentivizing sustainable practices on our member dairy farms.”
Already launched for medical nutrition
Nutri Whey ProHeat was successfully introduced in the medical nutrition space in 2023.
“Medical nutrition demands highly stable, easy-to-digest proteins that maintain their nutritional integrity under complex processing conditions – making heat stability and sensory quality critical factors, especially for liquid formulations,” said Davies.
Having already met the medical industry’s “strictest quality and formulation requirements,” Davies said the product is poised to meet the booming consumer demand for high-protein RTD beverages and foods in the active and performance categories