As the year comes to an end, we focus on important things, such as spending time with family and friends, keeping warm, and reflecting on the past year and the year to come. Unfortunately, we also spend a lot of time loosening our belts after eating too much at holiday meals. It is no surprise then that many people choose to start the New Year focusing on health and wellness.
Especially after the holidays, but also throughout the year, consumers look to meet their wellness goals with products that provide health benefits, such as products formulated for weight management. In fact, 78% of consumers report they are very or extremely interested in satiety products, according to Innova Market Insights. These are intended to give a feeling of fullness for an extended period of time. Products in this category typically rely on protein and/or fiber, both of which are well supported by numerious satiation studies. For instance, a variety of studies have found that protein and fiber delay the feeling of hunger and reduce the overall amount of calories ingested per day.
In fact, protein declarations rose into the top 15 claims in product launches in 2015, and 26% of Americans say they have increased their protein intake in the past two years, according to Innova Market Insights. The number of new product launches claiming “high” or “source of” protein grew 29% in North America from 2013 to 2014.
High-protein, RTD beverages are a popular choice within the weight management segment given the added value of convenience, and some are even positioned as meal replacements. One of the key constraints in growing from niche to the mainstream is taste. Proteins are one of the three fundamental macro-nutrients and have a taste profile that is readily detected by human senses, especially at high levels. These factors typically result in an off-flavor in the beverage, only compounded by the addition of other functional ingredients.
Nagase has developed a high protein and fiber beverage, sweetened only by stevia, with a rich vanilla flavor and pleasant low-viscosity mouthfeel. With 20 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per serving, it tastes great and will keep consumers coming back for more. The protein beverage features TREHA® trehalose, a unique ingredient, found in nature, with the ability to mask off flavors and odors of proteins, minerals, high intensity sweeteners and more.
References:
Crawford, Elizabeth. (2015 October). Bakery, snacks & beverage could be next frontier for high-protein products, experts say.
Fishel, John. Proteins in Beverage: Approaches, Challenges and Opportunities.