The protein trend has promised to continue at a steady pace, with interest in, and consumption of, plant proteins increasing at record levels. This is due in large part to the rapid expansion in consumer demand for meat, dairy, and seafood analogs. But alongside the growth in protein as a whole ingredient, the various parts that make up a protein molecule are not being ignored. 

GELITA used this year’s virtual IFT21 event to host educational session titled, “Hot! Hot! Hot! Food Formulator’s Must-Have Ingredient: Collagen Protein.” Attendees could see connect with GELITA Food Scientist Ginger Waller and discuss original formulations with collagen proteins.

Innophos introduces Textur-Melt® LM89 and DKP (Dipotassium Phosphate), which help stabilize and improve the performance, functionality and quality of drinks that contain protein from sources including whey, collagen, and plant-based sources.

Obvi teamed up with Entenmann's®, a quintessential brand in baked goods, to bring consumers a collagen-boosting solution inspired by a classic treat. Obvi and Entenmann's® launched a collaborative flavor of Obvi's cult-favorite collagen protein powder, Entenmann's® x Obvi Super Collagen Protein Powder | Chocolate Chip Cookie.

Ascent announced a new line of organic plant-based protein powders, created to support muscle health and athletic performance. Ascent's Plant Protein helps to expand their line of products that support "clean-eating, hard-working athletes dedicated to their nutritional goals."

MONAT Vegan Protein is a smooth blend of plant proteins and superfoods, delivering 20g of  protein in each serving with 0g of sugar and 100 calories.

New global research from Kerry indicates that most protein consumers are motivated by health and wellness, with 50% of respondents associating protein with “healthy diet” and 46% with “healthy lifestyle.” 

Atlas Bar®, a protein bar developed to support both physical and mental wellness, added three plant-based flavors to its offering of zero-added-sugar, keto-friendly protein bars made of clean, high-quality real-food ingredients.

Rowdy, known for its premium bars and collagen protein powders that are made with superfood prebiotic Yacon Root, announced its new flavors of collagen + prebiotic protein powders, Vanilla Bean and Chocolate.

The updates include a completely refined recipe and a modern packaging design for all its items including Veggiecraft Cauliflower Rotini, Veggiecraft Zucchini Penne, and Veggiecraft Sweet Potato Spaghetti. 

A look at new plant based meat alternatives and snacks continuing to drive growth in the plant based space.

Since its inception, Armored Fresh has been committed to breaking the stereotype that plant-based cheese is a bland, unsatisfactory solution made only for vegans. 

CSE’s canned Clear Protein is light and juicy with a fruity-fresh twist, while containing 20g of lactose-free whey isolate protein per can.   

Traditionally, proteins such as glutenin and gliadin have been favored in baking for their role in dough texture and structure. However, as consumer awareness of health, nutrition, and sustainability has grown, the focus has shifted to incorporating a broader range of protein sources into baking.

Prepared Foods discusses plant protein ingredients and formulation strategies with Charlie Baggs, president, founder and executive chef at Charlie Baggs Culinary Innovations, Chicago.

Whisps Protein Snackers are an on-the-go option that doesn't require refrigeration for snackers looking for something quick, convenient and satisfying.

Sweet proteins are plant proteins that taste up to 5,000 times sweeter than sugar and can replace 70-90% of sugar in most food and beverage products. 

The center will engage partners from academia and industry to research, create, and commercialize new technologies, provide training for the emerging industry workforce, and gauge consumers' protein preferences.

The powder blends smoothly into coffee or tea to give a nutritional and energy boost from a proprietary mix of pea, hemp and pumpkin seed protein.

An emphasis on plant-based ingredients aligns with Pureture's commitment to environmentally friendly and sustainable food production, ensuring the health and longevity of future food sources. 

Prepared Foods highlights a few examples of how the evolution in protein applications is extending across food and beverage categories.

The innovation enhances the quality and functionality of clean-label foods, while reducing production costs, making healthier food options more accessible to consumers.

Both products are powered by EVERY's revolutionary egg white protein, which provides the cleanest flavor on the market and delivers 8g of highly digestible and satiating protein per serving.

TAHA will now provide consumers with nutritional supplements that are certified Net Carbon Zero and made with clinically researched functional ingredients.

The competition invited university students across the United States to develop unique snack products highlighting the nutritional and functional benefits of eggs, aligning with today’s consumer preferences for new and exciting snack options. 

Made with a premium 100% whey protein blend with natural digestive enzymes, GHOST® WHEY x OREO® "MINT" contains 25g of protein per serving and can be used in the morning, post-workout, throughout the day or before bed.

Created with daily empowerment in mind, REBBL's 20g Protein beverages are 100% organic, non-GMO, and crafted with a triple adaptogen blend, including Maca, Ashwagandha, and Reishi.

GNT USA will use this year’s SupplySide West 2024 to demonstrate how EXBERRY® colors can fuel new product innovation with next-generation protein powder concepts. GNT invites food and beverage formulator attendees to Booth #2065 during the exhibition, Oct. 28-31, in Las Vegas.

Annie Eye Protection, the newest addition to the Girl Power at Work line, is bold pink camo eye protection featuring a choice of clear or gray scratch-resistant coated lenses.

Wiley X Inc. now manufactures and distributes a full line of advanced vision and hearing protection products bearing the Remington brand. New product offerings include Remington Platinum Grade Eye Protection with models specifically designed to deliver a comfortable fit, optimum coverage and attractive styling.

In 2014, nearly 24,000 eye injuries involving days away from work occurred, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states. Workplace-related eye injuries can have lasting and devastating consequences.

The ability to lose weight and keep it off is the central focus of a health and wellness-focused collaborative study led by researchers from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus with support from DuPont Nutrition & Health.

The Lean Body® Ready-to-Drink Protein Shake comes in 17-ounce resealable environmentally-friendly Tetra Pak cartons that "Protect What's Good.™"

Each ProLon box contains everything needed for a five day ProLon FMD experience and is designed to promote the body’s natural ability to protect and rejuvenate.

Upshoot's Phytopúr products are made of wholesome fruits and vegetables from trusted farms, and are supported by sound science, patented technology, and rigorous quality standards.

The products bolster the 2020 SlimFast Keto lineup to 21 total products including ready-to-drink meal replacement shakes, meal replacement bars, snacks, and shake mixes delivering convenience and ease to men and women following the Keto diet.  

Nutiva launched Organic MCT Protein, a line of plant-based powders made with fast-burning medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and plant protein to boost energy. The powders increase endurance, aid in weight loss and management, and support brain health.

ADM was named a winner in the 2021 BIG Innovation Awards presented by the Business Intelligence Group, which recognizes organizations and people bringing new ideas to life. ADM Biopolis’ groundbreaking probiotic strain, Bifidobacterium lactis (BPL1), was featured among the 2021 winning products in the Food and Beverage category.

In development for two years, Eat Me Guilt Free's new and improved formula has less sugar, is non-GMO and uses modified atmosphere packaging to exclude unnecessary preservatives.

The new formula has mass appeal for consumers looking to kick-start their morning, power through an afternoon slump, get ready to exercise and fuel late-night contests. 

Aware that consumers prioritize clean, accessible and convenient ways to up protein intake and energy, Clean Simple Eats has crafted the a solution. Designed for those who value transparency in their nutrition choices, these beverages offer a refreshing approach to fitness fuel. 

CognatiQ® is derived from coffee fruit and has been clinically shown to increase levels of neuroprotein (BDNF), a key neuroprotein involved in overall brain health and vital to learning, memory, and higher thinking. 

EverGrain Ingredients, a barley fiber and protein ingredient company backed by Anheuser-Busch InBev, offers ingredients that aim to enable a new benchmark for limited water use, emissions, and land use while ensuring better nutrition and taste. 

Ingredion Incorporated used SupplySide West 2023 (SSW) to showcase creative new ways to add protein and fiber, reduce sugars, and help food and beverage manufacturers reimagine innovation to grow consumer preference.  

An in vivo animal study revealed that aged black garlic extract (Pharmactive Biotech Products, S.L. ABG10+®) containing S-allyl-cysteine (SAC) and polyphenols could help promote vascular health. ABG10+, a Nutraingredients Asia Award-winning proprietary black garlic extract formulation, demonstrated that supplementation with this unique compound could help maintain proper cardiovascular function, balance lipids, and decrease the risk of atherosclerosis.

Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., the agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 farmer families, and Canomiks, a startup technology company transforming the functional food and beverage industry, announced research leveraging Canomiks' A.I. based technology platform to test and certify the biological efficacy of the cranberry. 

Florida Food Products’ expanded health and wellness portfolio includes its natural L-theanine. Derived from the leaves of green tea, L-theanine is an amino acid associated with multiple health benefits, from improved focus and sleep1 to decreased blood pressure and promoted relaxation. FFP’s natural L-theanine is an ideal ingredient solution for a wide range of health and wellness applications including beverages, foods, supplements, nutraceuticals, and more.

According to the International Taste Institute, taste drives 88% of F&B consumer purchase intent, making it the most important attribute for food and beverage products’ success and overshadowing other considerations like price, health and convenience. Yet taste, as the palate perceives it, is not merely a combination of aroma and flavor.

Looking at the position fibers and gums are playing in everyday foods and beverages reveals product developers paying closer attention to these key ingredients for their dual functions as both texturants and nutraceuticals. This has become especially evident where those two functions merge—in plant-based products designed to mimic meat and dairy.

The new plant will be located adjacent to the company's existing Atchison, Kan., plant. Once online in late 2023, the new extrusion plant is expected to produce up to 10 million pounds of ProTerra per year.