Full-scale factory trials have shown that Lacprodan® HYDRO.Clear can be used to produce sparkling water products with up to 6% protein. This makes it straightforward for sports drinks manufacturers to create crystal-clear, sparkling, high-protein RTD beverages with strong health credentials.
Joe Katterfield, Health and Performance Nutrition Development Manager at Arla Foods Ingredients, said: "With Lacprodan® HYDRO.Clear it is possible to produce a great-tasting, high-protein sparkling water. This means that sports nutrition brands can launch, for example, a standard 330ml can containing 20g of whey protein per serving, making it perfect for sports nutrition users. The concept is also ideal for lifestyle and soft drink brands, as it allows them to offer a great source of protein in convenient and refreshing on-the-go format that will appeal to all ages.”
According to Euromonitor, sales of sports protein drinks increased by an average of 9.5% a year between 2013 and 2017 and are forecast to grow by 8.4% annually between 2018 and 2022–highlighting consumers’ thirst for these products. According to Innova Market Insights, sales of functional and fortified waters rose by 4% per year from 2013-2017 and are forecast to grow by 6% a year from 2018-2022. The carbonates segment is also robust, with a 22% a year increase in new launches globally between 2007 and 2017.
Joe Katterfield added: “The market conditions are ideal for launching sparkling protein waters targeted at sports nutrition users, a group of consumers who are always on the look-out for products that deliver high levels of whey protein in a convenient format. However, for technical reasons – primarily related to issues around taste and bitterness – there are currently no sparkling protein waters on the market made exclusively with whey.”
