Arla Foods Ingredients arms athletes with protein and electrolyte boosts at SupplySide West

11 Nov 2022 --- At the SupplySide West trade show in Las Vegas, US, Arla Foods Ingredients spotlighted whey protein and electrolytes, stressing that the combination of these core ingredients target the most essential sport nutrition goals – rehydration and restoration. 

NutritionInsight speaks to Birgitte Kynde Ravn, industry marketing manager for sports nutrition and health at Arla Foods Ingredients, about the event’s standout themes and the company’s solutions.

“Our big concept this year was Rehydrate and Restore featuring Lacprodan SP-9213, a whey protein isolate that maintains its functionality when combined with electrolytes. It taps into the growing demand for beverages containing electrolytes and high-quality protein in the mainstream sports nutrition segment.”

According to Ravn, delivery systems were a key trend at the show. She picks out gummies for gut health, brain health and immune support, noting that “it seems there’s no limit to what you can fit into a gummy.”

She also noticed a range of offerings from suppliers of precision fermentation. “We’re targeting some of the same industries as them and it will be interesting to see how the industry and consumers perceive these kinds of ingredients in the future.”

Boosting athletic performance
Ahead of the trade show, Arla Foods Ingredients emphasized that a 2% fluid loss may reduce athletic performance by 10%, making rehydration a fundamental aspect of sports nutrition. Additionally, protein intake between sessions drives “optimal muscle recovery,” the company notes.

Infused with 25 g of whey protein, the 500 ml bottle classifies as “high protein” (Credit: Arla Foods Ingredients).“Unsurprisingly, active consumers are heavily focused on rehydration and restoration, with 43% looking for added protein in exercise related-products and 28% favoring those with electrolytes,” it details.

The concept – Rehydrate and Restore – demonstrates how brands can meet those needs while maintaining a good taste. Arla’s ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage contains a whey protein isolate – Lacprodan SP-9213 – that retains functionality when combined with electrolytes. 

High protein on trend
Arla Foods Ingredients’ 500 ml RTD bottle is infused with 25 g of whey protein plus electrolytes and therefore classifies it as “high protein.” It is also low in sugar and lactose, the company details. 

“The high-protein and hydration trends are two of the most important drivers in sports nutrition right now – as demonstrated by the popularity of functional waters. This inspirational new concept shows how brands can help consumers simultaneously rehydrate and recover with beverages that contain both electrolytes and high-quality protein,” says Mathias Toft Vangsoe, sales development manager for health & performance nutrition at Arla Foods Ingredients.

Promoting protein
Other products showcased at the show were pure beta-lactoglobulin with high levels of leucine.

“There was a lot of interest in our 100% pure beta-lactoglobulin solutions for clear shakes, RTD and shot formats. They’re ideal for core sports nutrition users who want high leucine, AA and BCAA content for muscle growth and maintenance. Still, they also have mainstream appeal thanks to their palatability as there’s no protein off-taste,” details Ravn.

“We also showcased a multi-layered indulgent protein bar with protein in every layer, demonstrating how manufacturers can reach health-conscious consumers looking for a healthier alternative to confectionery.”

By Beatrice Wihlander