Softdrinks Tech: Arla Foods Ingredients’ NPD addresses regional thirst for protein juices

Demand for more diversified protein beverage products is evident in South America, where Arla Foods Ingredients surveyed 4,000 consumers to ask which specific products should contain more protein. The findings reveal that 31% overall — and 40% in Brazil — say juices.

The food ingredients giant will be showcasing its Lacprodan and Nutrilac ProteinBoost solutions at the upcoming Softdrinks Tech event in São Paulo, Brazil (August 31 to September 1). The whey proteins are designed for protein-enriched, ready-to-drink, juice-style beverage formulations.

Participants from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia revealed that “great taste,” “naturalness,” and high protein content are the primary considerations among regional consumers when purchasing food.

“South American consumers are increasingly seeking juice-style drink alternatives that combine natural ingredients, excellent taste, and refreshment with protein benefits such as satiety,” says Facundo Martin Cozzi, application project manager, South America, at Arla Foods Ingredients.

Lacprodan is designed to combine the familiar taste of juice and the advantages of high-quality, clear whey protein isolates. “For dairies, Nutrilac ProteinBoost allows for innovation with refreshing juice-style drinks boasting superb mouthfeel and creaminess,” Cozzi comments.

“Our solutions are also easy to use, providing an accessible way for manufacturers to develop their product lines, increase sales, and capture market share in a fast-growing segment.”

Juicing up protein beverages

Arla Foods Ingredients data forecasts that the South American functional beverages market is expected to achieve a CAGR of 8.75% between 2025 and 2030. The company says health trends are fueling consumer demand for wellness drinks that come with great taste.

There is a growing regional popularity of functional beverages with protein and energy claims, notes the company.

Arla Foods Ingredients highlights that its ingredients are “easy to integrate into existing production lines and are ideal for a variety of applications and markets.”Lacprodan and Nutrilac ProteinBoost are rich in all the essential amino acids and deliver up to 6% (15 g per 250 ml) protein, allowing on-pack protein health and nutrition claims.

Lacprodan clear whey protein isolates create clear “refreshing juice-style protein drinks” without the milky flavor of traditional ready-to-drink beverages. It is fat-free and made with four ingredients, supporting “clean labels” and zero-fat claims. The ingredient can be produced using UHT treatment without homogenization.

Meanwhile, Nutrilac ProteinBoost whey protein offers “pleasant viscosity and creamy mouthfeel,” enabling dairies to innovate with refreshing products such as protein smoothies. It also supports low- or zero-fat claims, increasing its appeal to health-conscious consumers.

The ingredient is made with patented microparticulation technology, allowing smooth protein addition with “no technical challenges,” requiring only heat treatment, pasteurization, and homogenization.

In March, Arla Foods Ingredients entered a contract manufacturing agreement with Valley Queen, a South Dakota, US-based dairy processor, to significantly increase its production capacity for its Nutrilac ProteinBoost product range in the US.

Arla Foods Ingredients highlights that its ingredients are “easy to integrate into existing production lines and are ideal for a variety of applications and markets.”

It is ideal for consumption as a nutritious, on-the-go boost for children, a refreshing post-workout recovery drink, a fortified breakfast juice for health-conscious consumers, and a nourishing drink for older consumers or patients with additional protein needs.