Arla Foods Ingredients targets South American yogurt market with whey ingredient launch

05 Aug 2021 --- Arla Foods Ingredients has launched a whey protein ingredient to help meet the growing demand for premium, high-protein yogurts in the South American market and beyond.

Nutrilac FO-7875 allows manufacturers to develop spoonable and drinkable yogurts with a “significantly higher” protein content than typical products. For example, it can be used to create a drinking yogurt with 11 percent protein and only 0.8 percent fat, whereas drinking yogurts generally range from 5 to 9 percent protein.

It is also highly functional, delivering a creamy and smooth texture – even in low-fat recipes – and does not increase viscosity. Furthermore, it does not require the addition of stabilizers, thus allowing cleaner labels.

Produced in the Southern Cone
The ingredient will be produced in Argentina, making it easier for South American producers to expand their lines to include premium products. They can benefit from the production proximity and greater purchase flexibility.

“Nutrilac FO-7875 meets a range of market needs. It can be used to create clean-label yogurts that are not only rich in high-quality protein, but also low in fat, as well as smooth and creamy,” says Ignacio Estevez, application manager, South America at Arla Foods Ingredients. 

“We’re particularly excited about the unprecedented opportunities it offers in South American markets, where manufacturers will benefit from reduced transit time and no import fees.”

Arla Foods Ingredients expects the global market for high-protein yogurt products to grow at a CAGR of over 8 percent to 2030.Power of proteinThe ingredient was developed in response to the growing demand for protein-rich dairy products worldwide. Arla Foods Ingredients notes that the global market for high-protein yogurt products is forecast to grow at a CAGR of over 8 percent to 2030. 

Higher demand for protein-rich foods comes as sports nutrition moves into the mainstream. Notably, traditionally indulgent categories, such as ice cream, are taking on high-protein claims to create better-for-you positionings. 

Arla Foods Ingredients has also spotlighted protein-fortified iced tea as an emerging beverage. This concept combines tea’s natural healthy image with the benefits of a full amino acid profile using the company’s Lacprodan ISO. Clear ingredient from whey.

Protein throughout life
The whey ingredient company identifies consumers both young and old seeking out products that are rich in high-quality protein. 

In March, Arla Foods Ingredients employed its Nutrilac range of functional protein solutions for high-protein children’s snacks in China. The yogurt pouch and cheese snack concepts are positioned as organic, clean label and “better for you” options. 

In April, the company also developed new healthy aging concepts using its Nutrilac range. This was following research that identified consumers in China, Japan, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Russia are “highly aware of the importance of nutrition to help them stay healthy and active.” 

The “Healthy Through Life” concept includes an indulgent yogurt and a high-protein iced coffee fortified with Nutrilac ingredients.

The market for high-protein foods across F&B categories was spotlighted in Special Report, which pinpointed emerging technologies and ingredients to tap into the burgeoning market. 

By Missy Green