Beverage innovations: Multifunctional and flavorful clean ingredients to take spotlight at Vitafoods Europe 2023

21 Apr 2023 --- Protein, nutrients and nutraceuticals are set to feature in ready-to-drink (RTD) and ready-to-mix (RTM) drinks at this year’s Vitafoods expo in Geneva, Switzerland (May 9-11). Among the functional ingredients to be included are astaxanthin, calcium, carotenoids, vitamins and next generation protein solutions.

NutritionInsight speaks with Birgitte Kynde Ravn, the industry marketing manager for sports nutrition and health foods at Arla Foods Ingredients, and Nadia El-Zanfaly, Volac’s marketing and consumer insights manager for whey nutrition, about the ingredients the companies will spotlight at the upcoming trade show.

“The growing demand for functional ready-to-drink (RTD) teas and coffees is part of a broader trend, whereby consumers are looking for beverages that combine nutritional functionality with convenience and novelty,” says Ravn. “As the market gets more crowded, it’s increasingly important to offer novelty, which is why these new concepts focus on delivering an interesting twist – not just high caffeine, calcium and protein content but also exciting flavors like yuzu.”

El-Zanfaly explains that Volac will launch its new RTM protein offering which can address “flavor fatigue” among consumers.

Volac will launch its latest protein innovation, Volactive Pro2O Ready-to-Mix. (Image Credit: Volac)“Volactive Pro2O RTM solves this issue by enabling manufacturers to develop shakes that are clear in solution, facilitating the production of novel fruit-based flavors, such as citrus and melon,” she explains. “As a result, consumers are offered a broader range of light and refreshing alternatives to their traditional milk-based RTMs.”

Uplifting and high-protein 
Arla Foods Ingredients notes that, according to Innova Market Insights, the market for functional RTD coffees and teas is forecasted to grow 6-7% by 2026. 

Moreover, the company highlights Innova reporting which shows that 58% of consumers choose functional food and beverages that increase their energy levels and 57% of consumers choose products that support strong and healthy bones.

To show how manufacturers can meet these increasing demands, the company will showcase two high-protein RTD concepts made with coffee and tea. Both concepts will feature Lacprodan MicelPure.

“Lacprodan MicelPure is a micellar casein isolate drawn from milk, and rich in native proteins,” Ravn highlights. “This means it provides a number of benefits, in particular allowing manufacturers to achieve high protein levels in products that appeal to health-conscious consumers.”

“One of the ways these concepts stand out from the crowd is that Lacprodan MicelPure, which is drawn from fresh Danish milk by gentle membrane filtration technology, is heat-stable in production. This makes it very flexible and unlocks a variety of processing, packaging and flavor options, as well as positioning opportunities for manufacturers and brands.”

“We’ll also be showcasing functional beverages with our award-winning beta-lactoglobulin – and a multi-textured bar with protein in every layer, which is based on high-quality whey and milk protein ingredients from our Lacprodan range,” she concludes. “The other big concept on show will be Rehydrate & Restore – a clear refreshing RTD beverage solution which combines protein with electrolytes.”

Promoting new protein solutions
Volac states that Volactive Pro2O appeals to many of the RTM demands of modern performance and active nutrition consumers – new flavors, reduced powder residue, less foam and “clear nutritional benefits.”

“Utilizing a unique agglomeration technique, Pro2O RTM offers manufacturers an ingredient with excellent mixability, improved powder flow and up to five times faster foam dispersion than current market offerings,” El-Zanfaly underscores. 

“The benefits of using Pro2O translate into an enhanced experience for the consumer while also maintaining the classic attributes associated with the clear RTM category, including lower turbidity and a neutral mouthfeel.”

In addition to launching Volactive Pro2O, the company also plans to showcase Volactive UltraWhey Xtra Pure, which contains an average of 94% pure whey protein isolate and a reduced lactose level of <0.1% at booth I39.

By William Bradford Nichols