Lactalis Ingredients launches high-protein concepts for sports nutrition and healthy aging

06 Dec 2021 --- Lactalis Ingredients is launching high-protein concepts targeting sports nutrition and healthy aging.

The items are high-protein shakes and high-protein pudding, both of which contain a blend of two native protein sources: the Pronativ native micellar casein and Pronativ native whey protein.

“Mixing the two proteins offers a better taste. Ordinary protein shakes have a dry sensation,” Charlotte Mangant, product manager at Lactalis Ingredients, tells NutritionInsight.

“The particularity of this drink is that it preserves the characteristic flavor of milk thanks to the addition of micellar casein while providing native whey proteins.”

Speeds of digestion
Micellar casein includes slow digestion milk proteins, which are able to reduce muscle catabolism and increase the synthesis of muscle proteins. 

Meanwhile, native whey proteins increase the synthesis of muscle proteins through fast digestion, the company notes.Healthy aging is fast becoming an innovative space within the nutrition industry. 

“The beverage is dedicated to sports consumers because it’s easy to drink. There is a high quantity of protein in a small serving because it’s only 250 ml and has 18 g of protein,” Mangant notes.

The drink is rich in branded-chain amino acids and can be adapted for active and sports nutrition targets. Additionally, it has a low lactose content, making it an option for lactose-sensitive individuals, Mangant adds.

“It’s very easy to consume and reach a good amount of protein with this product,” she highlights. 

Range of texture
The pudding contains 21 g of protein per 180 g portion and is available in different textures to help older people who may struggle with swallowing. 

Mangant highlights the pudding can be offered in a cream and jelly-like texture, with packaging available in pots, pouches or squeezable formats.

“Older people sometimes do not take enough protein.” 

She notes, however, that elderly people have been increasingly concerned with their immunity due to COVID-19 and this item can help toward that

Offering a natural viscosity, this is achieved without the use of texturizers and is a clean label item, says the company.The items were showcased at Fi Europe.

Lactalis Ingredients outlines how the elderly face higher risks of malnutrition as they can be at risk for loss of appetite. The World Health Organization has previously flagged that at least 14% of all people aged 60 years and over ̶ more than 142 million people ̶ cannot currently meet their basic daily needs.

Nutritional products such as the pudding can help with offering a muscle protein balance, Lactalis Ingredients notes.

In other developments, industry is observing NPD developments spurred by global gut health and personalized nutrition trends in senior nutrition, particularly in functional food and drinks. This has been exacerbated by the pandemic, with Innova Market Insights’ global data revealing that 68% of senior consumers are concerned regarding their personal health in light of COVID-19. 

These offerings were on display at Fi Europe, which also saw Allmicroalgae and Algaplus spotlighting their immune-boosting Algaessence, made with an algae blend.

By Andria Kades