NPEW 2025 live: FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ new prebiotic sparkling water and protein formats

At the ongoing Natural Products Expo West (NPEW) trade show in Anaheim, California, US, FrieslandCampina Ingredients features prebiotic sparkling water with Biotis galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), along with proteins Excellion caseinates and Biotis Fermentis. The dairy giant also shows new delivery formats for its health-focused ingredients. 

On the show floor, Nutrition Insight catches up with Vicky Davies, global marketing director of Performance, Active, and Medical Nutrition at FrieslandCampina Ingredients. 

“One standout application I’m very excited to showcase is our Biotis GOS prebiotic sparkling water — a concept combining multiple features in one tasty product. Hydration is a key priority for today’s consumers, yet nearly half of Americans still don’t drink enough water.” 

“Consumers are just as focused on gut health as ever, constantly looking for appealing and convenient ways to support their microbiome. With this application, brands have an innovative way to bring two key health benefits together in one refreshing, convenient format.”

The company also showcases different delivery formats for its Biotis DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) FlexPower range. Davies says these ingredients can be “seamlessly integrated into a range of on-trend products that deliver an effective dose of DHA in a convenient format, such as fast melts and gummies, which visitors can try on our stand.” 

Performance proteins

FrieslandCampina Ingredients is also showcasing its range of protein products. Davies says the company focuses on developing proteins that “taste great and do good.” 

“Excellion Caseinates and Biotis Fermentis stand out due to their superior consumption experience and leading functional benefits. They’re ideal for brands looking to grab consumer attention with trusted and tasty solutions. And while both ingredients deliver top taste and health benefits, they each have a specific ‘superpower’ that makes them stand out in the market.”

She says that caseinates are the “unsung heroes” of sports nutrition. Compared to whey protein, they are digested more slowly and provide a steady release of amino acids to support muscle recovery, satiety, and sustained energy. 

“This feature makes them ideal for unlocking innovation opportunities in sports nutrition — such as overnight recovery supplements and endurance-focused formulations, both of which are sometimes overlooked,” says Davies. 

FrieslandCampina Ingredients’s Biotis GOS prebiotic sparkling water combines combining multiple features in one product.“Unlike some protein sources, which can leave undesirable aftertastes, our Excellion Caseinates have been specially designed to offer a creamy, smooth texture and a neutral taste, making them perfect for ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, bars, and shakes — delivering high protein without the chalkiness often associated with other products.”

She also highlights Biotis Fermentis, a “first-of-its-kind” ingredient that targets the gut-muscle axis and helps brands create sports nutrition products that maximize performance. The solution ferments whey protein, prebiotic Biotis GOS, and probiotic cultures to combine their benefits. 

“Proven to reduce bloating and enhance physical well-being, we created Biotis Fermentis to address the unmet needs of athletes, 86% of whom experience digestive issues,” details Davies. “It offers a unique solution that helps to improve digestion, support muscles, and promote overall holistic health to boost athletic performance.

Weight management support

Davies also explains how the company’s protein solutions can benefit consumers with healthy weight management. 

“Our Excellion Caseinates have a slow-digesting profile that can help consumers feel fuller for longer, which can help reduce the likelihood of snacking between meals and ultimately support healthier eating patterns.”

She details that Biotis Fermentis has been shown in early studies to reduce hunger pangs, which could also support weight management. 

“RTDs and bars formulated with high-quality protein ingredients — like those that we’re showcasing at NPEW 2025 — provide on-the-go protein for busy consumers, giving them a healthier snacking alternative that tastes good and can support their weight management goals.” 

Delivery format focus

According to Davies, the functional food and beverage market is more competitive than ever. 

“With so much choice available, consumers are becoming increasingly discerning — demanding products that not only deliver proven health benefits but also taste great and fit seamlessly into their lifestyles.” 

The company showcased new protein product formats, such as its S’mores protein bar with Excellion Caseinates and Biotis Fermentis protein bites.“They’re also increasingly looking for new and novel ways to meet their nutritional needs, whether that’s upping their protein intake or boosting their gut health — so brands must constantly innovate to stand out.”

At NPEW, FrieslandCampina Ingredients also showcases its Biotis Lactoferrin formulation flexibility in applications such as chewables and fast melts. 

“These formats offer a high lactoferrin load in an easy-to-consume format — delivering 200 mg per serving, a scientifically substantiated dose for maintaining immune health.”

She highlights that the company’s spray-drying technology creates lactoferrin with a narrow particle size distribution, which ensures “optimal” blending, homogenization, and tableting. This makes the ingredient ideal for capsules, tablets, chewables, powders, and select food and beverage applications. 

High bioavailability for improved efficacy

Nutrient absorption and bioavailability are crucial in supplements, emphasizes Davies. “High bioavailability means better results, faster — giving consumers more from every dose.” 

“Informed consumers may look for claims such as ‘high protein’ or ‘clinically proven’ on packaging for assurance that they’re getting a product that delivers real benefits.”

She says all ingredients in FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ portfolio are designed for maximum efficacy and bioavailability. 

“For example, our Biotis DHA Flex Powders have been created using advanced technology that encapsulates algae-based DHA in a powder matrix. This technology means that both our DHA ingredients — Biotis DHA FlexP 15 and Biotis DHA FlexP 20 — have a high DHA load, plus a high level of vitamin C for added immune support.” 

Biotis DHA FlexP 15 delivers a 15% DHA load in vegan formulations, while Biotis DHA FlexP 20 uses dairy proteins in the powder matrix for a 20% DHA load. 

“Our Biotis Lactoferrin ingredient has been formulated using high-quality fresh milk sourced from our member farms,” says Davies. “It’s processed using our specially-designed mild heat treatment — this gentle processing guarantees a lactoferrin product with 95% purity at minimum, as well as enabling excellent functionality and preserving bioactivity.”