Protein sources - a commercial opportunity

High protein snacks, blended protein products and innovations in dairy, all underline the continued popularity of protein, the opportunities for new protein sources, as well as growing consumer sophistication and knowledge.

Suzy Badaracco, President of Culinary Tides said:

“The best ways for companies to engage are fourfold. First, they need to

create nutritionally balanced products. They also need to make sure you are

matching the proteins to the correct global cuisine; a mismatch will confuse

consumers. Thirdly, if, as a manufacturer, you are tempted to create plant-forward

items, create a family of items for the consumer to choose from to show your

commitment. And finally, don’t forget to stick to what you do best.” 17

High protein has become one of the top claims driving growth in the dairy sector, and dairy-based snacks are proliferating. The sector has begun to market itself as a naturally high source of protein. Badaracco said:

“The best option for innovation would be in refrigerated and frozen.

Dairy is a complete protein. Look at the Yaar bar and Clio Greek yogurt bar.” 17

Vanilla Flavour Nordic Quark Bar

Yaar Vanilla Flavour Nordic Quark Bar comprises a creamy vanilla flavour quark bar coated in Belgian chocolate.

Source: Mintel GNPD 18

Similarly, a number of recently launched dairy-based products also have a high protein content claim.

Plain Yogurt

YQ by Yoplait Protein Plain Yogurt has been relaunched with a new brand name, previously known as YQ by Yoplait. It is 99% lactose free, gluten free and made with live and active cultures.

Source: Mintel GNPD 19

Cottage Cheese

Good CULTURE® Organic Double Cream Classic Cottage Cheese contains 14g of protein. It contains pasteurised milk, containing Celtic sea salt and live and active cultures.

Source: Mintel GNPD 20

High protein shakes and beverages are also continuing to prove popular. Another development worth noting is that commonly used raw protein sources are no longer confined to specific product categories. Oats, for example, have long been used for milk but are now being used in plant-based meat, and pea protein is appearing in drinks.

Chocolate and Banana Protein Smoothie

Happy Planet Chocolate and Banana Protein Smoothie has been repackaged. The product contains 11g of proteins and is described as a rich dark Dutch cocoa blended with creamy banana and soy protein.

Source: Mintel GNPD 21

Manufacturers are also becoming increasingly more successful at combining high protein with indulgence.

Badaracco added:

“While it is not rocket science to put protein and fat together, the nuances are

more difficult. For example, replacing indulgence with luxury, mindfulness,

or an overlay of self-care and reward.” 17

High protein claims can be found across a range of snack products recently launched in the US; including

chocolate bars. The protein bars market is predicted to reach $18.2 billion by 2024, 22 as consumers

increasingly look for wholesome on-the-go snacks. The consumer base is also constantly being widened

by novel products that are being categorised with a wellness aspect, such as diabetes-friendly, digestion

enhancing, and cognitive enhancement bars also. 23

Egg based: Coconut Lime Protein Bar

Primal Kitchen Coconut Lime Protein Bar is made with cage-free eggs and provides 8g of protein and 2g of sugar per serving. This keto-friendly bar is free from gluten and grains.

Source: Mintel GNPD 23

Dark Chocolate Almond Bar

Genuine Health Vegan Proteins+ Dark Chocolate Almond Bar is described as a fermented bar. It provides 14g of protein.

Source: Mintel GNPD 24

Blended protein products are also starting to make more of an appearance on the market. Tyson Foods,

for example, has launched several blended product lines that incorporate beef and pea protein isolate.

Alternative protein could “someday be a billion-dollar business for our company,” Tyson Foods CEO, Noel

White has predicted. 25

Teton Burger Blends

Teton Waters Ranch Mushroom & Onion Burger Blends are described as a mindful mix of beef, savory mushrooms and onions.

Source: Mintel GNPD 26

Falafel Seasoned Chicken & Quinoa Balls

Aidells Whole Blends Falafel Seasoned Chicken & Quinoa Falafel Balls are made with spinach, creamy feta cheese and roasted green garbanzo beans. The balls feature an excellent source of 11g protein per serving.

Source: Mintel GNPD 27

With proteins being an essential nutrient for the human body, there is no denying that a demand for this will always exist. Luckily, the development of emerging technologies has resulted in new and better food production methods and applications, and with the discovery of various novel sources of proteins, food and beverage manufacturers are a lot more enabled to fulfil consumer demands for providing protein in a more sustainable and cost-effective way.