What has prompted this growth? The FDA heart health claim not withstanding, soy beverages serve Baby Boomers seeking increased longevity and good health while providing a nutritious option for those who are lactose-intolerant. Furthermore, the technological improvements in processing and flavoring soy-based beverages have been a boon to the segment.
To gain the heart health claim, developers have to formulate products to include 6.25g of protein per serving. One difficulty has been keeping soy protein in suspension while still achieving a smooth mouthfeel, free of grittiness or chalkiness. Stabilizer blends help reduce the amount of sediment in beverages in several ways; one way is protecting the soy protein during heat processing and pasteurization.