One organization offers studies pointing to the role that proteins, particularly whey proteins, can play in the functional beverage market for women and Baby Boomers.
Protein-based Functional Beverages
A well-documented obesity epidemic
The booming $8.6 billion functional beverage market is set to grow another estimated 19% by 2014, according to the Mintel report. While the health and economic issues at hand impact a staggering proportion of this country’s population, functional beverage innovators can be most effective in delivering new products to the marketplace by focusing their products and messages to targeted populations.
Available in a variety of concentrations and forms for use in all kinds of beverage applications, whey protein has a fresh, neutral taste that often can complement the intended flavor of beverages. The dairy ingredient can easily be incorporated into beverage applications, such as meal replacements, smoothies, protein waters or sports drinks, and can pave the way for manufacturers to reach target consumer groups, improve nutrition labels and work toward product success.
Pre- and Post-exercise, All Active Adults Can Benefit
Mintel research shows that today, protein is listed among the top five ingredients consumers associate with health and wellness.
“Incorporating whey protein into beverage products provides an ideal method to reach target consumer groups looking for specific benefits,” said Laura Gottschalk, vice president, U.S. Manufacturing and Ingredients, Dairy Management Inc.™ (DMI). Research from the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada) found drinking an isotonic beverage with as little as 10g of whey protein and 21g of carbohydrates following resistance exercise stimulates the repair and rebuilding of lean muscle necessary to support muscle recovery.
“In combination with resistance exercise, beverages fortified with whey protein can help adults build and maintain valuable muscle,” said Matthew Pikosky, Ph.D., R.D., director of research transfer for DMI. “In addition, whey protein is a natural, low-fat and convenient way for consumers to get needed protein in their diet.”
An important factor in whey protein’s ability to stimulate muscle protein synthesis is due to its amino acid composition. When compared with other protein sources, whey protein contains a higher amount (per 100g) of the essential amino acids that have been shown to be the most effective for muscle repair.
Targeting Young, Active Women
Young, active women are a po-tential target consumer group for functional beverages, as well as food manufacturers. Results from recent research commissioned by DMI found this group sees a direct link between consuming high-quality protein and achieving weight management goals.
Functional beverages fortified with whey protein can provide a nutritious option for this consumer. With published research available highlighting whey protein’s role in muscle recovery and repair, satiety (the feeling of fullness) and weight management, beverage formulators can capitalize on sales growth potential with this target group, if women are given a compelling reason to increase consumption of high-quality whey protein.
In a DMI survey
• Tone up problem areas and/or help you achieve muscle definition, not bulk.
• Get faster results from a workout.
• Build lean muscle to burn calories naturally.
• Lose weight, slim down or drop a size.
• Improve core strength.
Additionally, in relevant research commissioned by DMI, 45% of females in this target age group and slightly older (18-34 years old) like the fact that whey protein comes from milk.8 Whey protein works well in a variety of beverage applications women enjoy and find convenient, such as smoothies and isotonics.
Reaching Out to Baby Boomers
Today’s aging Baby Boomers are not aspiring to play shuffleboard and bingo. Studies show the 46- to 64-year-old age group wants to stay active well into its golden years,2 making them a perfect target consumer group for beverage products with nutritional benefits to help maintain an active lifestyle.
With age, many adults experience a loss of muscle mass, strength and function, a condition referred to as sarcopenia. This condition affects an estimated 30% of people over the age of 60, and 50% of those 80 years and older.
“The good news is that diet and lifestyle changes can help to prevent, reverse or slow the progression of sarcopenia,” Pikosky said. “The two primary elements to prevent this loss of muscle mass and strength hinge on adequate amounts of dietary protein and routine resistance exercise training.”
Research on this population has prompted some scientists and nutritionists to call for an increase in the protein recommendations for older adults, in order to help them preserve muscle and bone mass as they age.
Fortifying beverage and food products with adequate amounts of whey protein can provide this population with easy ways to boost their protein intake, as they work to stay active for years to come.pf
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