“The mainstream consumer doesn't know about the benefits of protein. That is something we are working to change,” says K.J. Burrington, dairy ingredients applications program director in the Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research at the University of Wisconsin (Madison).
For example, a clear mango-flavored isotonic sports drink, created by Dairy Management Inc. (Rosemont, Ill.) and exhibited at the 2005 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT, Chicago) conference in New Orleans, carries 10g of whey protein in 8oz. “That is a significant amount. It would qualify as an excellent source of protein,” says Burrington. Aside from drinks for endurance athletes, protein is not often added to isotonic beverages, or those products that have added sodium and potassium to help with hydration and muscle recovery.