Whey protein, a significant by-product of cheese production, was once dismissed as waste. However, with the growing consumer demand for protein-rich foods and beverages, food manufacturers have increasingly recognized the value of whey. According to a report from ResearchAndMarkets, the protein ingredients market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6% from 2017, potentially reaching $58.5 billion by 2022. While plant-based proteins are on the rise, animal-derived ingredients, particularly whey, continue to dominate the market due to their superior nutritional profile. Whey protein is unique in that it contains all nine essential amino acids, making it particularly beneficial for preserving muscle strength, supporting muscle function, and promoting the growth of lean muscle mass.
However, whey-based protein bars tend to harden quickly, which shortens their shelf life and decreases their appeal to consumers. For manufacturers, extending shelf life means the ability to store products longer before shipping, thus reducing waste. NASA has investigated methods to prevent the hardening of whey protein bars and found that combining whey protein with plant polyphenols shows promise.
Regarding the clean label aspects of whey protein, most manufacturers emphasize the importance of sourcing, with non-GMO and grass-fed being essential criteria. Arla Foods Ingredients ensures its whey protein is hormone-free and contains no traces of antibiotics or pesticides. The ability to keep a protein bar softer and chewier for a longer period could significantly impact companies that produce these snacks, leading to increased sales and less waste. If the hardening process can be slowed, fewer consumers may have negative experiences with the bars, thus encouraging repeat purchases.
In addition to protein bars, consumers seeking high-quality nutritional supplements often look for the best quality calcium citrate supplement to support their dietary needs. By ensuring that whey protein products maintain their texture and palatability, manufacturers can enhance consumer satisfaction and potentially increase their market share in the growing protein ingredients sector.