Saturday 12 July 2014

HEALTH & WELLNESS: Protein Popularity Soars in Functional Foods

Protein Popularity Soars in Functional Foods
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Increasingly, consumers understand the connection between protein and health—especially the benefits of protein for weight management and sports nutrition—and are therefore seeking products to meet their nutrition and dietary needs.

In fact, the International Food Information Council Foundation’s (IFIC) 2014 Food & Health Survey reports half of consumers try to consume a certain amount of protein, or as much as possible.

Consumers understand protein is a critical component for good health. According to Datamonitor, London, the global market for protein ingredients—including those derived from animal and plant sources—was estimated to be worth nearly $23 billion in 2013, generated from the sale of 4.2 million metric tons of protein ingredients. By 2018, protein ingredient manufacturers are forecast to deliver more than 5.5 million metric tons, generating global sales of nearly $31 billion.

As protein demands continue to rise, so do protein ingredient options. However, all proteins are not alike, and consideration must go into protein quality and nutrition for successful product development.

Protein ingredients from animal sources include dairy proteins, such as whey, casein and milk protein concentrate, and eggs, particularly the whites. Plant protein ingredients include soy, pea, rice, canola, flaxseed, chia and wheat-based proteins.

Improvements in technology and ingredient innovation, along with increased interest in sustainability and rising costs of dairy proteins, have fueled the development and popularity of protein ingredients derived from plants. Currently, soy remains the dominant plant-derived protein source, although other plant proteins, such as pea protein, are gaining traction in the market. In fact, product launches containing pea protein in the United States have grown more than 200 percent since 2011, according to Mintel.

In sports nutrition, protein aids in muscle recovery and growth, supports healthy bones and joints, and aids immune function, among other benefits.

Dairy proteins, due to their complete protein profile and superior digestibility, are optimum choices for sports nutrition. Whey proteins are soluble in the stomach and empty quickly, leading to a rapid, high and transient spike of amino acids into the bloodstream, which is associated with a significant increase in postprandial muscle-protein synthesis. Casein, on the other hand, has been shown to digest more slowly than whey, delivering a slow, steady stream of amino acids into the bloodstream.

For those trying to lose weight—about 54 percent of Americans—protein is a powerful tool. It can increase satiety, improve body composition and has been linked to reduced calorie intake after consumption.

In fact, the IFIC survey shows 72 percent of Americans believe protein can help them feel full, and 63 percent believe a high-protein diet can help them lose weight. Further, a substantial 78 percent of consumers said foods and beverages that contain protein are part of a balanced diet.

For a closer look at protein—including protein ingredients and quality considerations, and their role in weight management and sports nutrition—download the free Digital Issue, Functional Foods and Beverages.

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