Americans are trying to add more protein to their diets. One way is with beverages. Selecting the appropriate sweetener for a protein beverage can be challenging.
Protein is hot. According to a recent survey by the U.S. Dairy Export Council, Arlington, Va., 54% of U.S. consumers say they are trying to get more protein in their diet. One way for consumers to boost the protein content of their diet is via protein drinks. Whether they are high-acid or low-acid, chocolate or vanilla, fruit-flavored or coffee-based, virtually all protein drinks contain a sweetener.
Americans want to cut back on sugar intake. Dairy product formulators can choose from an array of nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners, some of which contribute flavor, color and nutrients.
Nearly three-quarters of Americans say they are making a change regarding intake of carbohydrates, according to “2011 Food & Health Survey: Consumer Attitudes Toward Food Safety, Nutrition & Health” from the International Food Information Council, Washington, D.C. More than half say that they are trying to limit sugars.
Cost-saving ingredients help processors stay afloat during struggling economic times, while value-added ingredients, which increase production costs, create a point of differentiation in a competitive marketplace.