Plant-based protein trends meet sports nutrition instant shakes: Your questions, answered

It’s official; plant-based protein shakes have graduated from ‘emerging’ product to firmly established favourite for vegetarians, flexitarians, vegans and virtually everyone else. As the plant-based protein segment progresses to the rank of a multi-billion-dollar industry,

Grand View Research, Plant Based Protein Supplements Market Size, Share & Trends Report 2024-2030, https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/plant-based-protein-supplements-market



functional drink producers face fresh challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, novelty is no longer enough. Plant proteins are no longer the ‘new kids on the block’ and with mainstream recognition comes heightened consumer expectations regarding taste, texture, positioning and nutritional value. On the other however, with cutting-edge technology unlocking innovative sources of plant-based protein, brands can harness a wider array of quality ingredients than ever before.

Come with us as we answer the burning questions regarding this booming segment and explore how drink manufacturers can prepare their offering for a new wave of plant-based potential.

How do plant-based protein shakes address key consumer trends?

In 2023, 3 in 10 new protein powder product launches were of plant-based origin

Innova Market Insights, Functional Ingredients Product Launches Between 2019-2023



and close to half of global shoppers stated they already consume dairy alternative products.

FMCG Gurus, 2023, Opportunities for Protein Hybrids: Enhancing Nutrition & Appeal



Clearly the segment has that all-important consumer appeal, but where is this stemming from?

Firstly, plant-based options benefit from the same shopper-enticing factors that are uplifting the protein powder segment as a whole. The advent of the ‘everyday athlete’ has seen demand for sports recovery products expand as consumers look to fuel a healthier approach to long-term fitness. But plant-powered sports nutrition products also offer their own unique traits that set them apart from traditional protein options – not least the draw of greater diversity. Take reports from UK consumers for example, who state they prefer to meet their protein intake goals through a wide variety of sources – incorporating plant-based varieties like soy and pea alongside whey to find their perfect nutritional mix.

FMCG Gurus 202

On the subject of nutrition, perceived health benefits are another big factor underlying plant-based proteins’ popularity – read on to find out how accurate this view is.

Are plant-based protein shakes healthy?

The short answer to this question is – yes! Plant-based protein powders, particularly those derived from pulses like peas, are naturally rich in essential nutrients like fibre, vitamins, and minerals, as well as of course protein, making them a win for healthy formulations. Concerns have been raised in the past over whether plant-based products can compete with the ‘gold standard’ set by dairy in overall protein content and quality, but specialised ingredients are fast closing this gap. Take our PlantarisTM Protein Shake Pea Isolate for instance; derived from highly nutritious pulses, this solution packs 25g of protein and 2g of the branched chain amino acid leucine per 30g serving, making it ideal for drink applications focused on supporting muscle protein synthesis.

Oliver C Witard Sophie L Wardle, Lindsay S Macnaughton, Protein Considerations for Optimising Skeletal Muscle Mass in Healthy Young and Older Adults, Nutrients 2016, Mar 23;8(4):181.



Even better, when prepared according to our on-trend protein-shake recipe, this concept delivers all that sports recovery functionality in a delicious low-fat, low-sugar drink bound to resonate with today’s health-conscious consumers.

What are the challenges associated with formulating plant-based protein shakes?

Taste remains the biggest hurdle to wider plant-based drink acceptance.

https://www.statista.com/statistics/658619/global-plant-protein-market-value/



Depending on the specific source, products can develop beany, grassy or even metallic off-notes that require careful taste-masking to overcome. Added to this is the more general challenge associated with any high-protein product of avoiding an unpleasant chalky mouthfeel or dry aftertaste, which again calls for advanced formulation techniques. With a neutral flavour palate, creamy off-white appearance and specially processed texture, our innovative PlantarisTM range – featuring pea and faba protein isolates – help drink producers break down these barriers to plant-based innovation. Not only are these ingredients fast dissolving and easy to dose with their optimal powder flow properties, making them ideal for instant drink applications, but their mild, pleasant taste leaves the canvas bare for a world of vibrant flavour combinations.

Protein innovation – it’s in our DNA

So – consumer appeal, solid health benefits and formulation advantages, what’s not to love about plant-based protein shakes? At FrieslandCampina Ingredients, we know protein. Every day we help sports nutrition brands seize emerging opportunities through our high-quality dairy and plant-based proteins, working in harmony to deliver the products consumers want. Whether you’re searching for a cutting-edge plant-based pea or faba protein, or industry-leading whey solutions formulated for relaxation, recovery, gut and muscle health, we’re here to help you shake things up!

Want to learn more about PlantarisTM Pea Isolate? See all its benefits brought to life through our powerful protein shake concept sheet, ready to download here: https://www.frieslandcampinaingredients.com/application/plantaris-pea-protein-powder-shake/